Ethernet and USB cables

I systematically evaluated USB cables for my ~$7K former headphone system and ultimately settled on some $500 USB. This was cost effective use of the funds for what I could hear. 

My dealer / friend that I trust completely said the biggest difference he has ever heard in an interconnect was an Ethernet cable.

So yes… I would imagine 5% would be a starting place, then try a couple less and more.

I just went from a cat 5 cable to a cat 6 to a cat 8 over a two week period, 15% faster speeds on average both directions and STOPPED a slight buffering issue I was having when traffic was high.. OR the SUN was having a fit.. :-)

It would produce sibilance, it drove me NUTS..

Then I really listen after 3 weeks of breaking in and settling..
A 14.00 cable, I kid you not.. 14.00 dollar cat 8 from Amazon, it's a ribbon (flat), vs my 220.00 dollar Cat 6 humpty dumpty cable.. Teflon this and silver that... 14.00 dollar cable from Amazon tore it UP. Hocus Pocus, Bofus? It was magic. The 1 and 0s are in perfect order...

I'm gonna do the whole house in Cat 8, ribbon. I'm impressed.

I got a brand new laptop just for the new setup we'll see. 17.3 flip back with a hot rod sound card, faster CPUs and Dual SSDs RAID for speed ONLY.. Music ONLY, Speed Only, speed only, speed,     only.  puff! :-)
Machines on drugs.. LOL

Now for a new DAC

http://www.thebestamp.com/DA_Converters_USB-DACs/DA-512DSD-2.php

I'm DONE.. LOL, Time for a SA meeting. Stereo's Anonymous

Maybe a 

http://www.thebestamp.com/Tube_Buffers/TEQ-100.php

For the RtR, I promise I'll quit, just this one last time.. :-) The flame get hotter.  

BUT BUT It's a retirement present from, from, from, Someone!!!!

I'm glad God, the rabbit and the dog loves me, because the wife sure isn't.. LOL

Regards

I’m not a cable guy, but I do try to go a few steps up the ladder from standard computer peripherals.  I think most of the improvements in cables come from those first few steps and then you are into diminishing returns.  Personally I don’t hear a difference in Ethernet from CAT 5 to CAT 7, but I do hear a slight improvement with usb cables.  I like the Pangea line from Audio Advisor 

With CAT8 each conductor is individually shielded. Lower noise, protection from RFI/EMI.