2. cables
  3. 128927-305

Most Important, Unloved Cable...

Ethernet. I used to say the power cord was the most unloved, but important cable. Now, I update that assessment to the Ethernet cable. Review work forthcoming. 

I can't wait to invite my newer friend who is an engineer who was involved with the construction of Fermilab, the National Accelerator Lab, to hear this! Previously he was an overt mocker; no longer. He decided to try comparing cables and had his mind changed. That's not uncommon, as many of you former skeptics know. :)

I had my biggest doubts about the Ethernet cable. But, I was wrong - SO wrong! I'm so happy I made the decision years ago that I would try things rather than simply flip a coin mentally and decide without experience. It has made all the difference in quality of systems and my enjoyment of them. Reminder; I settled the matter of efficacy of cables years before becoming a reviewer and with my own money, so my enthusiasm for them does not spring from reviewing. Reviewing has allowed me to more fully explore their potential.  

I find fascinating the cognitive dissonance that exists between the skeptical mind in regard to cables and the real world results which can be obtained with them. I'm still shaking my head at this result... profoundly unexpected results way beyond expectation. Anyone who would need an ABX for this should exit the hobby and take up gun shooting, because your hearing would be for crap.  
douglas_schroeder
douglas_schroeder OP
3,281 posts
 

At this time one of the favorites is WireWorld Starlight CAT8. That may not end up the overall favorite when I am finished with the survey. That's all I will give up until the survey is published.

I see Supra Cat8 sold in bulk. Is that the cable? Or, is there another model which is Cat8 and superior? 

 

shadorne's avatar
shadorne
7,491 posts
 
Bill,

I think the point is that we can hear differences. Fortunately I have a setup that does not emphasize minute differences in wires or the digital source or power cord or whatever extraneous. All the focus, accuracy and precision is on the source music.

Having the right equipment is the major battle. Band-aids will always be band-aids.
t_ramey
651 posts
 
Doug-

This is where I've gotten my Supra Cat 8 cables. They do come in different lengths from the same seller.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Supra-CAT-8-STP-patch-cable-1-meter-Made-In-Sweden-THE-BEST-FOR-NETWORK-AUDI...
limniscate
241 posts
 
+1 on the Curious USB

I wasn't a believer on digital cables until I heard it.
douglas_schroeder OP
3,281 posts
 

shadorne, if audio gear did as you describe I would consider it junk and tell others to avoid those manufacturers. :(

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