[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by crion2

Thankyou! I must admit though that another version of myself has been here before, I'm the 2.0.

Q2: How effective is the common mode noise rejection of the cables, can we remove the lan isolators/transformers we have used up until now? (I use a GISO-GB from Acousence just 1,5m before the streamer). Or are they still useful in their purpose to bring down the noise before the streamer?


Q3: Regarding the sturdiness of the cables, can they be run under a carpet ie. not afraid of stepping on them? For longer lengths (5m+) I've prevously been running AQ Vodkas and Supra Cat8 cables as they feel quite sturdy. What is the view on the Shunyata ethernet cables in this regard?

Q2: The common noise rejection of the cables is very, very effective; they make a demonstrable impact on reduction of the noise floor and real increase in the clarity and openness of the presentation. The presentation sounds more spacious and "organic" or more, analog, if you prefer. The Sigma are better than the Alpha because they have 2 CN filters; so it provides more "Shunyata goodness" and the improvement is more than just 2X because of the 2nd filter.

I don't know anything about the LAN isolators/transfomers you're using now; never heard of them, nor do I know what they are and what they are supposed to do. And, personally, I don't know of anyone else using LAN isolators in their digital streaming configs. My view and experience though, is the less digital devices you have in the configuration, the better, particuarly ANY device that has a clock, e.g. a cable modem, router, Ethernet switch, FMC, Ethernet over Power adapters, computer, NUC, network bridge, streamer, or DAC.

Q3: No, you cannot run Shunyata Ethernet cables under carpet. The Alpha and Sigma also have a common noise filter that is about 1" in diameter that goes around the outside of the cable.

I'm with SCA; running Ethernet cables under carpet is not advisable. If you absolutely have to run hard connections (i.e, physical cables) under carpet, my recommendation would be running optical fiber instead, it is considerably thinner. And, it won't pass AC low and high-impedance leakage currents from switch-mode power supplies.