I’ve acquired a Melco C100 Ethernet cable which has asymmetrical grounding, but I don’t know which end of the lead is floating and which is connected to ground. Earlier posts on another thread suggested that the grounded end is marked with a Melco logo. Trouble is, both ends have a logo. Only difference I can discern is on the latching tab; one is marked ‘6’, the other ‘19’. Any suggestions? Does it matter, ultimately?
I would call ADMM who are the distributor for Melco, now called Dela and ask them.
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The plug with the melco symbol is the ground end, connected to your switch or router
The trouble is, BOTH ends have a Melco logo on the plug case…
Try the cable in both directions and spend hours deciding if you can detect a difference.
If you can, job done.
If you can’t, just spend the next few months worrying on whether you have the cable the correct way around….
Technically it “matters” in that the grounded side needs to be connected to an earthed device (to drain any noise). However, if there isn’t any noise to drain then I doubt it’s an issue.
There really is some BS from Melco in their promo for this cable.
The opposite (non-grounded) end of the cable features an innovative ‘floating’ shield, which is not attached to the connector plug, meaning unwanted noise cannot transfer to connected audio devices downstream.
There is nothing “innovative” about a floating shield that drains at one end (only) to earth. An electronics buddy of mine modified my Arcam ruby RCA cables with this configuration back in 1990. [edit: he also had the foresight to mark which end of the cable should be grounded…..]
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If your cable has the Melco logo printed on both plugs, I am pretty sure it is not a C100 but a C1AE which is the non directional predecessor of the C100. Had them both in my current setup and find the C100 way better…
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As it happens, I have listened to the cable in both configurations and have made a judgement as to my preference. Wasn’t a double blind test, so clearly has no value as a decision. I’m not one to worry overmuch about these things, the question was really posed to avoid too much scrabbling around behind my kit swapping cables around. I’ll probably end up with a Network Acoustics Tempus or a Reiki Audio Superswitch which will no doubt involve using their approved cables, anyway.
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With the c1ae I could not hear a difference changing the cable direction. The directional C100 Was better when connected with the logo plug on side of my switch when used between switch and my Melco player.
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It was sold to me as a C100, so words may be had. I’ve contacted the distributor for comment, so we’ll see what transpires..
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Easy to test with a multi meter to see if its floating or not
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Tomorrow’s post breakfast task.
I don’t know why people keep referring to after market streaming cables as Ethernet. Melco does appear to conform to the 802.3 standard but other brands might not.
Once you determine which end is which you still need to decide which way round they go. The grounded end should go to whichever device has a port grounded port and mains earth. If neither does, it will likely not matter unless one grounds the shield to heavy chassis.
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Eh? Mine doesn’t?
It’s confusing, isn’t it? My lead came from MCRU at a reduced price, but not in any original packaging, so all I have to go on is a visual inspection (and judicious use of a multi-meter).
The grounded end should never go to the dac if you are using it in the last leg
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Depends on the DAC. If the DAC provides no shield ground and neither does the switch, you’re probably better off with an unshielded cable.
If the DAC really doesn’t want a shield ground it should be constructed with an ungrounded port.
Whatever case you have you never want to send a cable thats like the melco one, connect sheild to dac end.
You want the dac to get as little as possible any unwanted noise or interference.
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In my set-up the current configuration is Router>Netgear GS324>Cisco2960C>underfloor Cat5e(nothing fancy)>wallplate>Catsnake 5e>EE8>MelcoC100(?)>Naim NSS333/NPX300. Believe that is all unshielded, apart from the Melco on the last leg to the network player.
A test with my multi-meter shows continuity between both metal shrouds on the RJ45 of the Melco. So, not floating, then?
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