I think if I’d not heard Sigma I’d be completely agreeing with you. For the money the Neotech is a remarkable lead and a big step up from the Catsnake I was using, so it’s boxing well above its weight for relatively little cost.
Unfortunately, Sigma on my system is simply on another level of musical communication, but then so it should be for the money! I’ve not tried Chord music but I’m imagining Sigma is showing similar qualities. That is judging by some of the reviews I’ve read about Chord Music.
Sigma is the first ethernet cable that, for me, seems to get rid of the dreaded (digital) high frequency hash or harshness that exists, especially when you play at high or realistic volumes. I’m not exaggerating when I say it imparts a true analogue sound quality to digital music and the closest I’ve come to replicating/bettering my turntable. You know the sound is right within the first ten minutes of plugging it in. No prolonged burn-in, it just gets a tad sweeter and more real the longer you leave it.
I can also imagine a situation where a guy is using Omega on a high-end laid-back system and someone comes along with the Neotech and sticks it in. It may be just the tonic the system needs and within minutes a myth is born!
I’m about to relegate the Neotech from my Core to switch, so it will still be getting burn-in but I’m afraid I’m really struggling living without the Sigma working it’s musical magic!