All ethernet cables from Audioquest, the Melco C100 and most likely others have the shield tied at one end only. I've modified STP and S/FTP cables by removing the gold wrap from one end, leaving only the non-conductive plastic. I've modified CAT8 cables by replacing one metal RJ45 connector with a generic plastic connector. I had one of my Furutech cables modified, upgrading both connectors with Telegartners and lifting the ground on one end. In some cases I use a LAN Isolator to break the ground connection, a strategy also used by SOtM for their ethernet cables.
Do these ground-lifted cables then become directional ie. does it matter whether the ground-lifted connector is at the switch (upstream) end or streamer (downstream) end?
For example, in describing their well-regarded C100 cable, Melco don't suggest any directionality when they say: "... benefits from asymmetric drain wire grounding, where one end of the cable features a ground point. Unwanted noise, either external or from connected devices, travels in one direction to the ground end, not interfering with delicate signal transmission.
The opposite (non-grounded) end of the cable features an innovative ‘floating’ shield, which is not attached to the connector plug, meaning unwanted noise cannot transfer to connected audio devices downstream"
By default, I think I'd put the ground-lifted connector at the switch end to sustain the switch's galavnic isolation but if any noise then goes to the ground end at my streamer, this doesn't seem ideal!
By default, I think I'd put the ground-lifted connector at the switch end to sustain the switch's galavnic isolation but if any noise then goes to the ground end at my streamer, this doesn't seem ideal!
You guys have it right, the ground is nearest the source. From the Melco site: The opposite (non-grounded) end of the cable features an innovative ‘floating’ shield, which is not attached to the connector plug, meaning unwanted noise cannot transfer to connected audio devices downstream.
A friend of mine installs ethernet cables for a large mining company. They always ground the upstream end of their cables.
I have a C100 home to test. I will compare it to the similarly priced Furutech LAN-8 NCF and Audio Sensibility Supra CAT-8 Super.
You guys have it right, the ground is nearest the source. From the Melco site: The opposite (non-grounded) end of the cable features an innovative ‘floating’ shield, which is not attached to the connector plug, meaning unwanted noise cannot transfer to connected audio devices downstream.
A friend of mine installs ethernet cables for a large mining company. They always ground the upstream end of their cables.
I have a C100 home to test. I will compare it to the similarly priced Furutech LAN-8 NCF and Audio Sensibility Supra CAT-8 Super.
Theoretically Supra Is non-directional because both ends are grounded.
The C100 has the Melco name printed on the grounded connector. That end goes upstream.
Is it critical? Every audiophile has some amount of OCD, so sure, direction is critical. Some may want to try both directions and there's nothing terribly wrong with that.
Theoretically Supra Is non-directional because both ends are grounded.
The C100 has the Melco name printed on the grounded connector. That end goes upstream.
Is it critical? Every audiophile has some amount of OCD, so sure, direction is critical. Some may want to try both directions and there's nothing terribly wrong with that.
I appreciate the clarification and have seen directional indicators on other Audiophile/High End ethernet cables. They must have a similar floating shield/ground. Examples would be Nordost and Shunyata. Also found interesting reading and video over at Alpha Audio regarding ethernet connectors and cable. They claim the cable is key. https://alpha-audio.net/review/review-ten-connectors-for-network-cables-lets-get-connected/
Theoretically Supra Is non-directional because both ends are grounded.
The C100 has the Melco name printed on the grounded connector. That end goes upstream.
Is it critical? Every audiophile has some amount of OCD, so sure, direction is critical. Some may want to try both directions and there's nothing terribly wrong with that.
I guess directionality depends on the ethernet cable: if it's grounded at both ends (Supra), direction doesn't matter despite any arrows to the contrary (!); if it's grounded at one end (Melco) it might be better with the grounded (in Melco's case, the branded) end upstream. Certainly, as others have said earlier in this thread, you'll want to use an unshielded or single-end-grounded cable between switch and streamer if you want to take advantage of the galvanic isolation inherent in network switch design. So if the Supra someone mentioned is grounded at both ends, it might be fine elsewhere but wouldn't be the best choice for a switch-streamer connection.
I guess directionality depends on the ethernet cable: if it's grounded at both ends (Supra), direction doesn't matter despite any arrows to the contrary (!); if it's grounded at one end (Melco) it might be better with the grounded (in Melco's case, the branded) end upstream. Certainly, as others have said earlier in this thread, you'll want to use an unshielded or single-end-grounded cable between switch and streamer if you want to take advantage of the galvanic isolation inherent in network switch design. So if the Supra someone mentioned is grounded at both ends, it might be fine elsewhere but wouldn't be the best choice for a switch-streamer connection.
The above bolded text I have found to be incorrect just recently. I recently needed a 1M Network cable and I didn't have any of my favorite LinkUp 8 around so I used a Supra Cat8+. When I put it in, it didn't sound right, but I thought since it had not been used in a year, I would need to let it settle. So I let it settle for a few days but the sound was still not right. Around the same time, I'd read that Network cables are indeed sensitive to direction. So I turned the Supra around 180* and the sound snapped into place; this was a rather bid difference. So, though the Supra is grounded on both ends, it apparently has directionality to it.
Certainly, as others have said earlier in this thread, you'll want to use an unshielded or single-end-grounded cable between switch and streamer if you want to take advantage of the galvanic isolation inherent in network switch design. So if the Supra someone mentioned is grounded at both ends, it might be fine elsewhere but wouldn't be the best choice for a switch-streamer connection.
All confused. Just cannot find the best answer . Which Ethernet cable is best got Uptone Ether Regen. CAT 5 , 6 , 7 or 8 ? Shielded or unshielded? Please post from personal experience. Thanks in advance.
The above bolded text I have found to be incorrect just recently. I recently needed a 1M Network cable and I didn't have any of my favorite LinkUp 8 around so I used a Supra Cat8+. When I put it in, it didn't sound right, but I thought since it had not been used in a year, I would need to let it settle. So I let it settle for a few days but the sound was still not right. Around the same time, I'd read that Network cables are indeed sensitive to direction. So I turned the Supra around 180* and the sound snapped into place; this was a rather bid difference. So, though the Supra is grounded on both ends, it apparently has directionality to it.
I said "Theoretically, Supra Is non-directional" above, because even though the theory says this should be so, in practice I have heard differences by reversing ethernet cables as you did, but not always. I've found the same thing with S/PDIF cables, some are directional, even though there should be no difference.
All confused. Just cannot find the best answer . Which Ethernet cable is best got Uptone Ether Regen. CAT 5 , 6 , 7 or 8 ? Shielded or unshielded? Please post from personal experience. Thanks in advance.
The above bolded text I have found to be incorrect just recently. I recently needed a 1M Network cable and I didn't have any of my favorite LinkUp 8 around so I used a Supra Cat8+. When I put it in, it didn't sound right, but I thought since it had not been used in a year, I would need to let it settle. So I let it settle for a few days but the sound was still not right. Around the same time, I'd read that Network cables are indeed sensitive to direction. So I turned the Supra around 180* and the sound snapped into place; this was a rather bid difference. So, though the Supra is grounded on both ends, it apparently has directionality to it.
I am troubled by two things, though obviously you heard what you heard.
Cable directionality: if a cable is grounded at both ends, how can swapping it through 180 degrees make any difference? I'm struggling to see what might bre at play here. Cable like the Melco C100, sure, but not a dual-grounded cable like the Supra.
Cable settling: what is this? I'm not sure I understand what can change during the settling period. Molecular structure? If a cable is "burned in", does it unburn in if unused? My answer: nothing changes but your ears. I can see how circuitry might settle, some caps might need to re-form, a stylus might need to run a few sides before it's at its best, but I have never experienced or seen a theory which explains how a set of conductors can change over time. I'd apply this to all cables, but ethernet cables are particularly low current so it's even harder to fathom.
Any ideas? I don't want to divert the thread into a repeat of what's probably been argued to exhaustion elsewhere.
There are plenty of Ethernet cables that claim directionality and have grounding at both ends. Why is a good question. But most Supra cable is directional.
I am troubled by two things, though obviously you heard what you heard.
Cable directionality: if a cable is grounded at both ends, how can swapping it through 180 degrees make any difference? I'm struggling to see what might bre at play here. Cable like the Melco C100, sure, but not a dual-grounded cable like the Supra.
Cable settling: what is this? I'm not sure I understand what can change during the settling period. Molecular structure? If a cable is "burned in", does it unburn in if unused? My answer: nothing changes but your ears. I can see how circuitry might settle, some caps might need to re-form, a stylus might need to run a few sides before it's at its best, but I have never experienced or seen a theory which explains how a set of conductors can change over time. I'd apply this to all cables, but ethernet cables are particularly low current so it's even harder to fathom.
Any ideas? I don't want to divert the thread into a repeat of what's probably been argued to exhaustion elsewhere.
Don't have an answer for your directionality question. On directionality, all I can say was that when I swapped ends with the Supra, it was definitely much better one way than the other. I, like you, do want to understand why things happen or how they work, but in this case I really don't know. I guess contacting Supra may provide an answer?
Cable settling. I shall define what I mean by this. Cables don't like to be moved, so when you first put them in a system, they need time to settle. Even a cable that has 1,000s of hours on it like the Supra I mentioned above. It was fully burned in but had been out of the system for probably a year and so it needed some settling time to sound correct. I knew after a day or two, the newly inserted Supra 8+, that something was still wrong. And so I switched it end for end and after a little more settling, the sound was much better.
'My answer: nothing changes but your ears.' - I'd prefer if you not speak for me. I know my system quite well. I can hear any change I make and the one I'm talking about above wasn't subtle. That I can't explain why there was a change, of course also does not mean that it did not occur. Regards
Manufacturers probably mark directionality to keep audiophools happy, and it makes it easier when you change equipment, you know you are keeping the direction the same.
Manufacturers probably mark directionality to keep audiophools happy, and it makes it easier when you change equipment, you know you are keeping the direction the same.
Manufacturers probably mark directionality to keep audiophools happy, and it makes it easier when you change equipment, you know you are keeping the direction the same.
@Republicoftexas69 Don't you believe in keeping the directionality the same, the gentleman from Melco told us they mark one end of their C100 cable not because it sounds better one way or the other, but to enable the customer to keep it the same direction no matter how many times you remove the cable and then re-install.
They are a very good ethernet cable and prior to going 100% fiber I had used these cables.
Supra Cat 8 - RJ45 Connectors for maintained speed and accuracy
The Supra RJ45 connectors developed specifically for our Cat 8 ethernet cable is easy to assemble at home or on-site. It provides a strong cable clamping, allowing long service life also when frequently connected. Specially developed for maintaining the astonishing speed and accuracy in our proprietary Cat 8 ethernet cable. Mounted on all our Cat 8 patch cables.
Features and benefits:
• Easy mount - quick and simple to mount on-site
• Exemplary performance - Keeps the Supra Cat 8 ethernet cable astonishing speed and accuracy
• Heavy 24K gold plating - No corrosion and maintained conductivity also when frequently connected
• Sturdy cable strain relief - Will not disrupt even when handled, e.g. adding cables to a switch under operation
• Made in Sweden!
Mechanical Specifications:
• Standard: Ethernet RJ45 Male Connector
• Signal direction: Bi-directional
• Application examples: Ethernet 40GBASE-T cables, e.g. Supra Cat 8 Ethernet Cable
Cable design:
• Corrosion protection: 24K gold plating
• Cable strain relief: Integrated in housing. Becomes effective when mounting cable
• Cable bend protection: Yes, integrated
