Ethernet Switch and Cables Mania

[Innocent_Bystander]

As a summary JimDog’s was a start, added to in parentheses in this quote:

@anon77199223

It’s about EM noise reduction, not just accurate data transfer.
2 Ciscos usually sound better than 1. But not always
Posh Ethernet cables usually sound better than cheap ones. But not all of them, and not in all systems for all people
Blue Jeans cables are mid price and sound clear (and are on spec as data cables).
BJ cat 6a seem to work well for many. But not all
Keep the last switch before streamer free of other kit.
PD Ciscos without internal psu sound v clear/low noise floor.
PoE (Power over Ethernet) Cisco has the lowest noise floor of any Cisco I’ve tried. Others’ experiences not widely reported
White Ciscos sound whiter than blue Ciscos.

And these are additional pointers I have gleaned over the course of this thread:

• Ethernet cable and switch effects depend on the streamer/DAC being fed, and what is described in relation to one might not apply at all to another.

• Ethernet cable and switch effects are likely to depend on the remainder of the network.

• Ethernet cable and switch effects are likely to depend on the electromagnetic environment in which they are located.

• The audibility of any ethernet cable and switch effects depends at least in part on the transparency and clarity of the audio system.

• The audibility and significance of any ethernet cable and switch effects depend on the listener’s ears and the weight s/he places, subconsciously or consciously, on the nuances involved.