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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
sns
3,389 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.

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,613 posts
 

"Audiophile switch with lps diminished sq in my setup"

It would be helpful to know which switch you have tried? The impact of above largely depends on what’s ahead in the chain. If you’re using a device that is not designed or optimized for audio application, you will not achieve desired results. It’s like putting a lipstick on a pig! You need to address noise filteration on both input and output data stream. Even then, you won’t eliminate 100% of the noise. General purpose laptops and Mac mini’s have no place in audio streaming if you’re remotely serious about streaming. I see folks goes to great lengths in eliminating noise on these type of devices and often come away disappointed.

wsrrsw's avatar
wsrrsw
1,078 posts
 
@ttippie

What kind of firewall might you advise, please?

Three thoughts.,..ok four.

1.) You know what you’re writing about as you live in that world. But please see #3. 

2.) Many here want the benefits from good or great wiring. This thinking extends into ethernet wiring as well. No plastic clips for me.

3.) Noise is the enemy. I’m certain that despite my skewed wanting to believe in my gear bias that the EtherREGEN made for better sound.

4.) Many here like getting and trying out different stuff. File this under who doesn’t like more horsepower.

antigrunge2
1,449 posts
 

@yyzsantabarbara,

not everybody likes the Lumin sound and operating system and the choice of fiber-only servers/dacs at the moment is still limited. Also, not all networks are fiber-optics and for those still coming off copper the optical converters and their PSUs open another can of worms. On short cable runs, the superiority of fibre is also more debatable, but in the long run the market will turn your way

 

 

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