Ethernet Cables, do they make a difference?


I stream music via TIDAL and the only cable in my system that is not an "Audiophile" cable is the one going from my Gateway to my PC, it is a CAT6 cable. Question is, do "Audiophile" Ethernet cables make any difference/ improvement in sound quality?

Any and all feedback is most appreciated, especially if you noted improvements in your streaming audio SQ with a High-End Ethernet cable.

Thanks!
grm
grm

Showing 4 responses by shadorne

@clearthink

There are in excess of 1000 posts on Audiogon alone making incredible wild claims similar to my cancer cure example. Tweaks that are better than “any component upgrade”. Testimonials that even the wife noticed a huge difference. Just peruse the multiple SR or TC threads for totally impossible implausible wild and completely ridiculous claims.

Since most folks here would obviously agree that an anecdotal claim of a miracle elixir cure for all cancer is totally ridiculous then it is laughable that the same folks believe similar wild claims on the SR, TC and countless audio wire connector threads?

Notice I never question the audible difference from tubes or tube rolling and from amplifier design and topologies...only the wildest claims where a silly tweak causes the reversal of interplanetary motion.
“Naysayers claim that certain tweaks are snake oil. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander. Where’s your proof? Didn’t you read my earlier post on the definition of pseudo skepticism? Hel-loo!”

I understand you and your condescending attitude very well.

Certain tweaks you refer to are things that have NOT been scientifically demonstrated but only anecodotally reported. Often by people with vested interests like yourself.

This is how most snake oil audio tweaks read....

FYI I have a cure for cancer that works 100%. I sell my elixir for only $10,000 a bottle. This contains enough to treat any cancer for an adult. A friend tried it and the results are amazing, he even started running Marathons and entered an Ironman competition three weeks after the first dose (three doses will cure all cancer). Previously he was bed ridden for three years. Even his wife noticed a difference!!!


In science, the burden of proof falls upon the claimant; and the more extraordinary a claim, the heavier is the burden of proof demanded

+1 And ABSOLUTELY NONE of the snake oil claims have been proved in the usual manner - for example an AES publication with measurements or double blind listening tests to demonstrate audibility. That some equipment run by imaginative listeners with high expectations is faulty enough to anecdotally produce audible differences randomly or with any slight change hardly constitutes evidence for new phenomena.

Your appeal to science couldn’t be more misplaced.
Ethernet cables make equally as much difference as other high end cables. Zilch. Nada. Of course that presupposes you have half decent components. If you have flakey finicky boutique audio then even your type of home refrigerator will make an audible difference.