Anyone interested in some Ethernet cable evaluation info?

Puma Cat

Puma Cat

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Hey guys,
I've been evaluating dfiferent Ethernet cables from my downstream FMC to my streamer for the last week or so to determine which Ethernet cable I want to live with in my system in the long term. The cables I've been evaluating by subjective listening tests are Audioquest Cinnamon, AQ Vodka and Wireworld Starlight Cat 8, and in a week or so, Supra Cat8.

I posted my impressions on Steve Hoffman forums, which, quite predictably, generated a very large degree of flak/noise/BS/insults from all the "cable objectivists" regarding my comments about the audio qualities of different Ethernet cables.

So, in this case, I'm asking FIRST if folks are sincerely interested in my strictly subjective listening impressions of using Ethernet cables in a streaming setup. NOTE: This will NOT be a scientific-based comparison, ABX-testing, randomized double-blind study with placebos, or anything of that type. There will be no math or equations characterizing VP/frequency or inductance down a cable at RF. This is just me listenin' to some Ethernet cables. Nothing more.

So. If there are folks who are truly interested in this topic, I'm happy to post my notes and impressions.

HOWEVER: if there are folks who simply cannot resist themselves and feel compelled to crap all over another "cable thread", particularly a thread about Ethernet cables (YOIKS! likely the most contentious class of cables since the Dark Days of the Power Cable Wars :P), then I'll keep my findings to myself, as I simply don't want to yet again wade through all the cr*p/noise/flak I had to in my thread on SHF (I literally had guys insulting me personally about my physical hearing abilities).

I'm fairly sure some of you will be interested in my findings, but I'm don't want to start a thread that will decay into yet another "cable war" or generate a lot of "noise" in what is a friendly forum.

So...you can guys can let me know. Thanks.

the 'ole Puma Cat
 
Please do, it is always interesting and from my perspective, very valuable information. Thank you for sharing!
Best, GN
 
very interested...

as a baseline, you might add generic cat5e or cat6 (unshielded, twisted pairs) and cat7 (shielded, twisted pairs) cables to the mix. also, comparing these two will tell you about the impact of shielding on this link in your system... there have been some reporting that shielded cables introduced a ground link through the shield which is, obviously, detrimental to SQ.

looking forward to your findings, regardless of the sample set you choose.
 
aKnyght said:
very interested...

as a baseline, you might add generic cat5e or cat6 (unshielded, twisted pairs) and cat7 (shielded, twisted pairs) cables to the mix. also, comparing these two will tell you about the impact of shielding on this link in your system... there have been some reporting that shielded cables introduced a ground link through the shield which is, obviously, detrimental to SQ.

looking forward to your findings, regardless of the sample set you choose.
Click to expand...

It would be interesting to hear between the two for audio.

I would never think not to choose shielded Ethernet cables.


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UltraFast69 said:
It would be interesting to hear between the two for audio.

I would never think not to choose shielded Ethernet cables.
Click to expand...

just a parenthetical aside here:

i would think it is system and connection dependent as to whether fully shielded ethernet cables (i.e. shield connected at both ends) will introduce a noticeable ground loop. so, i am not sure the results of any tests along these lines conducted by the OP will be universally applicable.

on the other hand, cables constructed with a floating shield (i.e. connected at only one end) cannot introduce a ground loop... yet, have a very effective antenna connected to the ground for draining any intercepted interference.
 
When I bought my Lumin streamer, the sales person told me that an ethernet cable is an ethernet cable.

I'd love to know if a better cable would improve the SQ. I haven't tested any myself, but I'm certainly open to the idea of one being better than another.
 
Tubes said:
When I bought my Lumin streamer, the sales person told me that an ethernet cable is an ethernet cable.

I'd love to know if a better cable would improve the SQ. I haven't tested any myself, but I'm certainly open to the idea of one being better than another.
Click to expand...

Steve, you bought from the wrong dealer! [emoji6]


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