2. digital
  3. 171150-6055

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
arafiq's avatar
arafiq OP
1,599 posts
 

@ianrodger -- thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately, in my area houses do not have basements, and there is no way to run the wire underneath the house without performing some major surgery. There are a number of hallways and other rooms in the way.

On a side note, I want to clarify that there’s no real problem that I have in my current setup. It still sounds pretty damn good! I was just trying to see if adding a second cheap switch or better ethernet cables in the last mile might result in any further improvements. So clearly, the second cheap switch thing didn’t work. Not only did it not work, it did harm to the sound quality. Let’s see how a better ethernet cable might fare once it’s delivered next week.

grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,438 posts
 

The English Electric Switch 8 before my ENO filter was a nice upgrade in sound quality. Seems nothing in audio is universal in result. I have my EE on a Keces LPS. 

ianrodger
164 posts
 

@arafiq thanks for the reply.

I'm in Australia and didn't even think about basements.We don't have them here.

My house is on brick piers so I have a good crawl space under the floors. A house on a cement slab would be very restrictive in respect to re-cabling etc. Something I should consider I guess, if I ever sell and move

I've thought about switches too but am wary of adding another link to the chain as I'm really happy with my current setup too.

I would however consider swapping to a round ethernet cable for that "last mile" if I thought it might improve the sound as some have postulated. I'm just unsure of how and why it might.

I get the fibre option too but the converter required, possibly at both ends, adds another link to that chain. Nevertheless, I'll check it out and consider it as it's a cheap enough option not to bother me if it doesn't provide any sonic benefits.

Good luck with your search.

bigby
145 posts
 

I use these things and don't worry about the ethernet cable.  DX Engineering ISO-PLUS Ethernet RF Filters

 

jerrybj
849 posts
 

I have to stream via wifi to my system.

A friend suggested using a wifi extender, then plugging via ethernet to my streamer. A better option than the wifi signal?

More to discover