2. cables
  3. 195218-198226

How can different CAT5/6 cables affect sound.

While is is beyond doubt that analog cables affect sound quality and SPDIF, TOSlink and AES/EBU can effect SQ, depending on the buffering and clocking of the DAC, I am at a loss to find an explanation for how different CAT5 cables can affect the sound.

The signals over cat5 are transmitted using the TCP protocol.  This protocol is error correcting, each packet contains a header with a checksum.  If the receiver gets the same checksum then it acknowledges the packet.  If no acknowledgement is received in the timeout interval the sender resends the packet.  Packets may be received out of order and the receiver must correctly sequence the packets.

Thus, unless the cable is hopeless (in which case nothing works) the receiver has an exact copy of the data sent from the sender, AND there is NO timing information associated with TCP. The receiver must then be dependent on its internal clock for timing. 

That is different with SPDIF, clocking data is included in the stream, that is why sources (e.g. high end Aurenders) have very accurate and low jitter OCXO clocks and can sound better then USB connections into DACs with less precise clocks.

Am I missing something as many people hear differences with different patch cords?

retiredaudioguy

Showing 1 response by pcrhkr

pcrhkr's avatar
pcrhkr
305 posts
 

I laugh at some of the discussions on this forum. I can tell the difference between DACs, Preamplifers, power amplifiers, speakers, and speaker cable, interconnects between sources which can be quite apparent.  With the discussions about Ethernet switch and Ethernet cable quality it's a wonder why my system doesn't sound like a transistor radio, or at best, an off shelf all in one chepo. 

I am very critical of my stereo sound. But can accept budget restraints and push as much quality as I can for my dollars spent.

I have been an information technology pro for 35 yrs, before that an electronics tech which has nothing to do with my ears. 

I cannot imagine my system sounding better for my money spent. I use a cheap $35 Ethernet switch over a 100mb/s network. Comcast claims audio takes only 5mbs streaming. ???  I have been at the brick and mortor show rooms and in that heaven, listened to systems 5 times the cost of mine. Did they sound better, well yes in some ways, but not in others. Was there enough difference in quality for me to upgrade to the next level. Nope! 

To sum it up, My picky ears which caused me to be critical about my sound is perfectly happy with the cheapo LAN, and Ethernet switch and I would be hard pressed to change anything. I completely enjoy the streamers connected to that cheapo Netgear $35 switch and it kicks booty.  Laugh if you want, but I laugh to the bank and from what I am hearing, it's great. 

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