Ethernet Networking Cable

[nicoff]

Originally Posted by W9TR

I need to add some info about Cat 6A and Cat 7 cables.

While most Ethernet cables are not shielded, starting with Cat6a there is an option to use shielded cables.

Shielded Cat 6 cables have a foil shield and drain wire which is terminated with metal connectors on each end. This is not a requirement for Cat 6a cabling but an option.

Cat 7a adds a shield for each of the 4 twisted pairs and a shield for the entire cable, which is again terminated to the metal shell on the connector.

These standards were adopted to reduce unwanted crosstalk in large gigabit enterprise installations. To work they require that the infrastructure switches be grounded to the racks and the racks be earth grounded with #6 AWG or thicker copper.

I do not recommend using these shielded cables for home audio installations. Here’s why.

Consumer switches and devices have wildly varying shielding and grounding configurations for their female Ethernet jacks. Some are totally unshielded, some are shielded. For the ones that are shielded, the way the shields are connected is not standardized. They may be just connected together, or to the chassis, or they may be connected to an internal ground. Consumer switches have wall wart power supplies that float, so there is no direct path to earth ground at all. That path could be through your $10,000 streamer.

So, my point is that you are way better off using high quality unshielded cables. They do not connect noisy grounds from your digital gear directly to your expensive audio streamer. If you know how your gear is implemented you may find an advantage to using shielded cable if and only if ONLY one end of the cable is grounded and that end is connected to your streamer.

Tony, given all this I don’t have a direct answer for you. My gut reaction is no, it won’t make a difference since it is already unshielded and located far away from your gear. This is speculation on my part though.

There may a corollary between Ethernet and AC mains cables. That is cables close to the equipment may matter more than the in-wall wiring. But I haven’t had time to experiment much. So this is also speculation.

In unshielded systems, the quality of the cable and the tightness and uniformity of the twist all matter because they determine how much RFI and EMI is radiated by the cable. That RFI and EMI will impact your gear in unpredictable ways.

I think that is why audiophiles have very different experiences with Ethernet cables and switches.

Sorry for the long post but this is a complex topic. There is no one correct answer.

Tom

So which Ethernet cables do you use?

[Swisstrips]

So any advice on what’s ideal for grounding all the network components? In my situation I have one of those 12U wall mount enclosed racks (laundry room) that house my modem, separate router/firewall, Poe power device for AP’s, managed switch with fiber ports, NAS and enclosure fan all plugged into a rack mounted UPS.

High end wkst in same area using BJ cat6a to switch. Then 50ft fiber from switch to listening room which then hooks up to a TrendNet 10/100/1000 media converter > very short cat 7 with one metal shell removed > microrendu

I’m using Jameco lps (short term) for the microU and trendnet in audio rack.

The router (uses smps) and switch (AC power) have a grounding terminal on back and the rack has a grounding screw.

I also run a 90ft fiber cbl to the upstairs office to a netgear media converter.

Thought about about getting rid of he smps for the components in network rack but not sure where to go with that yet.

Sorry for lack of structured thoughts as I’m typing this on phone as I’m killing time as daughters clothes shop[emoji2]

[Masterlu]

Swisstrips... Welcome back to AA! (last post 4 years ago)

[Swisstrips]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

Swisstrips... Welcome back to AA! (last post 4 years ago)

Hehe thanks, well I tried posting previously and was always denied - forgot what the deal was. Probably had to get approved or something but nothing ever happened soooo. It’s all good! [emoji2]

[W9TR]

Originally Posted by nicoff

So which Ethernet cables do you use?

I use Belden 2412 or Belden 1700a. They are both high quality Cat6 unshielded cables.

[GrubTheHedgehog]

I swear by Transparent, both USB and Ethernet. However, the difference between Ethernet cables is not as significant as between USB cables in my experience. The Transparent is a really well made Cat6. I tried Cat 5e, Cat 7 as well. The Cat 7 was thinner and bright. The Cat 5e sounded rolled off. The Transparent Cat 6 was the real deal. More detail, but smooth. Body, slam, bass. It was just easier on the ears and it had that black background quietness that Transparent has. Is it in the realm of possible placebo? Possibly, it was not one of the bigger cable upgrades I have experienced, but I could feel the difference in the midrange and bass. YMMV.

[johndoe21ro]

I've heard a lot of good things about AQ Diamond Ethernet!
__________________
Amp: BAT VK-655SE
Pre-amp/Digital: exaSound e32 w UpTone JS-2 Power Supply; SOtM tX-USBultra w UpTone LPS1.2; Apple Mac Mini w UpTone DC Conversion Kit & UpTone JS-2 Power Supply; Squeezelite w Logitech Media Server 7.9.0
Speakers: Triangle Magellan Cello II
Cables: AudioQuest WEL XLR, AudioQuest Everest, AudioQuest Hurricane HC, AudioQuest NRG-1000, AudioQuest Diamond USB
Rack: Solid Tech Hybrid
Tweaks: Omicron Stabilizzatore Armonico & Gold Evolution SE; IsoTek Sigmas GII w Optimum EVO3; Furutech FT-SWS (R) AC Outlet; Synergistic Research Blue Quantum Fuse

[nicoff]

Originally Posted by W9TR

I use Belden 2412 or Belden 1700a. They are both high quality Cat6 unshielded cables.

And fairly inexpensive to boot...

[Poppyhome]

Originally Posted by W9TR

I use Belden 2412 or Belden 1700a. They are both high quality Cat6 unshielded cables.

Yes I agree, only a quality well made cable is needed.
Super expensive so called hi-end audiophile Ethernet cables won't transform your system; its better to upgrade your gear................but its your money.

Ron

[sid325]

So, I just upgraded my Ethernet cable from basic Amazon 5e to Blue Jeans 6a, modem to router to switch to streamer. Now, I know we all want to hear improvements when we upgrade, but to be honest I wasn’t expecting anything with the new Cat 6a. Well, it’s probably in my head, but I swear I hear an improvement in Tidal. I’m not good at describing variances in audio quality, but it sounds fuller, more body, not as tinny. Works for me....

Jacob