ETHERNET CABLES


When using ethernet for hooking up streaming devices and dacs, what cat level of  ethernet cable should be used. Is there any sonic improvement by going to a  higher dollar cat 7 or 8 cable?

128x128samgar2

Showing 2 responses by mike_in_nc

Ethernet connections have an isolation transformer at each end; however, Cat 8 cables are shielded and can transfer noise via the shield from one component to another. That is not true of Cat 5e, 6, or 7, any of which has rated bandwidth far exceeding what's needed for home audio.

I second the recommendation for cables supplied and tested by Blue Jeans Cables. Though personally, I’ve never found any significant differences in sound when switching Ethernet cables -- except for one that failed completely. That was a difference -- no sound!

My advice is, don't buy unless the sale includes a trial period, so you can decide for yourself it you hear a meaningful improvement. For even more fun, ask a few sharp-eared friends to visit (one at a time) and do a single-blinded test. We ALL are susceptible to suggestion and expectation bias.