Ethernet Cable

[Norty]

Looking for input on an ethernet cable. Is it worth the investment for “music grade” cable or wil a good Cat 6 /7 do the job?  I only need 1M+ and I only get 25Mbps’s max internet speed.  I got the Lumin U2 mini so a very good streamer.  If you do believe it makes a difference any suggestions on recommended cables at the value end of the line would be appreciated.  When I bought the streamer, I went well above my budget, it was worth it but there is a limit.  Currently using a Cat6 which came with the unit.

[hardcore]

Looking for input on an ethernet cable. Is it worth the investment for “music grade” cable or wil a good Cat 6 /7 do the job?  I only need 1M+ and I only get 25Mbps’s max internet speed.  I got the Lumin U2 mini so a very good streamer.  If you do believe it makes a difference any suggestions on recommended cables at the value end of the line would be appreciated.  When I bought the streamer, I went well above my budget, it was worth it but there is a limit.  Currently using a Cat6 which came with the unit.

I like the low-mid range of Audioquest ethernet cables (e.g. Cinnamon and below). In Audioquest cables, the shield is terminated on the 'source' end only, which is something to note. Normal shielded ethernet cables have the shields terminated on both ends, creating a possible ground connection (and potential ground loop) between the devices it is connected to.

While on this topic, I highly recommend you try an ethernet isolator like this one. These make a more noticeable difference, and aren't too expensive.

LAN iSilencer by iFi audio - LAN iSilencer (ifi-audio.com)

[audio_engr]

Looking for input on an ethernet cable. Is it worth the investment for “music grade” cable or wil a good Cat 6 /7 do the job?  I only need 1M+ and I only get 25Mbps’s max internet speed.  I got the Lumin U2 mini so a very good streamer.  If you do believe it makes a difference any suggestions on recommended cables at the value end of the line would be appreciated.  When I bought the streamer, I went well above my budget, it was worth it but there is a limit.  Currently using a Cat6 which came with the unit.

Looking at your signature that carries your system details, it is apparent you have already 'traveled that extra mile' with your Devialet. And IMHO, quality of the Ethernet cable does matter as the sonic signature changes by a good margin. And that led me to invest in AQ Diamond for Ethernet in my setup. 

I would recommend you to look for a Used AQ Vodka ethernet cable that's a great cable and also not too expensive.

[Johnnydev]

Yes, the audioquest vodka.

[Norty]

Thanks All!  Now some more days of research for cables and LAN Silencer.  It's been a few years since I bought stereo equipment, forgot that in an item such as a streamer you are not done once you buy the main unit

[ray1234]

Just LAN connectors alone seem to make some difference, try to terminate LAN cables with Telegartner RJ45, they sound the best to my ears.

[Ecki]

Following the positive effect of a USB isolator (for USB audio streaming), i also bought the ifi lan isilencer.


I have to admit, i cannot really tell whether there is a considerable improvement in sound (i do not stream via LAN - strictly speaking i could deactivate it), but i regard this as another and easily affordable "shield" for D400 (master) on the input side.

OT
i do not recommend ifi ipurifier3 for USB. No audible changes in my ears

[Norty]

Thanks Guys!

I have purchased a Cardas Clear Cat7 Ethernet cable, should be arriving later this week.  The pricing was very reasonable versus the alternatives and I have liked my cardas equipment I  have had in the past.  

Once I break this in I will try a LAN filter.  A couple of dealers I talked to recommended going this route versus the cable. I still want to have a quality cord in place first.  I truly appreciate your input of what you all feel that works and just as importantly doesn't works in your experience.

[Hugh]

My two cents: Cable can and will make a difference. At the same time, router quality and how you power your router is also an important matter.
Here is what I’ve been doing:

https://devialetchat.com/Thread-Ethernet...#pid110044

[hardcore]

I think the best type of ethernet cable to try is: UTP (unshielded twisted pair), *solid core* bare copper cables.

Why unshielded? Prevents unwanted ground loops between network equipment. In my experience shielded ethernet cables change the tone of the sound.

Why solid core? Solid core cables have less skin effect than stranded cables. Make sure to get the bare copper ones (not copper clad steel or aluminum).

Most short consumer ethernet cables are stranded instead of solid core. Solid core cables are less flexible and used in data centers because they have better signal transmission characteristics.

Solid core UTP cables are usually sold in bulk reels and you can probably custom order them from network shops. Shopping online, I found these Belden premade patch cables of the same type and they do indeed sound excellent!

https://catalog.belden.com/index.cfm?eve...624106001M

These are unshielded Belden CAT6+ Patch Cord 23AWG Solid LSZH.

I just replaced all the ethernet cables in my home network with these.

Made a nice difference to the sound. It sounds airy and holographic yet clean without sounding sharp and has a natural tone.