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SOtM dCBL-CAT8M - Is this the new reference in LAN cables?

I just came across an official announcement on SOtM’s highest grade Ethernet cable ~ dCBL-CAT8M. Interestingly, the new LAN cables sports not one but two filter blocks on each end of the cable.

The premise of trying this cable in a fully tricked out SOtM system with their sNH-10G network switch is quite tempting. It will be interesting to hear how a complete SOtM system compares to my current reference, Telegartner M12 Gold Switch with JCAT Signature GOLD M12 LAN cable and Optimo 3 Duo LPS.

There is no official review yet so I am hoping to hear from anyone currently using this cable and said improvements over dCBL-CAT7 in your digital streaming system. Where exactly did you find most improvement, before or after the Ethernet switch?

Opinions are welcome from those who believe in the importance of Network Optimization, thank you!

Happy Holidays 🎄

128x128lalitk
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lalitk's avatar
lalitk OP
5,448 posts
 

@lordmelton

I do not have any direct experience with Fiber Box II so I cannot say that adding a switch would or wouldn’t yield further improvements. It appears on paper that Fiber Box II is addressing and reducing the noise and jitter. Whether adding a switch further improves sound or not, this is something you would have to try in your system.

I have already stated my reasoning to audition SOtM switch, the 10MHz clock input and their newest CAT8M LAN cable with double filter block. Trying a fibre with SOtM switch has a slight advantage as it eliminates the need for one external converter box and LPS on receiving end. Again, i will be comparing copper LAN with Fiber to access which sound better to my ears.

As far as Taiko new products which include switch, router and re-designed network card; they are specifically designed to enhance performance of Taiko Extreme. And their availability (for now) is exclusive to Taiko Extreme existing and future owners. As per Emile, non-Taiko users will not get the full benefit, which includes a software / firmware interaction. If you would like to learn more about Taiko switch or router, I suggest you to check out Taiko Extreme thread on WBF.

lordmelton's avatar
lordmelton
877 posts
 

@lalitk Thanks so much for your detailed explanation, I look forward to hearing your review of the SOtM switch, cables, clock etc.

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lollipopguild's avatar
lollipopguild
132 posts
 

Slightly off-topic, but I’m pretty happy with my DCBL-CAT7u between my EtherRegen and Zenith Mk3. I have a Wireworld Starlight between my Netgear router and ER.

It certainly bests:

  • swapping the Sotm and the Wireworld => Sotm most likely the better of the two cables, assuming the cable after the ER is more important.  It does seem to me, however, that the cable before the ER has some degree of impact.  The Wireworld is clearly better there than the Supra Cat8 I have.
  • an SOtM ISOCAT7 between the ER and the DCBL-CAT7u => I’m assuming the ER and ISOCAT7 play similar roles, and that the ER does it far better. ISOCAT has been moved on, and tbh I don’t think it’s any good

 

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