Ethernet Cables, do they make a difference?

geoffkait - What are ya gonna do if I don’t reply? Whack me?

For ethernet cables, I'd try putting LONG Cat6 UTP ethernet cables for each link. Think 10-15 meters for each individual link. Shielded cables that are grounded might make things sound better initially, like more resolution/details or smoother sounding, but it's messing with the sound. In contrast, the UTP may initially sound grainier in quick comparison. Do a blind test with material that has lot of percussions and drums and pay attention to the air and impact of drums and not which one sounds better/worse, but which one sounds more lifelike and natural.

You can still use shielded cables with floating on both ends, but a well made CAT 6 UTP (like Belden bonded) will be better for signal integrity over their shielded counterparts, especially in home environments.

This comes from experience with over 30+ ethernet cables of Cat5e, 6, 6a, 6a S/STP (various shield grounding) and on 3 switches, 3 routers, 3 bridged connections without routers/switches (various Apple devices), and various power supplies for the devices. I've used gigabit and 10/100 network devices. The cables were as short as 1 feet to as long as 60 feet. I was not fond of short ethernet cables, especially in long-term listening. In short-term listening, it's easy to get tricked. The longer cables sound more relaxed and fluid and not muddy, which initially may be thought as grainy, lacking impact, or lacking in detail when comparing with short cables or using shielded cables that are grounded. Another thing to pay attention to is the plane of the soundstage (at least how it sounds on my system). I find the longer cables less up front.

In the end, I prefer my Fast ethernet switch (D-LINK DES-1005) powered by Teradak LPS with long Cat6 UTP cables. I have my router, iMac, and network player (Bryston BDP-1) connected to this switch.