I thought I would set up a new topic so we can discuss the Sigma and Omega ethernet cables. Please let us know your experiences as I and others would be very interested.
So I started with just swapping out the Sigma for the Omega in my chain of switches:
Fibre Broadband > Router > AQ Vodka > EE8/Farad Super 3 > AQ Diamond > Phoenixnet > Omega > ND555
Sounded very good with increased bass and wider soundstage.
Next up I simplified things a bit, taking out the EE8/Farad Super 3 and Audioquest cables
Router > BJC > Phoenixnet > Omega >ND555
Sounded less fussy and clearer with same sound signature but improved.
Now I am trying it with Vodka back in the chain:
Router > Vodka > Phoenixnet > Omega > ND555
This is the best so far. It sounds natural with incredibly solid bass and beautiful timbre in the mid range.
How does it compare to Sigma. It’s early days and I would say it’s fuller, wider soundstage with very strong bass lines. It seems to be clearer to the Sigma.
The Sigma is more rounded in some respects compared to current set up. It’s a great cable. The Omega is fuller and more exciting and dynamic.
No doubt there will be some more tweaks in getting the best out of the cable.
If you might have read in the fw thread, won’t go into deeper discussion here (fw will be next). Have not sold my nd555 (that is all I will say) - and not sold nds either (love the nds)
Great comparison. Interesting that leaving out the EE8 switch improved things. I am also thinking about reducing the number of switches. Will try this weekend
You will find the omega range will sound more natural over the complete range compared to the sigma.
I also have sigma v2 digtal aes / ebu cables between my vivaldi upsampler and dac, would like to get some omega xlr’s to run to the vitus, but i have chord music and happy with them, but if some pop up i might.
But the omega ethernet is a nice sounding cable, it just gets out the way more than others, and on the last leg is all you need.
This is interesting, I did the same thing after another forum member mentioned that he’d removed his EE8 and found it to be more natural. I agreed with his findings, using just the one switch (a Cisco 2960 8 port) it was slightly better. Re-inserting the EE8 things seems a bit sharper (more etched) but now less natural.
I’m reminded that when we were all using 3.8 one switch seemed to be the default. It was only when subsequent FW’s came into being that two switches seem better? Perhaps, as we go back towards a low noise FW, we need to revert to one switch again?
That’s really exciting. I use a Cisco 3560 in the garage for the entire home network, and I also have a Silent Angel Bonn N8 with a Forester N1 connected to my hi-fi system. For the Forester N1, I use a Furutech FPS032N power cable with FI50 NCF plugs.
For the connection from the wall outlet to the Bonn N8, I use an Audioquest Vodka, and from the Bonn N8 to the streamer, an Ansuz A2 Ethernet cable. If I understand correctly, I could sell everything (except the Cisco switch) and replace it with a Shunyata Sigma or Omega Ethernet cable.
I wouldn’t need a new 8-outlet power distributor either, because my existing 6-outlet distributor would still be sufficient for all my devices (the outlet for the Forster N1 would then be free). All things considered, the investment in a Shunyata Sigma or Omega wouldn’t be that high after all… Just thinking out loud…
No, not saying that unfortunately. This was noticed before I got the Shunyata power lead.
When Drago and I first got Sigma ethernet cables it was with 3.8 and it was a perfect balance. However, subsequent FW releases meant we had to play around re-tuning our systems. I think a lot of people did the same thing.
I think we are just discovering that 3.13 needs less messing and greater simplicity?
Thank you for the quick response. I see your point. Nevertheless, I still find the idea of replacing the second switch with a high-quality Ethernet cable intriguing. It would be a step toward greater simplicity if a good Ethernet cable could adequately perform the filtering function. With my Silent Angel Bonn N8, I currently use only two ports—In and Out—to improve the signal. Actually, I don’t really need a switch in the full sense of the word for this. We’re also discussing so many variables (different switches, different power supplies for switches, different Ethernet cables before and after the switch, different power cords for switches or power supplies, etc.). Finding a balanced solution seems very difficult to me here. I’m curious to see how the discussion unfolds and what @Emrah , for example, will report about his experience.
I am getting good results from Phoenixnet only with Omega as last cable in the chain. Will try Diamond into it instead of Vodka and then BJC instead of either again.
It seems the new firmware has made things easier for switches and cables.
Hold on to the Sigma Dan. I just bought a new one . Funny thing is that a brand new Omega was on sale for the same price as the Sigma and I went for the Sigma.
Have been away from system for 6 days in a row. withdrawal symptoms…
I have the Sigma on for sale. I want top price for it. See what happens.
The Omega is settling in very nicely and I am enjoying it.
Currently enjoying system with :
Router > AQ Diamond > Phoenixnet > Omega > ND555
More definition, greater bass, lower noise floor.
Everything sounds amazing!
I have deliberately priced Sigma on high side as part of me wants to keep it!
Another side wants to sell some stuff off as I have spent alot on cables recently and the Marantz SA10. I can’t realistically keep it all when it won’t get used!
It’s a case of being a bit ruthless with selling gear on!
(that is all I will say) - and not sold nds either (love the nds)
. Funny thing is that a brand new Omega was on sale for the same price as the Sigma and I went for the Sigma.