What ethernet cables are members using?

[SoundMann]

Does this mean that I should replace the short stock cable on my SmoothLan filter with a longer one?

When I replaced a 1m coax cable with a 1.5m version do to people saying the same thing, it did give me the improvement I was looking for. The sound of my streams seem to have the same type of distortion.

 

[Doc76]

We use AB-Tech. It’s made in Sweden. It was our top runner out of a long list of other cables.

ab-tech - Products

www.ab-tech.se

 

[VPN]

I use exclusively Sablon ethernet cables, and I have seven Sablon ethernet cables. They are the best I have heard, even comparing with much more expensive ethernet cables.

I use them to connect:
1. Fiber modem for audio network to main switch
2. Fiber modem for video/house to main switch
3. Main switch to Taiko router
4. NAS to main switch
5. Main switch to Appletv X
6. Main switch to Kaleidescape server
7. Main switch to Kaleidescape player

 

[Puma Cat]

Does this mean that I should replace the short stock cable on my SmoothLan filter with a longer one?

When I replaced a 1m coax cable with a 1.5m version do to people saying the same thing, it did give me the improvement I was looking for.

I think you've answered your own question. Shunyata Research recommends to their customers purchasing their Ethernet cables to buy 1.5M or longer.

 

[agisthos]

I remember back in the days of spdif cables 1.23m or 1.5m was considered better sounding than 1.0m due to internal reflections (whatever that means). Heard reports of the same thing about USB cables and no surprise ethernet cables seems to follow this.

 

[Republicoftexas69]

Does this mean that I should replace the short stock cable on my SmoothLan filter with a longer one?

When I replaced a 1m coax cable with a 1.5m version do to people saying the same thing, it did give me the improvement I was looking for. The sound of my streams seem to have the same type of distortion.

What is the length of the Ethernet cable feeding into your SmoothLan? If it is 1 meter you are fine.

 

[Puma Cat]

I remember back in the days of spdif cables 1.23m or 1.5m was considered better sounding than 1.0m due to internal reflections (whatever that means). Heard reports of the same thing about USB cables and no surprise ethernet cables seems to follow this.

Yes, that's correct. The length of 1.5M or greater minimizes the impact of internal reflections on the cable. Remember, what we perceive as "light" (e.g. as in our reflection from a mirror) is just a part of the same electromagnetic spectrum that audio signals are comprised of. If light can reflect, so can EM waves.

 

[SoundMann]

What is the length of the Ethernet cable feeding into your SmoothLan? If it is 1 meter you are fine.

5m. but I clearly hear a similar distortion that I heard with the shorter coax cable when using the short cable that came with the SmoothLan.

The question is what sonic advantage a 2.5m cable has over a 1.5m? And does the cable between the modem and router have a sonic affect?

 

[shaylin]

First of all, English is not my native language, so some of the descriptions are not correct, please forgive me in advance

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【Peripheral equipment】

Before talking about the network route, I would like to write about the long-term self-made system dominating toys.



[S+]

1. Network Acoustics Muon Pro filter

No matter what level of network cable you use, you can always get lower noise and quieter background.

At the same time, the sound seems to have added a fullness and reality to the flesh and blood, and also improved the clarity.

Long-term streaming use.

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[S+]

2.Melco C1 SFP+Direct Attached Cable

Strictly speaking, it is not a fiber optic cable, but it has features that all the fiber optic modules + cables tested lack.

Musicality and liveliness, high fineness, I have never regretted changing after using C1

Finisar FTLX1475D3BTL+ Others do not have modules and optical fiber cables, and even feel too slow to change

(PS: C1 uses SFP+ interface. Some devices only have SFP interface and do not support it. Please pay attention. For example

Lumin, Cisco can not be used --- Sotm, Msb, Network Acoustics tempus can be used)

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【Network route comparison】

The following levels only look at the suitability of the "current own" system.

It is not a personal preference, but does not represent the actual fit of each user's home. Only the lines that have been used by the user for more than 3 days are written.

(C-level: suitable for new employees, B-level: experienced and durable team leader, A-level: manager with special skills, S-level: management)

The recent testing journey started with the desire to find a network line with good "music" and sweet vocals~

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[C-]

1.SUPRA CAT8

Moderately soft, smooth, and relaxed, if the system is too sharp or prickly, using it may have a miraculous effect.

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[C]

2. SUPRA CAT8 with Telegärtner MFP8 metal network head

The sound field is wider than the basic model, and the resolution is also better.

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[B-]

3. Panduit Category 6A cable

A richer choice than the No. 2 player, with good analysis and texture

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B

4. Norn Network Route

The three-band is balanced, no coloration, slightly thick, it is a no-brainer for small places around my network

Unfortunately, it is currently discontinued

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[B+]

5. Cardas Clear Network

Loose, soft, slightly dim, good mid-range, a model that has been used for a long time and is still on the system

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B

6.SOtM dCBL-CAT7

Excellent resolution and separation, low background noise, excellent low-frequency impact and layering

The last paragraph before the string dish is too analytical and cold for my current system.

It is recommended to place it in the front as an auxiliary line, such as in front of the Router

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[S-]

7.CM x Norn Ultimate Ultra Black Edition Net Cable

Excellent sense of space and hall, balanced three-band, excellent sound quality and level

I really like to put it between the router and the switch, which expands the margin and authority of the entire system.

It reduces the irritation, but it is very difficult to bend!!!! I was almost deducted to A+ level

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[A-]

8. Nordost Heimdall 2

Good density, a little bit of mid-high frequency gorgeousness, like a glimmer continuously hitting your head

At the same time, it has a light and clear feeling. It is a good auxiliary line

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[shaylin]

[A+]

9. Network Acoustics Muon Pro

Balanced, smooth, thick, low-key, neutral, no taint to advantages and disadvantages

Use Muon Pro filter to get a bonus effect, you can put it anywhere

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[A+]

10. Final Touch Audio Metis

Precise positioning and layering, small details and weak sounds are also enhanced, and the sense of air flow

The overall auditory picture is richer. The appeal is good. The precise positioning is particularly enjoyable when listening to EDM.

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[S-]

11.Audience hidden treasure

Smooth, clean, transparent, delicate, natural, clear, the texture of the instrument is excellent

The harmony between multiple instruments is intoxicating, and the best choice for musicality

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[S-]

12.Brise Audio YATONO-LAN

Beautiful and round, good sense of space, excellent overtones, good separation and beautiful texture,

Good atmosphere, slightly increased thickness and warmth, sweet vocals, vigorous and powerful low frequencies

PS: The line is very tough and difficult to bend

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S

13. Shunyata Sigma X

Low-pitched, pure, stable, leisurely and calm. Wide sound field.

Very neutral, clear vocals with a sense of overall picture. Slow songs are highly toxic.

The details and textures of musical instruments are particularly realistic and fascinating. The low-frequency punch is excellent.

In addition, this one has some of the effects of muon pro filter, and it can reduce noise much more obviously when used alone than other ones.

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[S?]

14. Crystal Cable Da Vinci

Crystal clear, realistic, extremely high resolution, strong sense of energy, strong sense of punch. The overall brightness of the picture is improved

The overall tone rises slightly by half a key, and sparkling little stars are scattered at the corners of the notes at any time.

The overall quality should be the highest in this test line, and the personality is the strongest. The fierce horse needs a good saddle.

Artists don't care what you think, they only care what I think.

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[S+]

15.Vertere Acoustics Pulse-HB

Real, smart, clean and clear overtones and delicate extension, three-frequency layering

The continuity control is excellent, the musicality and sound quality are equally important, the mid-high frequency has a lot of gloss and moisture,

The low frequency reduces the sense of oppression and creates a more three-dimensional spatial reverberation.

I often forget that I am testing. Vertere's digital line is really top-notch (for me).

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[treitz3]

What a fantastic two post comparison! Thanks for your observations.

Tom

 

[Puma Cat]

I did a fairly comprehensive what is known in product marketing as a "competitive benchmarking analysis" some years back when I was implementing my streamer setup from my Roon Core to my at the time, SOtM Network Bridge, and the even Shunyata Venom ethernet cable (now replaced with Gamma) Ethernet cables smoked everything else I was comparing against, including Audioquest, Wireworld, Belden, and Supra Cat 8. I had an audio buddy over to hear them, and then...we put in a Sigma, and he was so shocked that he said out loud, "OMG! Who took the kink out of the hose?!?" LOL.

 

[Republicoftexas69]

Got home today and a pair of these were waiting from my friends at Hi Fi Collective in the UK. Neotech OCC Copper Cat 6 Cable. Initial impressions are . More to come in the next couple of weeks. Also have a pair of the Neotech OCC Silver USB to test over the next few weeks.

 

[Synaxis]

Got home today and a pair of these were waiting from my friends at Hi Fi Collective in the UK. Neotech OCC Copper Cat 6 Cable. Initial impressions are . More to come in the next couple of weeks. Also have a pair of the Neotech OCC Silver USB to test over the next few weeks. View attachment 146323

Oooooooohhhhhhh...nice. Be sure to let us know what you think!

 

[Republicoftexas69]

Oooooooohhhhhhh...nice. Be sure to let us know what you think!

Sure will...

 

[SoundMann]

I am thinking of purchasing the proper lengths of BJC CAT6a. I am looking for the most natural sounding cables at an affordable price.

People seem to think that these are the ones to buy?

 

[treitz3]

That's up to you. BJ or Supra IME/IMO. Your choice. That said, any further inquiries should go to another thead, as this is off topic.

Tom

 

[Puma Cat]

I am thinking of purchasing the proper lengths of BJC CAT6a. I am looking for the most natural sounding cables at an affordable price.

People seem to think that these are the ones to buy?

I would get the Supra Cat 8 if shopping for a natural-sounding cable at an affordable price.

 

[audiobomber]

Supra CAT8 is very lean and bright. BJC CAT6a is on the opposite spectrum, quite dark tonally. The advantage of CAT6a is that you don't have to worry about the shield conducting ground current from one device to another.

I have three Supra CAT8 cables and three BJC CAT6a cables. I use the BJC cables in my secondary systems. I've tried the Supra cables in innumerable situations and always removed it. I do not like that cable.

 

[Republicoftexas69]

Supra CAT8 is very lean and bright. BJC CAT6a is on the opposite spectrum, quite dark tonally. The advantage of CAT6a is that you don't have to worry about the shield conducting ground current from one device to another.

I have three Supra CAT8 cables and three BJC CAT6a cables. I use the BJC cables in my secondary systems. I've tried the Supra cables in innumerable situations and always removed it. I do not like that cable.

In your system.