?Ethernet cable for your N10

[Mikeylee]

I have really enjoyed this conversation because my next test for upgrading is ethernet cables from the wall to the lan switch and from the switch to my nuc and Roon endpoint.

This reminds me of a conversation I had with an engineer about the differences in running on cement/concrete sidewalks and on the blacktop streets. He insisted there was no difference structurally so the running experience is identical. I had to tell him my hips, knees, shins, and feet said otherwise.

[robfine]

I'm not an engineer but I did get a BS in civil engineering. For a real engineer to say there is no difference structurally between concrete sidewalks and blacktop is like saying there is no difference, in any respect, between my WW Silver Electra PC and $5.99 extension cord you can buy in the last aisle at CVS. There is a difference between the concrete in the sidewalks in Miami (where the aggregate is made from coral rock) and New York City (where the aggregate is made of granite) and my knees and back (when just walking more than a few blocks) can certainly feel it.

[nicoff]

Originally Posted by Mikeylee

I have really enjoyed this conversation because my next test for upgrading is ethernet cables from the wall to the lan switch and from the switch to my nuc and Roon endpoint.

This reminds me of a conversation I had with an engineer about the differences in running on cement/concrete sidewalks and on the blacktop streets. He insisted there was no difference structurally so the running experience is identical. I had to tell him my hips, knees, shins, and feet said otherwise.

Your engineer friend is wrong. Structurally speaking, concrete is much harder than asphalt. Your knees can tell.

[Cohibaman]

Originally Posted by Mikeylee

I have really enjoyed this conversation because my next test for upgrading is ethernet cables from the wall to the lan switch and from the switch to my nuc and Roon endpoint.

This reminds me of a conversation I had with an engineer about the differences in running on cement/concrete sidewalks and on the blacktop streets. He insisted there was no difference structurally so the running experience is identical. I had to tell him my hips, knees, shins, and feet said otherwise.

I hope he's not a civil engineer!

[medward0]

Thanks for the replies, everyone. I appreciate you all taking the time.

Like all things cable, there are different takes from "it can't possibly make a difference" to "I can really hear the difference."

Yea, I'd say my Ethernet cable is a well-made generic cable...but just using the words "generic cable" makes my OCD audiophile shudder. My own bias, I know, but bias gained from experience with high-quality audio/power cables.

I may try something like a Blue Jeans or Supra just for grins at a relatively low cost and go from there.

And thanks, Masterlu, for the great picture! Love it.

ed

P.S. As a former runner, yea, concrete is definitely much harder on the joints than asphalt.

[-E-]

Lanshack is still providing fluke printouts for all their 6A cables that are custom made. Those work very well.

You can even get coupled keystones from them to make it look very clean.

[orosie]

I guess us Networking/IT guys who are also Audio Aficionados will always argue against the merits of more expensive cables for digital.

To me it is not an argument....there is no difference when it comes to Ethernet.

[lschoonaert]

I agree with bit-perfect copy, cable won't matter much - i think on the audio level it's more about the interference your network (ethernet port) cable can introduce on the internal audio components of the streamer.. and then you go look at clean power, what switch is the cable hooked up to etc etc... i think with an aurender it won't make much difference what type of network cable you use as long as it's 1Gb and properly shielded.

[medward0]

Thanks folks.

I did buy some new Ethernet cables from Blue Jeans and they are tested prior to shipping. Some difference in SQ compared to my old generic cable (mostly music sounded more "coherent"...the only way I can describe it), but not Earth shattering.

[Arcilius]

I can recommend auditioning some cables from AQ and WW on your system. Opening cables topic is more political than practical.

If you want to look into higher costing range(for ethernet only), i would recommend in auditioning Vertere and Synergestic Research Ethernet cables.