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Ethernet opinions

Hello everyone, I finally got my system setup. I had a few setbacks the past few months. My mom had lung cancer and passed away a month ago. It has been a journey getting my system set up which is part of the fun. I am running Pass Labs XP-12, pass 250.8, and Bricasti M3. My original plan was to run the Bricasti with a EERO mesh network since the modem is on the opposite end of the listening space. Needless to say the EERO mesh would not work and Roon could not see my M3. I was on the phone with Bricasti trouble shooting the issue. I removed my M3 from the system and double checked everything with it hard wired to the modem which worked. I was told I could really use any Ethernet for the most part as long as it’s cat 5 or 6. Well, I returned the EERO and got a 25 foot Ethernet cable from Best Buy for 10 dollars. The sound is much better then I was guessing running a 10 dollar cable, for me it’s deff a temp fix. Especially since I bought two audio quest vodka cables. I am using one of them now connecting the room nucleus to the modem at the moment. I have read a bit about blue Jean cables which seem to hold spec. I don’t see me buying a longer Audio quest vodka cable given the cost. In some ways I feel like I spent more then I should have on the Vodka cables at this point. Opinions please ?

 

shtr74sims
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,055 posts
 

I’m sorry for your loss, loosing loved ones are never easy.

Try this cable from your modem to your M3. You’re very likely to hear audible improvements over generic 25FT cable. The 22AWG version is bit stiffer so no sharp bends. The 26AWG version is more flexible. I am using 22AWG version and I’m extremely happy with the sound.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B089N94XXV/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_8?smid=A1EA54VWB150Z7&th=1

I thought about fiber option (due to long distance) but at this cost, the LINKUP is a no brainer. I am using a 50FT run from my modem to a switch next to my setup.

williewonka
3,067 posts
 

@shtr74sims - +1 for the @lalitk post - CAT8 cables are the best available out there right now.

Cat8 is a better overall cable geometry which results in higher throughput capabilities with fewer errors

One other thing to try -

  • put an Ethernet switch as close as possible to the streaming device, with a really short cat8 cables from the switch to the streamer
  • And if you want to go the extra mile,
    • get a battery pack for the switch,
    • or at lease a good 5V power supply

I’ve been told it improves the sound quality

Hope that helps - Steve

carlsbad2's avatar
carlsbad2
1,359 posts
 

For digital cables I like silver plated copper.  It doesn't have to be expensive.  Audioquest starts silver plating cables with their inespensive forest line which is quite affordable for longer runs.

Going from wireless to wired is a blessing rather than a curse.  Huge upgrade in SQ.

Jerry

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,170 posts
 

@shtr74sims sorry for your loss.

As far as EERO with M3 and roon, I have zero issues. It’s been working fine for me. As far as ethernet options, you can run the above recommended ethernet cable, then insert an audiophile switch before the M3 (try it with return policy) with a higher end short 1M ethernet cable between switch and Bricasti. Just a thought. 

nevada_matt
155 posts
 

Just ordered an optical link setup, cat in, optical out, run 25 feet, optical in, shielded short patch cable, then to streamer.

The theory sounds reasonable. The analog noise will be removed and interference on the long run minimized so the end point signal should be “cleaner” than a long copper cable.

Was right at $100 to try it out, so, not a big investment to see if there is an audible difference.

Newegg, pair of mediaconverters $49

Optical cable: $32

Short shielded cat6, 99.9% ofc, gold plated:$7

plus tax etc…

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