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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
nmolnar
42 posts
 

 

Nice system!

I need to clarify as I may have caused confusion on this point. I meant that from the main mesh router and/or it's switch connect the mesh satellites using a star wiring topology configuration so that each satellite mesh router is connected or backhauled via hard wired vs. wirelessly.to the main mesh router. A significant and measurable uptick in bandwidth will occur as well as stability improvements. I did not mean to daisy-chain each mesh router together. Note this configuration may need to be updated via the router's admin page although some mesh systems may auto sense and use hardwired Ethernet when connecting to their satellites vs. wirelessly.

For more detailed info on Ethernet backhaul connections, see:

What Is Wired Ethernet Backhaul And Why Is It Better? – Family Electronics

 

timo62
281 posts
 

@arafiq ,  I would imagine the Innuos PhoenixNet switch along with the Innuos Phoenix reclocker would go well with your Zenith. I agree that it would be pricey and there are probably less expensive ways to improve streaming SQ.

Seems like for now, you just need to obtain an Ethernet Switch that you would be happy with and you might be very happy.

I agree that there is not much information from personal owners of the Innuos PhoenixNet switch comparing it to other switches.

 

 

jl1ny's avatar
jl1ny
419 posts
 

FWIW: I had to investigate this ethernet switch business for myself so I picked up 2 gigabit switches on Amazon, $14- 8 TP-Link TL-SG125, $176- Cisco cbs110-24T. My router is a TP AC1900 which has it’s own gigabit ports. Ethernet cable is Supra CAT8. Modem/router/switches all plug into a Monster HTS1600….end result after 2 days of listening. Absolutely nothing. Zero difference to my ears. Note: I don’t have a LPS on hand for the TP-Link and the Cisco has a built in PS so I can’t say if that makes or breaks this test. Nevertheless, everything goes back tomorrow…thanks to Prime this experiment cost me nothing and saved me what would have been well over a grand had I jumped into the audiophile ethernet switch rabbit hole.

sns
3,305 posts
 

@jl1ny Some will tell you those two switches not audiophile quality, therefore, your results not valid in regard to  true audiophile switch.

 

In my case, I was told my audiophile switch inferior, I need to move to $3k switch. So, what switch is objectively best? And will that switch always result in better sq in every system. Until those questions can be answered, I'll assume any particular audiophile switch may or may not be of benefit in my unique streaming setup, or anyone's for that matter.

jl1ny's avatar
jl1ny
419 posts
 

@sns Ahh, yes audiophile quality…the thought did cross my mind but no such luck finding one on Amazon Prime. Just for fun if I can find one with a home trial/full refund I’d give it a go. Looking forward, I’m really interested to see what Elon Musk’s StarLink will bring to the table.

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