New Shunyata Ethernet Cables!

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by Levitator

Thanks Stephen for the tips - I’m using an Alpha NR cable on my esoteric streamer and when I did instal it there is no question it made quite a difference! Not sure about my router but will have a closer look...

[crion2]

Anyone in the beta group tried the ethernet cables on s/pdif transport mode like say a Meridian Speakerlink (semi AES/EBU cable) or Meridian MMHR 4xS/PDIF in a cat7 SFTP cable.

Can we expect similar improvement for critical s/pdif lanes running over cat6a/cat7 sftp?
Using AQ Diamond currently.

[Masterlu]

crion2... Welcome to AA!

[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?

[SCAudiophile]

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?

FWIW, overly cautious here... I would never run any cable of any kind under a carpet, many reasons not to do that having to do with the carpet and pad becoming a massive dielectric and all that and stepping on cables is a bad idea all around even with flat cables.

Better to run them behind baseboards, in walls or between joists under subfloors.

IMHO and FWIW

[crion2]

Thanks SCAudiophile, unfortunately the room is as is. Cat5e cables in wall and all, so if I need something higher spec I have this short spot where it does cross under a carpet and it might get stepped on. It is what it is.. :/

[SCAudiophile]

Originally Posted by crion2

Thanks SCAudiophile, unfortunately the room is as is. Cat5e cables in wall and all, so if I need something higher spec I have this short spot where it does cross under a carpet and it might get stepped on. It is what it is.. :/

If you have a crawlspace or basement, consider running under the floor....

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by crion2

Anyone in the beta group tried the ethernet cables on s/pdif transport mode like say a Meridian Speakerlink (semi AES/EBU cable) or Meridian MMHR 4xS/PDIF in a cat7 SFTP cable.

Can we expect similar improvement for critical s/pdif lanes running over cat6a/cat7 sftp?
Using AQ Diamond currently.

What is SFTP?

[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.

[crion2]

Originally Posted by GuillaumeB

Another cool thing - for longer lengths the prices are VERY reasonable. Between $14 and $18 per additional 0.25M.

What happened to this smart pricing? I checked the prices on additional lengths for Alpha and Sigma and they were $50 and $75, besides they are identical cable material. Far from $14-$18. This for me limits where I would consider Shunyata ethernets.

Long (10m) cables just gets thrown of the map for no apparent reason. The tech in Sigma/alpha compared to others are in the additional common mode thingies, not the conductor. That is why I think the new pricing is contradictory to selling longer lengths of alpha/sigma. Where IMHO they would perhaps do most good?