Suggest checking out Blue Jeans cable. They gave 3 different types they sell, 5e, 6 and 6a, and will make any length and color you want. They also test each cable and include the test sheet with your order. I’ve ordered several cat 6a, which is the highest speed rated one they have available. Reasonably priced and only $5 shipping. They also have articles on their web site that get into the facts around the different types of cable. Excellent customer service too. Based in Seattle.
Ethernet
I am adding a HiFi Rose RS 130 to my set up and need to split my ethernet cable run... Here is my question: I have about a 20' run into the splitter , then 2 x 3' runs to the RS130 and a BluSound Vault. I have been using a $20 ethernet Cat 5 cable on the BluSound Vault alone. I am seeing (typical) ethernet runs for $7,000 to $1.50. Where do I go here? Primary goal is to make sure all 3 runs are identical and really NOT thinking of spending a ton here. Thoughts? Cat 5...6...7...?
Help !!
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@audioman58 said:
But the chassis of equipment the shielded ethernet cable plugs into may be. I’ve read posts where a shielded ethernet cable caused a ground loop hum. (Had nothing to do the 4 twisted pairs of the cable.) My understanding the shield is connected at both ends of the cable to the ground metal shell of the RJ45 male connectors. Example of a shielded Cat6a RJ45 plug If the equipment manufacturer didn’t install a RJ45 jack that is a grounding type, bonded to chassis, then a path to chassis ground is not provided. FWIW a shield, Faraday cage, does not need to be grounded to work.YMMV . |
I tried a blue jeans cable to compare it to my $1000 cable and I sent the blue jeans back once it got broken in (100 hours). I’m sure it would be a step up to cheap/free cables but lifeless/dull sounding compared to better cables. When you get an Ethernet cable, it’s not the speed that you need, it’s the better terminations that the better cables give you. Audio throughput is small, remember a cd player spins at an avg 300 rpm with small data output. A cat5e cable would be fine even up to dsd. I have a top of the line audioquest Ethernet cable |
As said get a blue Jeans cat6 cable. They are certified, that is really all you care about. A lot of cheap cables are not terminated properly. I used to make my own cables, still have the stock and tools. It takes a lot of practice to get all the little wires correct. If you are going to order a cable, get one from a computer store, get a name brand, like Belkin, or something. They will not be "cheap" but also not expensive. A 6ft cat6 cable should be around $20. |
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