I want to connect my switch with NDX2 and having a D2 Ansuz network cable that has a printed arrow in one end pointing the source component. I am a bit confused. My logic says that source component is the switch in this case but also NDX is the source component on my system. So where to connect the end that has the arrow?
Ignore any arrows or the like. Try it both ways and see what you think.
Probably no difference but at least you tried it.
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Ok Ai answer makes sense:
In the context of your Naim Audio system setup, let’s clarify the role of the components and how the Ansuz D2 network cable’s arrow should be oriented.
The “source component” in this scenario refers to the device that originates or sends the digital signal down the cable. In a typical network audio setup, the switch (connected to your router or network) is providing the data stream to the Naim NDX 2, which is a network music player. The NDX 2 then processes that data and converts it into an audio signal for your system. So, from the perspective of the Ethernet connection between the switch and the NDX 2, the switch is the source of the data, and the NDX 2 is the destination (or sink).
The arrow on the Ansuz D2 network cable indicates the intended direction of signal flow, pointing from the source to the destination. Ansuz designs their cables with directionality in mind, often based on shielding or conductor orientation, to optimize signal integrity and reduce noise. Therefore, you should connect the end of the cable with the arrow pointing away from the switch (the source) and toward the NDX 2 (the destination).
Connection:
Plug the end of the Ansuz D2 cable without the arrow (or where the arrow starts) into the Ethernet port of your switch.
Plug the end with the arrow (where the arrow points) into the Ethernet port of your Naim NDX 2.
Why This Makes Sense:
While the NDX 2 is indeed the “source” of the audio in your broader system (as it feeds your amplifier or speakers), the cable’s directionality pertains specifically to the network data flow between the switch and the NDX 2. The switch is upstream, delivering the raw network data, making it the source in this link.
This setup aligns with your logic and the typical conventions for directional Ethernet cables in high-end audio systems. Enjoy your music!
This will just lead to confirmation bias.
Would you use AI to choose a meal in a restaurant?
Ignore… use your ears.
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Logically the arrow indicates the flow of the music, ie switch to streamer. My Chord cables have direction indicators, which I’ve always followed. I guess I could try them both ways round but I can’t be bothered.
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That is correct, direction of flow of the signal.
DG…
Who needs AI when you have us?
This is largely rubbish. The idea that “the cable’s directionality pertains specifically to the network data flow between the switch and the NDX 2” is meaningless: all Ethernet data transfer requires constant two way data flows between devices in order to function. No doubt AI is just scraping data from forums like this where anyone can post anything and it’s there for anyone to read, regardless of whether or not there’s a grain of truth in it.
I can accept that this cable may have directionality determined by the screen being grounded only at one end, but manufacturers often fail to offer any such explanation. Whether or not Ansuz do, I have no idea.
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As you say, like your comments.
DG…
Salty or sweet? Mind you I like the both combined.
DG…
You haven’t indicated what specific question you asked of AI, but regardless, that answer reads as if AI has accessed and regurgitated the manufacturer’s sales blurb …but then what else would you expect from AI?
As any network cables is bidirectional by requirements, from a data perspective it can’t make a difference. The streamer must send back data the other way to talk to the endpoint at both the protocol level and to manage packet flow control.
But mechanically it could easily be directional due to which end the screen is bonded to ground on.
While being skeptical is healthy, when it comes to cable directionality (any cable) remember:
- The manufacturer has nothing to gain by putting the arrow on the cable. There isn’t an audiophile price bump just because the cable is claimed to be directional.
- It costs zero effort to install any cable in the direction indicated.
As they make no money from the claim and the user requires no effort, there is zero reason to install the cable the other way even if you think it’s nonsense.
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Hi… the actual flow of the signal flows both ways in an Ethernet lead (when using TCP which is what home digital audio uses). So in that sense there is no ‘signal’ flow direction in terms of voltages in the the wire.
However you might find the Ethernet lead is grounded at one end or the other… and that grounding point can change the noise profile flowing into the ground plane which may be audible.
Therefore try either direction and see which is preferable if any… but as far as the network is concerned the signal physically flows both ways albeit asymmetrically . Inside the cable there are specific wires for each direction (when running full duplex)… so any directionality in a good cable would be optimised for each direction within the cable.
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Whilst I can offer no evidence, I suspect this is untrue…
There are makers of expensive cables that emphatically point out theirs are not directional. ATLAS spring to mind.
And there are cheap cables that cost £10 that are marked with an arrow and indicate direction.
100% ……… or they could just be charging an extra 50 bucks for the arrow B.S. .
Grounding ethernet is a minefield of confusion.
If you do select a screened ethernet, how is the screen wired, both ends or one end, and if so which is the grounded end, or is it fully floating.
Ideally, if you must use screened ethernet, it should have a single point ground.
So how do you do that, the only certainty is Naim streamers RJ45 ports are grounded, but NAS’s and switch’s only might be, and a switch may have screen circuit pass thru or not, a router will not be grounded.
Then you need to ask if all the units are all on the same power circuit, and if not is there a potential difference on separate power circuit earths …….
All my ethernets are unscreened, nothing to think about.
Well, ok. But for every manufacturer that claims their cable is not directional there will be an audiophile that claims to hear otherwise; and without the arrow that £10 cable would only sell for £5. Psychology is odd.
Indeed, and if factually shown with an arrow pointing in both directions instead of one, I might be able to sell the said cable for £20
Fair enough. We might have to agree to disagree. While I do think audiophiles are susceptible to buy any crap for silly prices, I don’t think arrows on a cable are one of the triggers.
Of course going out of your way to put cables the wrong way round or avoiding any brand that indicates direction without explanation is everyone’s right.
For analog interconnects though, a grounded screen at one end is extremely standard. Every shielded cable I’ve ever made is mechanically directional and every one I’ve given to a friend, I’ve marked with an arrow but haven’t bothered explaining why. For most people buying proper hifi, they are buying at the entry level and while they are buying a better cable, I don’t think most people know or care about such things. Hence it’s easier to hand it over and say, “Follow the arrow,” rather than, “There’s this thing called the signal ground and a thing called a screen and blah blah blah…”
LAN cables for audio could have various mechanical constructions beyond even shield grounding that affect direction. Resistor slugged screens; shields only on one twisted pair. Those would be outside CAT specs of course but none of those huge chunky RJ45 audiophile plugs adhere to any CAT specification either. I think it’s simpler to just follow directions. And I think at the entry level and Uber expensive level, the buyer doesn’t know or care.
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