Ethernet Cables -- where do they matter most?

No. 2 and 3. I wouldn’t go too crazy on Ethernet cables. Try Supra CAT-8 and you should hear improvements over generic cable. 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Supra-CAT-8-ETHERNET-cable-2-meter-Made-In-Sweden-THE-BEST-FOR-NETWORK-AUDI...

Feel free to read my Dagogo.com article "Audio Blast: Ethernet Cables and XLR "Y" Adapters Survey" 

I tried approx. 12 different ethernet cables. All locations are important. 

USB is also important! 

In a high end system every cable associated with power or signal is important. 

@douglas_schroeder 

thx.

ok... so next question.... if I am connecting laptop to av7704 for streaming purposes... do you suggest USB, HDMI, or SPDIF ( I think my laptop may have this )??.... 

I will check out the supra cables... not real expensive but not the cheapest of the bunch and others seem to have good results... OR if you can make a recommendation based on some of my equipment - I am open to suggestions....

marantz av7704
monolith monoprice 7ch amp
b&w 9NT series across the board

thx... 

+3 or 4, douglas shroeder

I almost invariably try all potential setups, and there are often surprises. Results are not absolute,  as new cables bring new potential and possible better alternatives. 

@douglas_schroeder 

Just didn't know if there was a general consensus on which 'tech' is considered a 'preferred' method of sending music from point a to b... etc.

Everything is important, but some things are more important than others.

In my experience, most important are speakers, speaker positioning, listener positioning, and room acoustics. Next is the electronic gear (sources and amplifiers). Far behind are analog signal cables, which tend to sound a little different from one another, but what sounds better on one recording may be worse on another.

Far behind even those in importance are digital signal cables (including Ethernet cables), cable risers, crystals, gongs, CD polish, and so on. Power conditioning makes a big difference to some users but never has when I’ve tried it. Maybe I have good power in my area. I do have a dedicated line into the audio room.

Take a look at Jim Smith’s book, "Get Better Sound," available from his web site, for another view of all this.

So, there you have one (pretty experienced) audiophile’s opinion. I hope it provides a useful perspective.

I wonder if Jim Smith's book on sound addresses wire directionality, you know, like in Ethernet cables and fuses and power cords. Maybe he needs to come out with a new edition. :-)

lightfighter2018, some claim SPDIF, some claim USB, are the best. Certainly no concensus, as some still say CD is best. 

About 3 months ago I was able to get the systemOptique upgrade for the SONORE Signature Rendu SE. No going back to straight Ethernet wire for me! The optical as employed by SONORE is far superior, as demonstrated on the same unit with optical upgrade. (See my article on this at Dagogo.com)

@douglas_schroeder 

thank you.  

The SONORE seems like a great unit. A bit out of my beer budget, but awesome nonetheless.

Fibre is intriguing for sure. I happen to read briefly your article but will re-read it when I have some time for an in depth preview.

Not to hijack the thread here... but is there a decent beer budget dac that you could suggest to get me off and running in the world of dac boxes?  $400 or less...  just for the box. 

Thanks in advance.

I appreciate the appreciation. :) 

Frankly, I have not handled too many of the budget DACs in the past year or so. I did write up an earlier version of the iFi Micro for Dagogo.com, but I think some others here would have a better grip on entry level DACs. I have worked with some that are well out of that price category, so I will let others enthuse on a good buy for you.  

@douglas_schroeder 

I will check out the iFi. Someday - I will be in the club of hifi of no budget constraints. But until then I will live vicariously through everyone else in the AG.

Thanks again. Always enjoy good advice and discussion.