Hi everyone,
I’m currently doing some tests with different Ethernet cables (Shunyata Theta, AudioQuest Vodka, Furutech LAN-8 PLUS, Catsnake). I’ve verified that some cables have the shield connected at both ends, others are fully floating, and some have the shield connected on one side only.
While testing a Silent Angel Bonn N8 switch and a Power Purifier Pro over the past few days, I’ve become increasingly convinced that some of the perceived “sound” differences are related to how cable shielding is managed, together with how the RJ45 connectors of the various components are grounded (or not). In certain cases, this can even lead to ground loops.
Cable quality clearly has an impact on sound, but the grounding topology of the shield may have an even greater influence, depending on which components are connected.
I checked my Vodka cable with a multimeter in ohm mode, measuring continuity between the two metal RJ45 shells, and found that they are isolated from each other. This suggests that the shield is connected on one side only—but which one? The input side or the output side (following the arrow direction)?
Have you ever done this kind of check and have you ever experienced something like this?
A forum search will provide all sorts of answers, but I prefer to stick with industry standards.
The industry standard is to ground a network at only one single point. But in low EMI and RFI environments ethernet shielding is not required. And any domestic home is a very low EMI/RFI environment.
My setup is unshielded, but if I really (Really ?) wanted shielded I would go for fully floating shield, if nothing else it avoids any possible errors with ground loops.
Always interesting to find what people have discovered in this regard.
Please keep us updated on your results/impressions - even perhaps with the odd photo if relevant.
I see no credible basis for linking network cables to changes in sound quality.
Have you tried?
If you chop it in half it will stop the flow of electrons - you would hear that, I suspect.
I have been around long enough not to want to try what I believe is snake oil. I learnt that my ears are easily fooled and that unless I am willing to do an ABX I don’t trust them. I respect your faith but I am an atheist.
When did informed observation become “faith”?
I believe you when you say that you can’t tell the difference. But, projecting that inability onto others is a whole other step.
It’s just my viewpoint which is different to yours. What works for you doesn’t work for me.
You understand that attempting to re-characterize another user’s observations as “faith”, and to then tangentially connect them with “snake oil” could be perceived in a very negative and personal light, no?
I’ve rephrased my follow up comment, which was a response to a question being asked of me, to more clearly indicate that these are my personal opinions.
How was it?
I did not like at all the Furutech. I consider it a little bit brighter and “bass light” compared to other Ethernet cable I tested. Also the voices are e little bit raw and not natural as a human voice should be. This is the reason because I moved it to last ring of the chain.
I’ve just purchased a s/h Shunyata Alpha V2 and now the final chain is: Wall plug–>Furutech LAN-8 plus –>Switch Bonn N8–>Shunyata Theta –> Innuos Stream 1 (used only as music server) –> Shunyata Alpha V2 –> NDX2
If you are evaluating cables, it’s usually best to give them a good few days to bed in before rotating them. The Furutech may need an extended period (or just may not be a good fit).
I also use a Shunyata cable between switch and streamer and it was over two weeks before things started to gel, so do be patient.
Leave your NDX 2 playing during this period.
I also have a NDX 2 and found it beneficial to ground the switch (the commercial router has no facility to ground the LAN connections). You can safely do so via a Puritan GroundMaster City or put something together yourself for this.
I also use a LAN isolator between router and switch, many are available on try before you buy. Suspect it is a combination of the NDX 2 being very susceptible to noise and the environment I live in, however it instills a further sense of calm.
Does the Innuos Stream 1 need to sit between switch and NDX 2, or can you patch the NDX 2 direct to switch and retain functionality?
Thanks a lot for the detailed and thoughtful reply, much appreciated.
I’ll definitely give the cables more time to settle in and will leave the NDX 2 playing continuously, as you suggest. Your experience with the Shunyata is reassuring and a good reminder to be patient.
Interesting point about grounding the switch, however I did not have anymore the LAN iPurifier Pro since I preferred to keep only the Silent Angel Switch Bonn N8.
Regarding your last question: the Innuos Stream 1 has a dual Ethernet port configuration, effectively acting as a pass-through / simple switch. So the connection is router/switch → Stream 1 (in) → Stream 1 (out) → NDX 2. In this setup the Stream 1 does need to sit between the switch and the NDX 2 to retain its intended functionality.
Thanks again for sharing your experience.
Which one?
In my opinion it depends on the network architecture and system. I’m more and more convinced that it’s more important than the cable itself.
Are you happy with your Innuos Stream 1? Are you running Roon or Sense and can you hear any difference?
including the cabling, what about ethernet filtration, such as the Network Acoustics Muon Pro or similar.
Genuinely curious how this can cost £2000plus…….