Value of a premium Ethernet cable

This:https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003924584091.html

Perfext from Etherregen to server

I’d suggest putting the Etherregen as close as you can to the server. Keeping the clean side cable as short as poss. really matters. If anything, use fibre for a long link between router and Etherregen

Well, I am really happy it works for you: enjoy the music!

@tksteingraber 

Comparing Ethernet to fibre is not straightforward: much depends on the FMCs and their power supplies. Often fibre is accused of being somewhat bland relative to an optimal ethernet connection; conversely getting an optimal ethernet connection takes a lot more effort. If your streamer accepts it, fibre is the easier, but may not be the better solution. (btw, I do not understand where you use the ethernet connection, I assume from the end post FMC to the streamer?) 

@tisteingraber,

your streamer is good, if you feel like experimenting, get an Lhyaudio SW-6 or Uptone Etherregen in lieu of the second FMC. It MAY, and I don’t say it will - improve SQ through the built in ethernet isolator plus reclocker and thereby make differences more audible.

@ghdprentice

great post! Actually even easier than using two different cables: insert a LAN isolator ahead of your streamer with whatever cable you use.,Should be enough to convince you that there is more going on than bits are bits…

@macg19 

the bits are bits argument has been roundly defeated. Along with the bits travel ground level and EFI/RFI interferences that wreak havoc with the shape of the sine wave being transmitted leading to serious issues at the D/A conversion stage with deleterious outcomes on SQ. Cables and clocking matter.

Any suggestion what other than a sine wave is being transmitted? The interference messes with the shape of the sine wave thereby changing both amplitude and midpoint; hence my comment on clocking.