I agree with you, a device like iSO-CAT7 is unnecessary in a setup where there is already a high quality switch or filter being used. I didn’t hear any appreciable difference in sound quality when I used iSO-CAT6 filter with dCBL-CAT7 cable. In any case, each system is different so the effects of switches, filters may vary greatly.
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 🎄
- ...
- 48 posts total
@lalitk . I accept that it's a case of digital horses for digital courses. However, even before the ER was added I felt the ISOCAT wasn't doing much. Interestingly, I asked SOtM's May Park what the component sequence should be if I additionally bought the SOtM switch with all the trimmings, and she said the ISOCAT should go after the switch, and before the dCBL-CAT7u cable. |
Timely posting as I just hooked up an iso-cat7 this morning between my router and streamer. I picked the filter up used and it came with a 30cm cable intended to be used on the streamer side. I don’t know which “flavor” SOtM Ethernet cable it is. It may have been the Xmas edition? Im going out from my modem into an inexpensive 2’ Linkup Ethernet cable from Amazon (I believe @lalitk posted this cable at some point) into my router , then another 2’ Linkup cable >> Iso-Cat7 filter >> SOtM 30cm cable >> Ifi Zen Stream. so… not a lot of time with it yet, but so far I’m having positive results and noticeable improvement in terms of separation and detail. |
Thanks for your post. Glad to hear you’re enjoying the improvements with iSO-CAT7. Looks like the filter has lowered the noise floor thus allowing you to hear better detail and separation between instruments and vocals. The LINKUP cable is incredibly open, detailed and balanced LAN I’ve heard, for the money; it is a steal! |
- 48 posts total