Do I still need a DDC in between?

@mattw73 I was using a Ugreen before the LanShack. Hopefully you will perceive the improvement I did.

This time, I’m not sure if I hear a discernible difference. In any case, both are better than the unshielded Cat 5e. The cable is beefy and well-constructed—just a bit stiff due to the solid conductors.  Nevertheless, I will possibly ’downgrade’ to Cat 6A, which uses a maximum bandwidth frequency of 500 MHz, instead of 2000 MHz on cat 8, as the latter is more prone to EMI/RFI if not properly grounded on one end. LanShack offers cables with similar specifications.

@lanx0003 well I think both cables are properly shielded..I guess the solid core didn't make a difference. In my case the Lanshack was shorter than the Ugreen. But any benefits I perceived between the 2 could very well be mind games. At least none of these cables are expensive. And yes, you lose some flexibility with solid core conductor cable. 

As you know going to Cat6 is not really a downgrade. Cat8 is well beyond what is needed. I went that route with the Lanshack as it seemed like it's the best (overkill) LAN cable they offered. It does lack the gold though. Oh yeah, the one you posted is the exact one I went with. 

@mattw73  Some one confirms that frequency is determined by data speed and I think Cat 8 cable is not noisier (than cat 6) that produces more EMI/RFI.  There is alot misinfor. out there.  

@lanx0003 I agree that there is a lot of contradictory information out there on various topics. Im a little ignorant when it comes to digital/streaming so misinformation in that arena can really set me back lol. 

Side Note- I ordered a Laiv uDac today. Still have my Pontus 15th but I've been wanting to get a feel of a different R2R..I wanted to try the micro dac. Especially after you personally preferred it over your D90 III. 

@mattw73  I think you won’t be disappointed, but your expectations might be different. I came from a flat SS, uninvolving DAC, whereas you had the Pontus 15th. The DH Labs HDMI cable and U18 DDC also make a difference to my system, but you already had quality cabling in place. I’m just grateful I took your advice to be patient—the payoff has been great.