Ethernet cables

Hello, did you use the Grun version of the Atlas Mavros ethernet cable? 

If so, did you listen with and without grounding the cable? 

I have the basic Wireworld Starlight connected from the modem to the router. It's sound quality was noticeably better than the cheap cable I previously used. However, I wasn't able to hear the differences between ethernet cables until the modem and router were fed by a linear power supply. 

Search other threads in Audiogon regarding powering your modem and router with LPSs.

High quality ethernet cables can expose a weak point of your system which might be dirty AC.

The combination of LPSs and a better ethernet cable made a positive improvement in my system. 

I heard a significant improvement in SQ after changing from CAT6 to Supra CAT8. Conductors are separately shielded.
https://www.ebay.com/c/1640631596

@c_avila1 
Very interesting. I've researched using a LPS for a router, but never found conclusive evidence of improved SQ. I have a Verizon unit.

Not me.

hey i have used shunyata ethernet cables over stock and found very big improvements in sound coming from my digital rig.  the improvement was so much that i ended up buying the omega e/net cable.  

a LPS on the router also made a massive difference in my setup.

weirdly this was even when the e/net cable was connecting to a server which was not streaming music (music is on hard disk on server).  it seems noise comes in via the e/net cable in my system and shunyata cables helped with that.  

the difference the cables made were those standard things when noise is lowered (biggest impact on bass and mid-bass i find).

i did try a reunion cat 8 cable which was much cheaper than the shunyata cables.  it was okish but as you indicate sort of gave the sound a stripped out hollowness which was unpleasant.  i went back to stock rather than use that.

@mr_gray,  what LPS are you using with your router? It seems like a nice upgrade to your system.

I wonder if it's helping reduce RFI. The coax feed and the router are full of RFI, as is the wall-wart.

@lowrider57 I use an Uptone Audio JS-2 power supply which has dual output. Therefore, the modem and router were upgraded simultaneously with the introduction of the single JS-2 unit. The point is to remove wall warts out of the system. 

@c_avila1 
That's a very nice LPS. There are no wall-warts in my system. I am using an upgraded Swagman Labs LPS  with excellent results.
My router and computer are across the room and my curiosity is piqued regarding the use of an LPS on the router. As a side note, the router, all cables on this circuit have high RFI levels. I used a RF sniffer and my audio measures zero RFI. 

Have you checked for RF from the coax hookup to your modem/router? 

@lowrider57 What is the Swagman Labs LPS powering?

The RF sniffer seems like the type of gadget that would be found at RadioShack (RIP). I haven't used a RF sniffer but it would be interesting to see it's results after scanning my system. 

@c_avila1 
The Swagman is powering an iFi reclocker. I use it between my Node2i and Audio Note Dac. 

I've heard the term RF sniffer used, but it's actually a device for detecting hidden cameras and bugs. It works really well, my friend used it and found RFI hotspots. 
I feel lucky that the RF stops at my router and computer and doesn't travel through the ethernet to the system.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L8GLG6N/ref=cm_sw_r_u_apa_fabt1_SeETFb7HMX7GS?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Very interesting responses so far! I tried using a high qualirty mains block on my router rather than the cheap one I was using and immediately heard the difference. So and LPS may be the way to go. 
It's just a standard BT router, so now the question is whether to go for a better router first or use this router and upgrade the power supply. 
Any thoughts?

I was going to upgrade the router to a LPS as discussed above, but I just installed a  Brickwall surge/conditioner on the router. The result is an outstanding reduction of noise. It's almost like a component upgrade; faster attack, more defined leading edge of notes, recordings have more air and space.

Routers are full of noise which is passed on to your audio, I had no idea how much. I think this is will be my solution.

I tried various CAT5-7 generics before settling on Supra CAT8.  The big moves are with an Ethernet switch between your router and the endpoint, such as SOtM or an Uptone EtherRegen.  Consider an EtherRegen between your router and the Melco.  EtherRegen sounds fine with the stock SMPS, but can be further improved with something as easy as a Zerozone 9V LPS.

My plan was to use Supra cat 8 from panel, to router, to all equipment.  I purchased one terminated cable, then made the mistake of buying the Supra roll of cable and their rj45 connectors, figuring i would do the rest myself. I have since learned that the grounding on the cable can introduce hum in the line if not done properly. 

I've set the cable aside and will use my cat6 I have on hand. How are you guys terminating the ends of the Supra cables? So many different opinions on this, regarding "acting like an antenna" and a bunch of other stuff. I would hate to get the exact issue I'm trying to avoid by installing the cat8. 

@lowrider57 There's no alternative to an LPS. I highly recommend that you utilize an LPS for the router. The cable of the power supply also makes a difference in sound quality. I've made my own from V-Quad Cu21.  

@ludwig99 You might want to consider upgrading your modem as well. DOCSIS 3.1 modems can unlock faster internet speeds from your service.

You should re-evaluate ethernet cables once you've addressed the power supply upgrade. You should be pleasantly surprised.   

@c_avila1 
I've thought about my router setup and with the power conditioner I'm only getting some good filtering of the cheap power supply. I see that a LPS would have many more benefits.