Ethernet cable question

Dampdog

New Member
Apr 10, 2021
11
0
1
41
Hello,

Relatively new both here and with digital audio. I have a question about ethernet.

I am using my MacBook to stream Amazon HD music via USB into an Accuphase DAC 50 / E 280 amp.

I have been using Wi-Fi for the web connection, but want to try ethernet for stability and any possible SQ benefits. I bought a WireWorld cable (yellow: Chroma?), which must go into the Mac via a USB-C adapter. The problem is, the MacBook only has two USB-C ports, making it tricky to simultaneously output audio, connect an ethernet cable and keep the MacBook plugged into the mains.

In short, are there any downsides to plugging the ethernet and the mains into a USB-C adapter that accommodates both?

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks
 

Ultrafast69

VIP/Donor
Aug 27, 2018
222
225
385
Seattle, WA
www.audio-ultra.com
Hello,

Relatively new both here and with digital audio. I have a question about ethernet.

I am using my MacBook to stream Amazon HD music via USB into an Accuphase DAC 50 / E 280 amp.

I have been using Wi-Fi for the web connection, but want to try ethernet for stability and any possible SQ benefits. I bought a WireWorld cable (yellow: Chroma?), which must go into the Mac via a USB-C adapter. The problem is, the MacBook only has two USB-C ports, making it tricky to simultaneously output audio, connect an ethernet cable and keep the MacBook plugged into the mains.

In short, are there any downsides to plugging the ethernet and the mains into a USB-C adapter that accommodates both?

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks
You can always try, and hear the results yourself. My thought thought though is not to make any change and run as you were previous, no sense in adding a connection. If you are having dropouts that’s a whole other issue.
 

Dampdog

New Member
Apr 10, 2021
11
0
1
41
Thanks so much for the reply to this humble beginner.

There are occasional issues when demand on the WiFi is high. But it turns out a hub (Belkin) to accept both the Ethernet and power cable wasn’t good: causes extreme jitter, or something, when the Mac screen energy saver kicks in.

Going to use my entry level Denon network player instead. Will connect to web via Ethernet and to amp via RCA. Thinking to buy some Chord Company Clearway. Reviews seem positive. That will mean I don’t get the benefits of the Accuphase dac, but oh well.
 

CKKeung

Well-Known Member
Jun 17, 2011
3,053
3,172
1,410
Hong Kong
Thanks so much for the reply to this humble beginner.

There are occasional issues when demand on the WiFi is high. But it turns out a hub (Belkin) to accept both the Ethernet and power cable wasn’t good: causes extreme jitter, or something, when the Mac screen energy saver kicks in.

Going to use my entry level Denon network player instead. Will connect to web via Ethernet and to amp via RCA. Thinking to buy some Chord Company Clearway. Reviews seem positive. That will mean I don’t get the benefits of the Accuphase dac, but oh well.
Hi Dampdog,
Accessories such as the Chord Company Clearway are not cheap.
Why not to consider getting a better quality streamer/server instead?
Accessories and cables are to assist the frontends only.

Nowadays there are so many reasonably priced streamers.
Those made by UK brands are usually very musical : Naim, Cyrus, Cambridge Audio ..etc, or may be the new Arcam ST60 :
 

Dampdog

New Member
Apr 10, 2021
11
0
1
41
CKKeung, thank you.

I appreciate the suggestions for British-made streamers. I do plan to get a better one, but not for a year or two. I've spent quite a bit on an Accuphase amp and JBL L82 speakers since late last year.

In fact, I bought the Denon streamer as a stopgap during New Year. The DAC in my Denon PMA 1600 amp suddenly stopped recognizing USB inputs, so I bought the streamer (which connects via optical) to ensure we could have music during the hols. Denon set me a new amp, but I decided to sell it straight away and go for an upgrade.

I bought the Chord Company Clearway cable today. It's spacious and detailed. After burn-in, perhaps it'll get better.
 

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