2. pc-audio
  3. 1310504946

RE: Ethernet Cable /Patch Cable ...Any Difference?

I’m fairly certain that this topic has been brought up previously. I did peruse the Cables section to no avail. I think this is a more fitting topic however, for the PC Audio section.

I have been reading via other forums recently about the claims that certain CAT6 cable actually “sounds” better than some CAT5 cables. I have to admit that I am a bit skeptical. I am, however, open to try upgrading to different patch cables.

Can anyone weigh in here on whether or not there is any validity to the positive gains reported by others regarding various types of patch cables…

Note (for those of you how read all the way to the end of this post): Answers such as, “here we go again,” “now you’ve opened a can of worms,” this subject has been beaten to death,” “It’s all subjective,” etc. serve no purpose to my post. If you don’t have a direct educated answer, please don’t reply. That way we can make this a short, simple and civil thread.

Thanks.

_Ben
2chnlben

Showing 3 responses by levy03

levy03
442 posts
 
Ben: we're both wondering the same thing here. that same thread @ PSA's site got me thinking as well. just ordered two new patch cables late last night to see for myself. went with the Belden 10GX CAT6 patch cables. very good/top of the line cable from what (little =)) i understand. amazon had them pretty cheap ($17 each for 7 feet) so i figured why not give them a go. am a bit skeptical myself but the cost of admission is low enough to give them a try. cheapest tweak i've every attempted and feel like there's very little to lose here...like $40. looking forward to seeing/hearing what happens. should have them tomorrow. will try to report back once i have a chance to compare.

cheers
Lev
levy03
442 posts
 
Horacio: PS Audio discussion forums is where the ball started rolling for Ben and I. the thread can be found here

http://www.psaudio.com/ps/forum/viewthread/2351/P15/

the guy posting seems very credible with a rather amazing background in audio.

thanks much for the reply and info Al. your thoughts and posts are always very appreciated.
levy03
442 posts
 
ok...got around to doing some a/b comparisons with the ethernet lines( CAT5 vs CAT6). i noticed no difference in sound quality what so ever...which is what i expected. would have been shocked if it did improve the sound. maybe folks with a better gear will hear something different??. oh well...

CAT6 did however "fix" an issue i had been having with the elyric program and control of the PWD/Bridge. it seemed when ever i got overly busy skipping around songs or moving the volume around repeatedly...the music would drop out for 1-2 seconds. with the new CAT6 line...this no longer happens. also noticed a decrees in time for the music starting. maybe a second or 2 quicker. no doubt there is some kind of improvement in transmission for this to have occurred. what exactly is going on here is someone else guess. i haven't a clue.

for the money spent ($40), i would recommend anyone streaming to use high quality CAT6 patch cord. the fact that it made any difference what so ever is well worth the price in my book.

cheers
Lev

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