That is a great description.
Could apply to some extent to this:
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@Geko does have a way with words @anon77199223 
Nice to get some test track suggestions. You may want to give this a try…
Keith Don’t Go_ Nils Lofgren Band
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I’m still curious about your results with the Neotech NEET-1008. Have you tried it yet or did you stay with another brand of cable before trying it?
I trialed the Neotech NEET-1008 silver and it was very good given its price IMO. Although its extremely stiff so cable routing can be a challenge if required.
I’m looking into improving the ethernet parts before my EE8 so from wall to routher to EE8 where I today have Supra CAT8 which I found better than BJC which IMO was bit boring. It didn’t schwing. Catsnake sounds like it could be a good match here. Need 4m + 1.5m.
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I have been running the new streaming configuration for a couple of weeks now, so it is about time to undertake the revert test, where the SR Sigma is replaced with the original CATsnake 6a (floating).
Here are some thoughts;
The quality of reproduction from the local Core sever improved markedly over identical tracks streamed from Qobuz. The difference was evident previously, but the AQ Diamond widened the gap. Basically, sonic performance, soundstage, control and PRaT all improved across the board.
I concluded the AQ Diamond was somehow, (magically) improving the musicality of content stored and streamed from the local Naim Core. The AQ Diamond is a keeper, as it did something that the PhoenixNet could not do; improve my system.
The revert test; removing the SR Sigma from the Qobuz streaming chain and reverting to the CATsnake produced very interesting results.
- The CATsnake performed remarkably for a £50 streaming cable. I cannot recommend it highly enough. However to my ears the SR Sigma was slightly ahead in almost all areas:
- Increased soundstage depth
- Slight smoothing of edgy recordings, giving the impression of greater control
- 3 Dimensional soundscape that was somehow more involving.
- Slight improvement in resolution/detail
The SR Sigma had that undefinable ability to make the hair on the back of my neck stand up!
Based on my tests I would say that the SR Sigma does outperform the CATsnake albeit at a huge cost. Is it worth it? Well the Phoenix Net retails at £3,250 and to my ears made my system sound worse, so yes these cables are worth the cost to me, especially at the bargain basement price I picked then up for. Happy days! Oh and the Chord ee1 basically becomes surplus to requirements in the last leg of the streaming chain. It made absolutely no difference to the performance of my system once the SR Sigma was in place. I have now installed it down stream of the Cisco where there appears to minuscule improvement in background noise or is it a figment of my imagination?
Coming up; my experience replacing the 6 meter run of BJC Cat 6 from Cisco 2960 to EE8 with a Chord Signature T ARAY streaming cable. Look away now, if you have spent a fortune on high end Chord Streaming cables.
@Geko
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I’m using AudioQuest Vodka from my modem to router. Also Vodka from NAS to router. Then AQ Diamond from router to EE8 switch and AQ Diamond from EE8 to Auralic Aries G2.2 streamer. Then Shunyata Sigma USB to Chord Mscaler and Shunyata Sigma v.2 S/PDIF (pair) to TT2… sounds really good!
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Thanks CC, really useful to know where there are possible improvements. I’ll be interested to see how the next step translates. Are you still planning to compare Neet 1008 in the mix?
Yes, there are a few more tweaks I would like to try:
Recycle the CATsnake between FTTH converter and IP Router. Apparently the Floating shield should work well in this position.
Try the Neotech Neet-1008 in various configurations.
Replace the 6m BJC between Cisco and ee8 with Supra CAT 8.
I also have a couple of Speaker cable upgrades to try, so it may take a while.
After that I am done with messing about with cables…until the next time 
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