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
the only cable that can really affect SQ (rather than individual preferences like cable swaps on some speakers) is the DC cable from a power supply to a DAC

and even that can be problematical
Ignorance must eiher be bliss or it gives one a self-knowing propostorous nature that ultimately turns into a mean streak
Testing/comparisons ongoing... Some superb results with a variety of configurations and gear. This is one of the best areas of exploration I have spent time on for a number of years. It reminds me of when  before reviewing I acquired three sets of cables and swapped them out in systems. That was highly instructive as to the efficacy of cables. It changed the trajectory of my experiences as an audiophile.  

This is similar, a simple but tedious process which is leading to firm conclusions on Ethernet cables and their role in systems. 
@douglas_schroeder 

Wonder if your review is ready as yet? Very interested for sure.