Ethernet Cables - what are you using and why?

I found that Ag plated copper wire ethernet cables make a nice improvement in the sound of streaming.  Some can be had for just 5x the price of basic cheap ethernet cables.  For short runs that isn't too bad.  I run AQ Vodka to my streamer/player now from the audio grade network switch.  The cables from the modem to router to network switch are AQ Cinnamon.  The Vodka is a thick, stiff cable.  The connectors are impressive looking and strong.  Don't try using this cable in something with a plastic chassis.

Streaming 4K can for sure benefit from good ethernet cables.  What a shame if some high end HT systems are not using better ethernet cables.  I bought a long CAT 7 cable to run across the house from my listening room network switch to the HT system as an experiment.  It made a significant upgrade to the streaming picture.  It took me the better part of a day to run that cable through the walls, under the house and over to the HT system but well worth it.  I have a Ag plated copper wire ethernet cable going from the wall to the Apple TV box.  Would that I could buy a silver plated ethernet cable to run across the house.  But I am very pleased with the picture.

Some time back, over a year ago at least, I did not think an ethernet cable could make much of a difference.  Then I was reading about the skin effect, ie higher frequency signals ride on the surface of wires.  It is easily calculable so I looked at the skin effect of the frequencies used by the ethernet.  I don't remember the exact numbers now.  I would have to dig around in my notes but I recall that the signal travels very close to the surface of the wires.  The newer version of Pangea ethernet cables have Ag plated Cardas wire and they are, or were (maybe they still are) attractively priced- about 5x the price of a basic, cheap ethernet cable.  I figured silver would be a good conductor for the ethernet signal and solid silver wire was not needed.  So I bought a Pangea ethernet cable to try.  First result was the cable sounded worse than the stock $6 ethernet cable.  Hmm.  I let it break in for 24 hours but it still sounded bad.  Mainly the highs were worse- very edgy and unpleasant.  I was about to remove the Pangea cable but then I thought to turn it around.  Bam!  Now it sounded great.  It was much better than the stock ethernet cable.  Now the highs were better and clarity improved.  Too bad Pangea does not mark the direction on their cables.  I found it easy enough to hear the difference but it takes an extra step to get the cable oriented properly.  Since then I moved to AQ ethernet cables.  Better sound but not as cost efficient as the Pangea.  Those are a great upgrade for the price.