Ethernet connection for best sound quality

@tvrgeek 

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0660/6121/files/UpTone-J.Swenson_EtherREGEN_white_paper.pdf?v=1583429386

For the umpteenth time: Bits are bits but all audio is analogue!

Do we have any CEE’s out there? The shielded cat 5e, 6 or 7 cables makes perfect sense. Installing high quality connections is also a no brainer. However, reading this thread brings up a few interesting questions. What internal components and design concepts are being utilized in high end streamers, like those previously mentioned? Since I own a Lumin U2 mini, I will pick on it. Has anyone with a CEE degree analyzed its design, construction, and components? Other than sound quality, which is extremely important, this is where the rubber meets the road. What do you see under the hood? Is it a Ferrari or a Chevy? The same question would apply to any other high quality streamer on the market. 

Actually, "digital" is a mathematical concept. There is no such thing as digital in the physical world. 

But in the  transport area, bits are bits.  What you do with those bits is where the differences in sound come from. I might suggest a review of the IP stack and some basic systems understanding would enlighten some readers here. I only have over 40 years CS experience so what do I know?  :)

Above CAT-5 is ridiculous for audio.  You are not building a 10G system. CAT-3 is fine but having the pairs with consistent twists and bonded as in CAT-5 is good practice. Most consumer grade Ethernet hardware does not even have provision for the shield ground.  Look at the socket. If it is not plated, then shielding is useless. 

tvtgeek, you are definitely on to something most people don’t realize. Case in point, none of my jacks are plated for a grounded cable. I use plenum rated cat 5e cable and high quality jacks throughout my network. I have talked to a number of CEE’s regarding network switches etc. Some of these guys work on the software, hardware, and network side of the business. When I questioned the network person, he didn’t see any benefit in a “audio network switch.” He knew exactly what I was talking about. This person recommended using an unmanaged Cisco or Netgear switch. In other words, a high quality and reliable switch. In his technical analysis, a $500+ audio switch would really serve no purpose on the network side. Your system is a different story and what matters the most - DAC, preamp and amplifier. Of course, streamers prompted this thread. 

Here we go.  Another merry go round of discussion between the people who have hifi systems, have experimented and tried various configurations and are willing to share their experiences vs the people with little to no hifi experience but in their close mindedness, I have the answers attitude proclaim that audio enthusiasts are delusional.  It’s the “Emperors New Clothes” scenario, they claim and they are the clever little boy calling out the truth.

Yes, we often come across boxes or gadgets or tweaks that turn out to be not so good.  Not everything is a home run in audio.  The hobby requires an open mind and a willingness to try things that we think shouldn’t work but does and conversely some things that should work but don’t.

My favorite tweak of all times is using a bulk magnetic tape eraser on my CDs.  It was a heated topic in the early 1990’s.  CDs are digital and use a laser.  Bits are bits and light is not affected by magnetic fields and so on.  So I had to try it for myself.  Bought a bulk tape eraser at Radio Shack for $19, kept the receipt so I could return it.  I demagnetized a CD with it and amazingly the CD sounded better.  Not a subtle change either.  People still debate how it works or why it shouldn’t work.  At any rate I still use my bulk tape eraser.  And yes, I laugh when I see these $300 CD clarifiers on the market that merely do that same thing as my $19 device.  As always, Caveat Emptor.