Ethernet Cables - what are you using and why?

I forgot to respond to the WHY part of your query. The Freedom is the most musically satisfying ethernet cable in my experience thus far. I've made some source changes to my system since buying it so may put my Omega Micro Ebony back in to hear how that sounds now. The Ebony was my favorite until trying the Freedom. The best sub $100 ethernet cable in my experience. To my ears more neutral than the Freedom.

@thomasok

Why 8.5 feet and not 8, 9 or any other length. Did you test different lengths to come to this or was it an arbitrary length you stumbled upon?

There are resonance and reflection points with digital (and power cable) lengths, more so than with analog signal cables. Knowing what those lengths are is the trick.

Fredrik Lejonklou tested a wide range of lengths and found 8.5 feet to be the most musical.  I only tested a few but found 8.5 feet more musical than 10 or 20 and also better than 6 feet.

@shxmd 

"Since not mentioned above I use Inakustik Referenz Ethernet loom.

Handmade in Germany."

How can possibly wire cables be hand made? annealing/twisting/stranding/extrusion/cabling need different machineries and multiple manufacturing steps.

They probably import ethernet cables from China and snake oil them by hand.

Not only this German company but most of them buy/import and resell cables. So don't be fooled and waste money. Try Amazon/Ebay. Easy to return with Amazon!