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Questions about Ethernet Cabling

PLEASE READ: This is not a thread about the merits or demerits of audiophile-grade ethernet cables, or any cable for that matter. If you don’t believe in spending extra on expensive cables, I respect your opinion but please don’t turn this into a point of contention.

So before I ask my questions, let me describe how internet connectivity is setup in my house:

- [Home office/study] The modem (AT&T), router (Google Nest/Mesh), and switch ($25 TP-link basic switch) are located in the home office/study. I also have a second system in this room as well as other stuff connected through the switch. In other words, I can’t move the switch to another room.

- [Media room] The main audio system is located in the media room which is in the diagonally opposite side of the house (single story). This room has the ENO ethernet filter connected to the Innuous Zenith MK3 streamer, and so on.

[Long ethernet cable] A very long run of ethernet cable (CAT 6/over 100 foot) runs from the [Home office/study] router and terminates into the [Media room] ethernet jack/wall plate. This was done by the builder and it runs through the attic.

- [Media room] From the [Media room] ethernet wall plate, I then use another 6 foot ethernet cable (also CAT 6) that goes into an ENO filter and then on to the Innuos Zenith MK3 streamer.

 

So here are my questions:

1. Is it worth upgrading only the so-called last-mile ethernet cable, i.e. the one between the [Media room] ethernet wall plate and Eno filter while I continue using the long CAT 6 cable [Study >> Media room]? It is going to be difficult, if not impossible, to replace the long-run CAT 6 cable as it goes through the attic where several spots are not reachable without tearing down some sheetrock.

2. Is it worth adding a second audiophile-grade switch (e.g. uptone) in the media room while leaving the one in the study as is? Or is it better to upgrade the switch in the study first and place the cheaper switch in the media room? Or do I need to replace both switches (not prefered as it adds to the cost)?

 

128x128arafiq
caglioti
30 posts
 

Any thoughts on coax cable? I have about 50’ of coax before modem. Any perspectives on moving modem and running Ethernet through house to router instead? Thanks, Ted

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,102 posts
 

@caglioti 

I'm not sure what you trying to accomplish but you may look into Google Mesh (pods). I have strategically installed 3 pods throughout my three story home and they work flawlessly. One of the pod can also serve as hard-wired connection to your music streamer. 

caglioti
30 posts
 

I have Google mesh now. Set up just as you mention. Just wondering about the long coax cable to my modem , after that it's Ethernet. Maybe I'm overthinking. House was wired for CATV long time ago, not sure if improvement would be had removing coax and replacing with cat 5,6,8?

thanks,?T f

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arafiq's avatar
arafiq OP
1,599 posts
 

So a quick update ... adding a second switch (in the media room) that sits between the wall jack and Eno was an abject failure. I bought a basic D-Link switch with iFi power supply. It felt like someone put a thick blanket over the sound. The degradation in sound, especially soundstage depth and overall vibrancy was very noticeable. I will let it run for a few hours, but honestly the result is so bad that I doubt it will be worth it even if it were to improve a little. So clearly, Rich's (ENO owner) suggestion of having two switches in the path did not work in my case. The English Electric Switch8 also did not do diddly squat in my chain when I tried it a few months ago. Personally, I'm reaching the conclusion that unless one is willing to invest in higher end switches (Telegartner or Melco, etc.), don't even bother.

As sugggested, I will try a better ethernet cable and report the results faithfully as I hear them.

 

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