Ethernet Cables -- where do they matter most?

@douglas_schroeder 

thx.

ok... so next question.... if I am connecting laptop to av7704 for streaming purposes... do you suggest USB, HDMI, or SPDIF ( I think my laptop may have this )??.... 

I will check out the supra cables... not real expensive but not the cheapest of the bunch and others seem to have good results... OR if you can make a recommendation based on some of my equipment - I am open to suggestions....

marantz av7704
monolith monoprice 7ch amp
b&w 9NT series across the board

thx... 

+3 or 4, douglas shroeder

I almost invariably try all potential setups, and there are often surprises. Results are not absolute,  as new cables bring new potential and possible better alternatives. 

@douglas_schroeder 

Just didn't know if there was a general consensus on which 'tech' is considered a 'preferred' method of sending music from point a to b... etc.

Everything is important, but some things are more important than others.

In my experience, most important are speakers, speaker positioning, listener positioning, and room acoustics. Next is the electronic gear (sources and amplifiers). Far behind are analog signal cables, which tend to sound a little different from one another, but what sounds better on one recording may be worse on another.

Far behind even those in importance are digital signal cables (including Ethernet cables), cable risers, crystals, gongs, CD polish, and so on. Power conditioning makes a big difference to some users but never has when I’ve tried it. Maybe I have good power in my area. I do have a dedicated line into the audio room.

Take a look at Jim Smith’s book, "Get Better Sound," available from his web site, for another view of all this.

So, there you have one (pretty experienced) audiophile’s opinion. I hope it provides a useful perspective.