2. digital
  3. 181587-9095

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
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.

Post removed 
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

 

yoby
539 posts
 

@lalitk: I'm wondering about this one also.  

  

lalitk's avatar
lalitk OP
5,448 posts
 

@yoby 

Thanks for posting. The cable looks solid and definitely worth auditioning in short run applications. I’ve had few conversations with Rich at Network Acoustics about replicating his standard line of products in Pro version for end users who owns streamers that requires 1Gb/s Ethernet. In my experience the Pro Line or any other cable that conforms to CAT8.1 standards is a must in realizing full potential of streamers with 1GB/s ethernet requirement.

More to discover