Fuzzy playback

If you want to test whether or not it's ethernet, buy a cheap CAT 8 cable. The specification is improved overall vs older CATs. 

And if it is ethernet, end-game ethernet cable: LINKUP - [GHMT & DSX8000 Certified] Cat8 Ethernet Patch Cable

I use this with my laptop and sometimes upload family pictures on Google drive. This cable is slighty faster than thowaway/cheap CAT 8 cables...don't ask me how, but it's definitely superior. If you buy it, just bend it in to place as it's a bit inflexible. It even comes with a certification paper that gurantees its performance.

Now I confused myself. If it is a connection issue with digital, it either works or it doesn’t. Correct? This sound has been from RCA cables or volume controls in the past. I assumed it was ethernet cables after I unplugged the patch cable from the add powr to the streamer and plugged it back in. The clarity came back but not for long.

I looked at the Linkup cat 8 cables. They do look nice. There is a 22AWG and a 26AWG. Is there a preference?. A closeup shows the wires appear to be flat which would give a better connection. The price is not bad. $38 for 22 gauge and $13 for 26 gauge The factory is out but Amazon has them.

Thanks for the help.

Yes, that is correct. Just like USB. Although packet errors from using a damaged or otherwise defective ethernet cable can cause dropouts. It will always try to retransmit, but failures (even in the field) are not uncommon.

I use the 22 AWG version. For ethernet, unlike analog cables, the thickness is not important if the cable is properly specced. You're welcome! And happy listening...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stabilant 22 is a proven contact enhancer that doesn't cost a fortune.

 

I put deoxit on the rest of my interconnects today. That may be it. I should have known. My crossover is about 30 yrs old. The volume controls are not the best. The RCA bases are not the best. I should call Phil Marchand and get a crossover made. I also have an unknown power supply with lamp cord. So there is bang for the buck there.  Too many plug ins as we used to say on the farm.

Bang for the buck or bang your head against the wall while trying to figure out which one of these crappy connections is the culprit. Sounds like may be time to refresh some of this stuff as opposed to curing it with deoxit. Don’t need to spend a ton. Just get good cables with solid connectors. 

Hey @daledeee1 

Did you figure out a resolution to your “Fuzzy Playback”?

DeOxit?   Stabilant 22?   LinkUp Cat8 cable?   Something else?

Hoping you figured it out and might be able to help the rest of us!

 

 

Hello @rockrider. As usual it was those RCA connections at the crossover. A new crossover is $750. I chose to fix this Rean RCA base, gold plated. $10 for a set of 6. While I have it out I am replacing the volume potentiometers. I wanted stepped attenuator instead of the old one. Would not fit. So I am installing SMPT volume controls, $20 each.  $100 labor. Or I buy a new case, then I might as well buy the new crossover. We will see how this sounds.

Okay. Good to know. Thanks!

Just an update;  I got my crossover back after the jacks, cord and volume controls were replaced.  Really nice results.  More presence, wider sound stage.  I am not sure how this all breaks in but it sounds better than ever right now.