As far as I know, the Cinnamon’s shield is connected via the RJ45 connectors at both ends, whereas many Naim users prefer a shield connected at one end only, or even a floating shield, to avoid potential ground loops and unwanted noise transfer. That’s why I’m interested in trying a DesignaCable CatSnake.
Fortunately I had the opportunity to compare the 555 PS side by side with a “non-Naim” power supply and it simply outperformed it in every aspect. There is one technical specification to keep in mind while you’re making your decision: the power supply in the 555 DR is 40% larger than that of the standard XPS. This was another deciding factor that helped me choose the 555 PS.
Cardas Clear Reflection loom has gone back to dealer. We did get some amazing results with these in.
My nephew did rubbish their build quality and materials used for the price. His opinion of course.
So, next up is a full loom of Shunyata Theta cables. My nephew praises these for all the same reasons he dismissed the Cardas.
Let’s see. ![]()
They make superb cables, no BS.
The GS105 is not grounded, but all its ethernet ports will be connected via ground. You might want to experiment with cheaper (but well made) shielded and unshielded cables first. Also consider anything else that might be connected to that switch and possibly use an unshielded cable for the link to the rest of your network to minimise more ground noise transfer. I think @Xanthe may have gone through this and concluded it’s more about ground noise shaping than price of the cable. Very environment specific.
That’s a very interesting point. I’m currently using an AQ Cinnamon, which as far as I know has the shield connected at both ends. That’s why I’m curious to try a CatSnake Floating between my GS105 and NDX 2. It may well be more about managing ground noise than the cable itself. Thanks for the explanation.
If you want to test the grounding performance of any particular shielded cable, you can put an ungrounded cable connector between it and the port to break the ground connection. Maybe use a switch that has a grounded mains connection, and break the ground connection at the streamer end.
A new arrival at Chez Duck - an Atom HE. I’ve been given permission to develop another room in the house as a personal space ( I detest the word ‘mancave’) for when main living area is in use. It’s not particularly big so I’m going to use the Atom HE and my Focal Clear Mg’s for listening. Will post pic in Systems thread when it’s ready.
As ever, first class service from Paul at the brilliant Billy Vee.
I agree. I think Catsnake is an excellent all round good value Ethernet cable that will easily see off cables up to £500+. There are better out there but you need to spend a lot of money to beat Catsnake. It’s not until you get into the world of Shunyata, AQ and a few of the other exotic cables that you understand just how good steaming can get.
I guess I will never understand ![]()
Just don’t try Focal’s Utopia’s with your new HE, your wallet will never forgive you….. ever
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ATB, J
Is it this system you are using with the Kan’s? TEAC VRDS-9, Thorens TD145, Quad 33/303 or TEAC A-H500i, Duelund speaker cables
Nor I. My wife and I compared a $1800 Siltech ethernet cable to the $20 BlueJean Cable Cat6 cable I use. It sounded a bit different here and there, but not better or worse.
I still have a bunch of notes from that where I called them Cable A and B. The notes are inconclusive about comparative quality and I no longer even remember which is which.
My 555 PS was fully refreshed by AV Options in 2020.
I think you have already responded to me, because I remember this response.
Enjoy, I have this ps too, it’s transformative. ![]()
Sorry no, I haven’t yet updated it… I change frequently ![]()
It’s TD145, A&RP77, Naim Stageline N with DIY PSU, TEAC VRDS-9 with external DAC, Naim Nait 5si.
The Kan are not yet here, I’m now using Marten Design Miles II, which are wonderful but I have a definite penchant for small stand mounts.
I’ve taken delivery of a HumminGuru Nova ultrasonic record cleaning machine. Still awaiting a delivery of distilled water (I had NO idea how difficult that was to source. Back in the day you could wander down to ‘the chemists’ to procure some for pennies. Not no more.) I’ve ordered online from Distilled Water Supplies, but wondered where other RCM users source their supplies of distilled water?
You can normally find it cheap where they sell automotive parts too (battery water).
FTFY (sorry, it’s a bug-bear of mine so please excuse the pedantry).
More importantly, great pickup.




