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Ethernet Cables - what are you using and why?

Curious about what everyone is doing for their streaming systems in terms of Ethernet cables. I know some people who swear by expensive models, but anecdotally it seems that folks care a lot less about Ethernet than they do about interconnects, AC, or even USB cables. 

I'm a believer but at the moment run a relatively affordable model that I might be looking to upgrade. Let's hear your thoughts.

tubeguy80
garebear
1,154 posts
 

.....I just purchased the Shunyata Omega Ethernet cable to go between my Accuphase DC / DP 1000 combination. I did listen to a few, including the Cardas ethernet cable which for $300 was not bad but not in the same league as the Cardas and this is in no way to say anything negative about the Cardas cable. I will comment here on when the cable comes in and I get it broken in. I didn't have a chance to listen to the DH Labs ethernet cable but just a note that DH Labs ethernet cable came up in several conversations as being very good.   

mclinnguy's avatar
mclinnguy
492 posts
 

.... including the Cardas ethernet cable which for $300 was not bad but not in the same league as the Shunyata and this is in no way to say anything negative about the Cardas cable.

😉

garebear
1,154 posts
 

…..thank you catching that oversight and my error . 

garebear
1,154 posts
 

…..thank you catching that oversight and my error . 

tubeguy80 OP
86 posts
 

Thanks again for all the suggestions. I figured the best approach was to just start trying different cables. To that end I started with stuff I could get my hands on locally: a roughly $50 Pangea model, then a $350 Cardas Clear, then a $650 Audioquest Vodka, and finally an Audioquest Diamond (dealer demo for $1200, normally $1999).

Before this I had been using a Wireworld Starlight 8 which I think was around $320. It seems that in my system, each one of these cables makes a fairly obvious contribution to the overall sound. Roughly on the same level as changing analog interconnects or AC cables. I can’t say that will always apply to every setup but for me the impact is clear enough.

It doesn’t end up correlating to cost either. I think the Vodka works best, then the Cardas, then maybe the expensive Diamond. Despite being outclassed, the Pangea is an enjoyable cable that I might choose over the Wireworld depending on my mood.

My journey is not finished, I plan to order some other options that I can’t find locally. So far I’m interested in models from Fidata, Curious Cables, Pink Faun, and maybe a JCAT. Will come back and update my thoughts when I can.

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