Value of a premium Ethernet cable


In my current setup, digital music from a Roon ROCK NUC server travels through an Uptone Audio EtherRegen and a short link of fiber, thence to a long stretch of ordinary contractor-grade Cat 5a cable, and finally to a dCS Bartók streaming DAC.

 

At substantial effort and expense, I could rearrange things so the final length of Ethernet would be replaced by a single run of something like an Audioquest Vodka Ethernet cable. I'm wondering if anyone has experience of whether this is worth the trouble and expense. Well mostly the expense; the "trouble" is the hobby part of it.

john_g

Consider changing the long run of ethernet cable to fibre from the Etheregen.

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

Thanks to all who responded.

soix:  We have a (Google) mesh network in the house but most places I've read say Ethernet is preferable.

antigrunge2:  I've ordered one of those cables for the short run between the EtherRegen and ROCK server. Certainly worth a try!
gdnrbob  Excellent idea; I'll check out HiFiShark. Didn't know about that site.

jerrybj:  Running fiber to the streamer presents the same logistics problems as the long ethernet run, which I can handle, but would also necessitate an FMC near the streamer, with either a wall wart power supply or another linear power supply.

audphile1:  I'll check out Network Acoustics Eno; that's a new one on me.

If anyone's interested, here's the setup in the hallway outside my listening room.

 

That looks like the HD Plex 300W. I nearly took that route.

Are their DC cables okay? When upgrading, I initially went for Ghent Audio Cables. A decent product for reasonable money.

https://ghentaudio.com/products/dc-7n16c?VariantsId=11241,11264,11286