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Top Audiophile Ethernet Cables - any comparisons?

I just set up my new streamer with which I stream music from my mac mini to my dac. I use a dedicated network switch which connects the streamer and mac mini directly without going through the rest of my LAN.
I exchanged a standard CAT 7 cable on one leg of the connection with Audioquest's Forest Ethernet cable. There was a small but clearly audible improvement. From the reviews on the Web I conclude that the top cable by Audioquest (Diamond) would give the biggest improvement of all Audioquest Ethernet cables. 

Now my question: Has anyone compared the Audioquest Diamond with any other top cable by another manufacturer, e.g. Purist Audio, Cardas, Chord, ...? I live in Switzerland and have no dealer who can give me several of those cables to try. Thus, before spending a lot of money, I'd like to hear any opinions.

Thanks a lot for any replies!

By the way, I use a network switch that was modified for audiophile purposes (AQVOX). The difference to an off-the-shelf switch is tremendous!
belcantor
belcantor OP
4 posts
 
@david_ten:
Thanks a lot - that is a very informative review.

In all reviews I have read so far the cable by Purist Audio Design came out quite high with a transparent and warm sound.
I will probably order this cable from my dealer and compare it with the SOtM dCBL-CAT6, which I have already ordered.
jinjuku's avatar
jinjuku
226 posts
 
I wish Douglas could have been present today as we test this out blinded. 

WGUTZ also has a pair of Sennheisers we can evaluate with. I've brought a 100 foot CAT6, unterminated CAT5 (approx 30 feet), my Emotiva DC-1, two computers, Cisco SG 200-08 L3 managed switch.
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
@belcantor 

Yes, Doug's review was a good read. I'm using a network switch > SotM iso CAT 6 SE >  the SotM dCBL CAT 7 > Sonore Signature Rendu SE (and previously the microRendu and then the ultraRendu). It is performing and has performed superbly with these components after it.

I'll have to get the Wireworld and Purist LAN cables in at some point to test those out. 

@lalitk  did a test with a few of his audio friends and I believe some preferred the Purist and he preferred the SotM. Perhaps he can post specifics since my recollection is secondhand and may not be correct.
jinjuku's avatar
jinjuku
226 posts
 
My day with William (wgutz) was great. Just to hand and talk audio, hear a nice tube setup. Hi system is accurate and images really well.

We did some subjective evaluation and that was fine. When it came to the unsighted evaluation William did no better than 60%. I didn't do any better blinded.
willemj
1,036 posts
 
Am I right that the executive summary of the event is that, apart from the enjoyment,  neither of you was able to reliably tell a difference?
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