Nope, IMO/IME unfortunately buffering doesn't eliminate the need/necessity/advantage of a quality cable. Just like this wasn't the case for asynchronous USB.
When I still used AIR with version 2.x I clearly heard significant differences in my system between a no-name cable, a Audioquest Vodka and AQ Diamond cable. The Diamond is really special, if you can audition it I'd recommend that!
For a while I switched to USB directly from a computer (and sold the Diamond) but several months ago I switched to a microRendu streamer which I connected to my network and system using a set of fiber to copper ethernet converters (FMC's). After reading several months later that also with the microRendu the ethernet cable mattered (first reviews said it didn't) I first bought a Vodka to compare to a no-name but HQ CAT7 cable. Again clear differences so I again upgraded to Diamond. And so even in this case where I employ fiber optic isolation from the network the ethernet cable between the FMC nearest to the audio system and the microRendu mattered. I've described all these changes in more detail in my system topic.
The cable in direct connection with your DAC (Devialet in your case. I'm employing a Mutec MC-3+ USB as a USB to AES3 converter and reclocker between the microRendu as the ethernet streamer) matters the most.
NB. For those passing by and reading this and thinking bits are bits. That's true, but it's not about bits flipping/data transmission errors it's about high frequency noise entering the DAC and it's sensitive analog circuits. There's also theories that the quality of the signal (signal integrity) and thus the level of processing needed in the ethernet PHY affects the analog circuits (signal and ground planes) of a DAC/amp.
Also, yes there's galvanic isolation built in into every ethernet interface but these block DC and low frequencies only, high frequency noise will still bleed through through capacitive coupling and other mechanisms.
When I still used AIR with version 2.x I clearly heard significant differences in my system between a no-name cable, a Audioquest Vodka and AQ Diamond cable. The Diamond is really special, if you can audition it I'd recommend that!
For a while I switched to USB directly from a computer (and sold the Diamond) but several months ago I switched to a microRendu streamer which I connected to my network and system using a set of fiber to copper ethernet converters (FMC's). After reading several months later that also with the microRendu the ethernet cable mattered (first reviews said it didn't) I first bought a Vodka to compare to a no-name but HQ CAT7 cable. Again clear differences so I again upgraded to Diamond. And so even in this case where I employ fiber optic isolation from the network the ethernet cable between the FMC nearest to the audio system and the microRendu mattered. I've described all these changes in more detail in my system topic.
The cable in direct connection with your DAC (Devialet in your case. I'm employing a Mutec MC-3+ USB as a USB to AES3 converter and reclocker between the microRendu as the ethernet streamer) matters the most.
NB. For those passing by and reading this and thinking bits are bits. That's true, but it's not about bits flipping/data transmission errors it's about high frequency noise entering the DAC and it's sensitive analog circuits. There's also theories that the quality of the signal (signal integrity) and thus the level of processing needed in the ethernet PHY affects the analog circuits (signal and ground planes) of a DAC/amp.
Also, yes there's galvanic isolation built in into every ethernet interface but these block DC and low frequencies only, high frequency noise will still bleed through through capacitive coupling and other mechanisms.
PS Audio P3, Shunyata ΞTRON Alpha Digital and HC/Furutech power cables, Paul Hynes SR7EHD-MR4, DIY Roon Server & Roon Endpoint running AudioLinux Headless, Phasure Lush^2 USB cable, Audioquest Diamond RJ/E ethernet, Uptone Audio etherREGEN, Mutec MC-3+ USB, Shunyata ΞTRON Anaconda Digital XLR AES/EBU, Devialet Expert 250 Pro CI, Nordost Tyr Reference LS cables, Von Schweikert VR-5 SE Anniversary Edition, Anti-Mode Dual Core 2.0, JL Audio Fathom F112. More detail here.
The Netherlands
The Netherlands
