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Questions about Ethernet Cabling

PLEASE READ: This is not a thread about the merits or demerits of audiophile-grade ethernet cables, or any cable for that matter. If you don’t believe in spending extra on expensive cables, I respect your opinion but please don’t turn this into a point of contention.

So before I ask my questions, let me describe how internet connectivity is setup in my house:

- [Home office/study] The modem (AT&T), router (Google Nest/Mesh), and switch ($25 TP-link basic switch) are located in the home office/study. I also have a second system in this room as well as other stuff connected through the switch. In other words, I can’t move the switch to another room.

- [Media room] The main audio system is located in the media room which is in the diagonally opposite side of the house (single story). This room has the ENO ethernet filter connected to the Innuous Zenith MK3 streamer, and so on.

[Long ethernet cable] A very long run of ethernet cable (CAT 6/over 100 foot) runs from the [Home office/study] router and terminates into the [Media room] ethernet jack/wall plate. This was done by the builder and it runs through the attic.

- [Media room] From the [Media room] ethernet wall plate, I then use another 6 foot ethernet cable (also CAT 6) that goes into an ENO filter and then on to the Innuos Zenith MK3 streamer.

 

So here are my questions:

1. Is it worth upgrading only the so-called last-mile ethernet cable, i.e. the one between the [Media room] ethernet wall plate and Eno filter while I continue using the long CAT 6 cable [Study >> Media room]? It is going to be difficult, if not impossible, to replace the long-run CAT 6 cable as it goes through the attic where several spots are not reachable without tearing down some sheetrock.

2. Is it worth adding a second audiophile-grade switch (e.g. uptone) in the media room while leaving the one in the study as is? Or is it better to upgrade the switch in the study first and place the cheaper switch in the media room? Or do I need to replace both switches (not prefered as it adds to the cost)?

 

128x128arafiq
cakyol's avatar
cakyol
940 posts
 

@arafiq

Use a netgear GS305 self learning bridge:

I have about 4 of these in my house daisy-chained and they work perfectly. Use at least a cat6 cable and you will be fine.

 

antigrunge2
1,449 posts
 

@arafiq

pls see my previous post re: InnuOS Phoenix USB. The utility is very much dependent on your DAC’s clocking accuracy and USB implementation. USB is a compromised transmission format; increasingly people consider going all fibre to the streamer and on to the DAC. Since we however live in the here and now I’d try and improve the USB connection first by inserting galvanic isolation. I use the Intona Isolator with Intona reference short (!) cables for that purpose. It’ll not get you what the Phoenix can do but will be a lower cost option. The expensive bit in the Phoenix is the clock; I am somewhat disenchanted with Innuos for trying to sell us the same thing twice rather than offer separate clock entries in one unit (Phoenix USB and Phoenix Ethernet) since clocking is important in both links.

tThe reason I am unconvinced about the Phoenix USB is mainly that in asynchronous USB the DAC slaves the server to its clock; so by getting better clocking on the Dac rather than inserting another box you actually kill two birds with one stone: not only do you improve USB clocking but you also, and in my mind even more importantly improve clocking of the D to A conversion with very beneficial effects on attack, reverb and soundstage.

All told, rather than spend too much money on USB consider whether going all fibre is a future solution and if you decide to stay with USB focus on isolation as well as the Dac’s clock.

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,613 posts
 

"USB is a compromised transmission format"

@antigrunge2

Great post! I mentioned this to @arafiq yesterday to steer clear from USB reclocker type of devices. Before you know it, you end up cluttering your space with multiple boxes for a minimal gain. I been there, done that. The Ethernet based DAC/Streamer or server is the way of future and it is already here. I realize these devices like Lumin, Bricasti and Merging Technologies are not inexpensive but by the time you add the cost of individual boxes like DAC, Streamer, external Re-clockers, USB and Power cables, switches, filters, LPS...you are right up there as far as cost not to mention redundant features you end up not utilizing.

Personally, I don’t like to clutter my space so I went with a Ethernet based DAC/Streamer and couldn’t be any happier.

sns
3,388 posts
 

Audiophile switch with lps diminished sq in my setup, as usual YMMV. 

 

My issue with streamer/dac combo is limited choices, I understand the advantages. As usual costs and benefits with every choice.

 

At this point in time I percieve steaming solutions as consumables, tech in it's infancy, many innovations to come. I don't want to invest silly money in soon to be obsolete equipment. I suspect full chain of fiber capable equipment is on way, many more choices in near future. Now, if only we could get internet providers on board.

grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,525 posts
 

I owned the Innuos Phoenix reclocker and found it did not improve sound quality when paired with my Mojo Audio Evo dac. It changed the sound a tad, but not any better. The Ideon Master Time reclocker was better, but not as impactful as the ENO stuff in my system.

I was also told an LPS was not needed for the EE Switch 8 and that the switching wall wart supply was as good or better. My listening tests proved otherwise in my system. Again,  no absolutes in this space and each of us will have to try for ourselves. I think the quality level of the LPS used is at play here.

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