Ethernet cables

@decooney 2m black cable under $100 that would be a step up from cheap? Not that I can think of. And I wouldn’t bother. Don’t take small steps as they don’t yield the results you’re looking for. Treat Ethernet cable as you would a digital cable.
Purist in 2m should be under $400 new. I think it’s very good for the money. I compared it to Supra with stock ends and Supra with telegartner terminations, linkup, regular cheap crap. Purist is head and shoulders above. What else is there in the under $500 category I don’t know, haven’t tried. Bought Purist and am pretty content with it.
Hope this helps.

I recently posted my thoughts on ethernet cables in another thread, but will add some detail here as well. I started using a generic ethernet cable thinking it made little or no difference between my Uptone Etherregen and DAC. I then bought a Cable Maters Cat8 from Amazon because I wanted a short <1M length. Surprisingly, I thought it sounded better. That inspired me to try a Supra Cat 8 as well as a DH Labs Reunion. I actually preferred the Cable Matters to these two. I also have tried several Audioquest ethernet cables and thought they were pretty good. Then I tried a $400 Sablon Ethernet 2020 and it was clearly the best of all that I tried. 

Not wanting to leave well enough alone, I started reading good things about Shunyata ethernet cables. I read a lot of forum posts and reviews and was convinced that the Shunyata Alpha Ethernet would provide a performance lift. At the time I paid $1000 for it new (it is currently $1200) and sold my Sablon. The Alpha was okay going from my Sonore OM to my Bricasti but it wasn't better than my Sablon. It was very relaxed and maybe had a slightly deeper soundstage, but over a few months, I found myself less engaged by the music and listening to my system less.  I sold the Alpha and purchased another Sablon. Bingo! Putting it back in made my system sound more dynamic, detailed and "live". 

You don't need to spend massive amounts of money to get good sounding digital cables, but they do sound different. I can respect posts where people have tried different cables and report no difference. That is useful information and every system is different. I have tried different power cables and noticed only slight differences, but that doesn't mean I discount them making a bigger difference in other people's systems. Trust your ears and try experimenting yourself. If you hear differences, then you can explore trying more costly options.

A high quality cable is the Zoerax Cat8 on Aliexpress. Heavy gauge OCC copper and connectors similar to Telegartner. It is directional and really top quality.

With over 30 years of experience in high-end audio, I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the finest equipment available. As a French dealer for Atma-Sphere and Sound Lab, I can confidently say that these brands represent the pinnacle of transparency, realism, and musicality. The combination of Atma-Sphere’s world-renowned OTL amplification and Sound Lab’s state-of-the-art electrostatic panels creates an unparalleled listening experience.

To maximize the performance of such an exceptional system, every component in the signal chain must be carefully chosen—including cables. In my setup, I use Ethernet cables from the French company MissingBond, and they have been a revelation. Previously, I relied on the AudioQuest Diamond (€1500), a well-respected reference in the industry. However, localy produced the MissingBond Ethernet cable not only competes but actually surpasses it in terms of sound quality—at just €300 new. The difference is striking, with greater depth, clarity, and a more organic presentation.

Replacing standard, mass-market Ethernet and USB cables with properly shielded, high-quality alternatives has dramatically improved all aspects of my system’s performance. The benefits are not subtle—tighter bass, a more open and holographic soundstage, and an overall increase in coherence and naturalness.

I'm sure that simmilar opportunities exist in USA. You don’t need to spend a fortune on cables, but you do need to be smart about your choices. Research, ask experienced audiophiles, and read reviews. Cables do matter !

For many years, I was skeptical about the impact of cables, dismissing them as minor upgrades. But after extensive research, listening and testing, I no longer ignore their importance. In a high-resolution system like mine, every detail matters, and properly selected cables can make a profound difference.

If you're looking to get the absolute best from your system, don’t underestimate the role of cabling. With the right choices, you’ll unlock the full potential of your equipment.

Well you dredged up every thread on Ethernet cables that you could find in your mission to hawk your cables, which makes your mission clear.