Ethernet cables

As a designer and manufacturer of Ethernet Streaming cables, we try different conductor materials and thicknesses, different construction techniques, different outer sheaths and inner insulators, different connectors, and we do this all the time striving for the ‘end game’. Every different cable we make sounds different, the integrity of 1’s and 0’s is not in question.

My repost from CAM:

“…. REVIEW:What causes audible differences in network cables

https://alpha-audio.net/review/wat-zorg ... erkkabels/

Intro

We round off our little investigation into network cables with a listening test and a clear conclusion. As promised we subjected the network plugs to a listening test and listened to three different configurations: shielding fixed on one side, shielding fixed on two sides and double shielded (and both sides connected). Do we hear differences? Well…. yes…!

Let’s clear up one myth: there is NO audible difference in network plugs. There is a difference in build quality, price and ease of installation. In short: it does make sense to invest in a good plug.

But let’s continue with the sound reproduction: as you know, we have installed everything from standard plugs to expensive Telegärtners. We tried all cables on the same switch (with an IFI power supply) and listened to the same system:
We did not notice any difference between the connectors. Sometimes we thought we heard something (think of a louder or sharper S-sound), but when we went back to the other connector, there was no difference. It is sometimes very complex to listen to this properly and to judge it honestly. But after hours of switching back and forth, we dare say that there is no difference in reproduction. In any case, we do not dare to take a bet in a blind test…

But where we do hear immediate differences – and continue to hear differences even when going back and forth – is the method of shielding.

We made three cables for this purpose: one cable with DeLock plugs and shielding fixed at one end. One cable with Delock plugs with the shielding fixed at both ends and finally the double shielded version with the nice sleeve. Also with the shielding on both sides (and Delock plugs).

What we observe almost immediately is that the version with the shielding fixed on both sides focuses better. The version with shielding on one side seems to play a bit larger, but that is not true: the effects in the song Perfect Life by Steven wilson are placed at the same spot in the room, but are more tightly framed with the cable where the shielding is fixed on both sides.

With voices, the same is true: it’s tighter in focus and also more stable between the speakers (if we move our heads back and forth, the voice stays in place better very odd).

Going to the double shielding we make another step. Again a bit more tightly focused, again a bit better framed. And with that a bit more calmness in the reproduction allowing details to surface a bit easier.

Clearly, For  us it is clear where the differences come from: shielding, shielding, shielding.

And that is quite logical if you consider that a network cable is included in a digital chain. A chain that relies on clean energy to keep everything clocked tight. A chain that works with noise-levels of -140dB. A chain where small deviations are immediately audible in staging, focus and smoothness.

This also explains why fiber networks work so well as a first upgrade: you immediately shut out a lot of misery by creating a barrier through which electrical energy cannot pass. And thus no electrical noise (common mode in particular).

To conclude…

Can you hear differences between network cables? Yes… definitely. Our samples have shown that. And about the real cables you can buy at the store… pay particular attention to what the manufacturer has done in terms of shielding. We would still leave the unshielded versions. Especially after this experience. But anyway: try it yourself at home!….”

Clearly, For  us it is clear where the differences come from: shielding, shielding, shielding.

+1. Agreed. I use Supra CAT 8.1  as short endpoint cables between my FMC's  + a double shield around the cable configured in a JSSG 360 loop does the trick. Some Techflex around it, and done. Ethernet 'radiation' is hampering the rest of your system. Also, (possible) leakage currents between the components can be a reason ethernet cables 'sounds' different. (despite ethernet is transformer coupled). That is why (galvanic/medical) ethernet filters work. Your system is performing better, as a whole, due to better shielding and breaking of detrimental currents between components.

I would have never thought that they’d make a difference but yes they do! I use Wireworld starlight 8 s at the connection to my node and from my NAS to the network connection and love them. Highly recommended.

@vonhelmholtz As an experiment, I bought a pair of DX Engineering inline RFI/EMI filters.  I was instructed to place one on each end of the Blue Jeans Cat 6 line.  $50 for the pair.

I noticed an immediate openness and clarity..  It was actually eye opening.  They have been in there for a couple months.  I have no intention of removing them.  I also have no intention of trying several CAT cables because it requires fishing it through a suspended ceiling. The NA ENO and Etherregen are two other inline filters but cost much more.  I am not sure of the design but the ENO seems to be very popular.  There are many network switches out there also.  Some are based on the Bonn.  Open box pictures show others using this $300 switch and charging more.  The other brands might be upgraded versions of the Bonn, I don't know.  I have seen network switches priced anywhere from $70-$2500. 

It's just like all things audio.  If I'm happy with the sound, I don't need someone explaining all the theory and telling me I am wrong.  I look for cost effective and affordable improvement  There was another thread about this same subject in October.  It devolved into a name calling, post deleting mess. 

My experience tells me that streaming starts out as a good source of millions of songs, then there are several things that can be done to make it better. Lowering the noise floor is a big one.  You can move up the cost ladder with streamers but there are several low cost things you can do.