So this one is potentially interesting I think. I have quite a long run in my system - parallel to heavy duty power and other data - so shielding does appeal on paper.
Using unshielded Ethernet cables is preferable, as the shielding found on Ethernet cables can ground your audio equipment to your network, which will have an audible negative impact.
…so assuming the cable meets the standard, and the jazzy Floating Shield connector meaning the connector can’t ground the equipment - then this one feels all upside no downside… Or am I reading it wrong?
Given my recent experience with finding this cable….
….as a patch from my downlink to my listening room switch (not the Melco - but a NetGear switch before it) and having heard an audible difference from replacing it with a slightly better cable, I’m very motivated to upgrade all cables in the listening room (so the patch from the downlink into the NetGear switch 1m, NetGear switch to Melco S100 5m, Melco S100 to Rossini 3m…I’ll also replace cable connecting the Roon Core to a different NetGear switch elsewhere) and these Melco C100 cables won’t break the bank….but clearly don’t want to introduce grounding problems or anything else.
Views appreciated as to if the fancy connector negates the grounding concerns expressed in the dCS FAQ?
Most people seem to settle on shielded up to a switch installed 1m or so before their streamer and then from switch to streamer either (a) unshielded eg Cat 5 or Cat 6 or (b) a shielded cable with the shield grounded only at the upstream (switch) end.
This is entirely consistent with dCS’s stance on shielded/unshielded cables; a shielded cable connected to your streamer will usually sound worse because a shield grounded to both plugs, as per Cat 8 specs, will act as a conductor and most of the noise stopped at the switch will travel down it, negating the good work of the switch.
Has anyone tried a shielded ethernet cable with an ifi galvanic isolator from switch to player? I’m using that combo now with my Rossini and it sounds good. Altho it sounded good without the ifi as well, but maybe a bit smoother sounding now.
iFi LAN iSilencer – Ethernet Signal Noise Filter for Hi-Res Audio Systems – Removes Electrical Noise with Galvanic Isolation – Plug-and-Play RJ45 Isolator
