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High End Ethernet Cables ....Real Deal or Snake Oil

Digital streaming and network-based storage systems are now mainstream. I have notice more and more cable companies are coming out with 'fancy' Ethernet cables ranging from $25-$2500. 

Purist Audio, Cardas, Chord, Wireworld and Stealth Audio to name a few.  I am assuming, AudioQuest is probably the first manufacturer to recognized the potential for a fancy Ethernet cable and started this trend (sorry no offense to anyone). 

Let's for a moment assume that there is a audible difference in sound quality when streaming music files from a NAS or intranet to a server. Ethernet is an error corrected transmission protocol, it is going to be bit perfect. Are these fancy cables banking on the same principles of other digital (SPDIF/XLR) cables ~ a well made cable reduces the margin of errors resulting in less requests for re-sends, and if there are less errors and subsequent re-sends, perhaps this higher performance results in less noise, fewer dropouts at the receiving end, and subsequently better sound quality?

I do not know a lot about networking so I chose an easier path to stream music in my rig. My setup involves a music server, DAC and Apple Extreme base. 

I am wondering how many of you using a high end Ethernet cable vs. a generic Ethernet cable. 

Is there a test data or device that tells us how many errors and re-sends happen in Ethernet data transmissions to justify the use of uber 'pricey' ethernet cables? 

Thank you all for your feedback! 
128x128lalitk
czarivey
5,939 posts
 
It depends what people like to wear.
Fancy network cables are similar or just about same as fancy shoes, jeans, dress, jewelry. It serves purpose to look nice and carry the brand. The trivial t-shirt with ARMANI or PRADA letters will worth 20 times more than plain one, but purpose will remain same.

bigshutterbug
381 posts
 
Most audiophiles I know have heard differences, but will refuse to respond to posts like this, because they are tired of having to "defend" themselves from the naysayers out there. They don't want to get into a dreaded, drawn out argument of their ability to hear a difference. The same goes for other forms of digital cables. Naysayers will try to defend their position of "bits is bits" from a technical standpoint only. Most of them refuse to actually take the time, cost and effort to try different cables in their system. If you can consistently hear a difference, then there is a difference. If you like the difference/improvement enough that the cost justifies it, buy the cable. Most of the better dealers today offer a refund policy or 30 day trial without restocking fees. Be your own judge and take the time to experiment, without letting the naysayers convince you first. Start with the reasonably priced cables, and if you like what you hear, keep on experimenting!
randy-11
1,913 posts
 
Most audiophiles don't know anything about electronics or science in general and are willing victims of snake oil salesmen.

I agree with : "Be your own judge and take the time to experiment, without letting the [yay- or] nay-sayers convince you first. Start with the reasonably priced cables, and if you like what you hear, keep on experimenting!" as long as you do blind testing.

You would need to do a double-blind listening test to determine if you are hearing a difference and not just falling under the spell of confirmation bias.  That is why such rigorous testing is required when it counts -- for new medicines.

There is an extnsive discussion of ethernet cables on http://www.computeraudiophile.com/

Many of the posters are electronics engineers.  Bottom-line: assure there is galvanic isolation and use good name-brand cabling, then worry about more important things like speakers and room treatments.
randy-11
1,913 posts
 
oh BTW - the re-send idea is a good one, but if adequate buffers are provided, it will cause no problems
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