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Ethernet Cables, do they make a difference?

I stream music via TIDAL and the only cable in my system that is not an "Audiophile" cable is the one going from my Gateway to my PC, it is a CAT6 cable. Question is, do "Audiophile" Ethernet cables make any difference/ improvement in sound quality?

Any and all feedback is most appreciated, especially if you noted improvements in your streaming audio SQ with a High-End Ethernet cable.

Thanks!
grm
grm
jinjuku's avatar
jinjuku
226 posts
 
Once again it looks like we’re faced with the likelihood that there is no such thing as a scientifically valid listening test. There are too many variables in the case of long term listening to be able to definitively conclude anything about the device under test. If someone can’t hear it in a short term test there’s no guarantee he can hear it in a long term test.

Interesting so all the people that are saying they hear differences in data cabling aren't hearing anything. 

michaelgreenaudio's avatar
michaelgreenaudio
1,019 posts
 

I'm not sure about other readers or members but when I pop in on an HEA forum and see 420 responses on a topic like this (where the answer is fairly obvious) in only a weeks period of time, why does my mind see a bunch of senior citizens with their shirts off in a Walmart parking lot ready for a rumble?

Are you guys really this bored?

back to the OP

"Question is, do "Audiophile" Ethernet cables make any difference/ improvement in sound quality?"

Of course there's a difference anytime you make any physical change to an audio chain. The whole reason why we called it a chain is because the pathway of signal passing conduits are connected.

This doesn't answer better or worst, or, practical or not. It also doesn't address how good a person's measurement testing or hearing is. It's just a fairly simple "Q" that deserved an "A".

Now while you guys are in the parking lot getting it on, don't expect me and the "Get Tuned Girls" to stop by handing out suntan lotion.

have a great Saturday

Michael Green

www.michaelgreenaudio.net

grm OP
149 posts
 
Hello to all.

To sum it up, what I have learned is my system may have a problem, because performing a listening test (see my previous post), my friend and I both noticed a "difference in SQ for the better" when using a CAT7 compared to a CAT5e. My non-audiophile friend described it best as saying the CAT7 was "smoother sounding". I'll just leave it at that.

Can all of us please end this subject on this last note.

I thank all of you for your interest in this subject and I think we have gone full circle at this time.

Cheers!


geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
jinjuku

geoffkait “Once again it looks like we’re faced with the likelihood that there is no such thing as a scientifically valid listening test. There are too many variables in the case of long term listening to be able to definitively conclude anything about the device under test. If someone can’t hear it in a short term test there’s no guarantee he can hear it in a long term test.”

Interesting so all the people that are saying they hear differences in data cabling aren’t hearing anything.

>>>>I’m not saying that at all. Please don’t shove words down my throat. Think back. I’m saying negative results are not meaningful for the rather obvious reason that there are too many things that can go wrong with the test, even one that is presumably well thought out. Mistakes happen. Positive results, on the other hand, are positive IN SPITE OF ALL THE REASONS WHY THE TEST MIGHT HAVE FAILED. Follow?

jinjuku's avatar
jinjuku
226 posts
 
Michael do you even understand how async, Ethernet based audio works?

When I start playing a song, pull the Ethernet cable, and the song plays on for the duration, like it does with Tidal, what effect is the cable having?

My offer even extends to you at your shop. 
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