Ethernet Cables

Ethernet cable might affect sound indirectly by capacitive or electromagnetic coupling of electrical noise to audio system. Other than that Ethernet cable transfers data and not the music. Data is transferred in packets (not in the real time). Timing for the DAC is recreated on the other side of the Ethernet Bridge. Cable cannot directly affect that.

New computer with faster CPU and memory can do more harm than good with Ethernet connection, often producing more electrical noise. Speed doesn't make any difference as long as it is adequate (pretty much any computer) since timing is irrelevant with Ethernet.

Joecasey, you're right - one computer CAN sound better than the other but it is not related to speed (or amount of RAM) but to amount of electrical noise produced. Whether computer can or cannot keep up does not change the sound because timing is not involved. If it is too slow (not likely) you will hear dropouts rather than change in sound quality.

Your upgrade to AQ cable worked because you replaced unshielded cable with shielded one. Chances are that you would get exactly the same improvement from generic inexpensive shielded cable.

Joecasey, perhaps shielding on you AQ is better.

How about digital cables?

Transmission over S/Pdif is sensitive to jitter while Ethernet is not.

Dragon1952 - nobody says it is impossible. We're just trying to be intelligent about it and find the reason.

Believing any nonsense can bring such things like better highs upstairs or better bass in the basement. I've read serious gear review that found "soft" bass "obviously" because of soft rubber feet under the amp. Is it impossible - who knows, but reasoning was idiotic for sure.

Possible. I'm open minded, adventurous and enjoy experimenting

Great attitude - hobby should be fun.