Why choose UTP / floating ethernet cable?

[was_a]

Hi folks - does anyone recommend or use unshielded or floating (only one end grounded) network cable for their audiophile setups?

 

I've tried a few of the usual suspects (BJC Cat 6 UTP, BJC 6A floating, the Design Cables variant of the Belden 6A, Meicord etc) and in every case I heard a loss of focus in comparison to shielded cables.

 

On this subject I have to defer to the sensible advice offered by a couple of my engineer-credentialed / educated mates i.e. "Don't use unshielded ethernet cables for audio".

 

 

 

 

Edited January 11, 2024 by was_a

[andyr]

1 hour ago, was_a said:

Hi folks - does anyone recommend or use unshielded or floating (only one end grounded) network cable for their audiophile setups?

 

"Use" ... in what sense - as:

1. ethernet cable?
2. spkr cable?
3. interconnect?

 

[davewantsmoore]

2 hours ago, was_a said:

On this subject I have to defer to the sensible advice offered by a couple of my engineer-credentialed / educated mates i.e. "Don't use unshielded ethernet cables for audio".

What is their specific reasoning for this advice?

 

It will be highly equipment dependant ... ie. what currents end up flowing in the shield(s).... and where those currents end up going.

 

[TRHH]

On 11/01/2024 at 2:18 AM, was_a said:

Hi folks - does anyone recommend or use unshielded or floating (only one end grounded) network cable for their audiophile setups?

 

Have been looking at AIM NA6 (import from Japan). But so far I have not implemented it:

 

Torben

[evil c]

@Assisiand l both tried it with Acoustic Revive Ethernet cables.

I just disconnected one Telegartner end running from my Audio network switch to my Antipodes K50. 

In my case on the Antipodes receiving end.

I did it some time ago, but remember comparing with same cable that had both ends still connected - and I preferred the disconnected version.

It had a more open uncompressed sound from memory, perhaps John could enlighten us further on his experience(s).

[Assisi]

59 minutes ago, evil c said:

@Assisiand l both tried it with Acoustic Revive Ethernet cables.

I just disconnected one Telegartner end running from my Audio network switch to my Antipodes K50. 

In my case on the Antipodes receiving end.

I did it some time ago, but remember comparing with same cable that had both ends still connected - and I preferred the disconnected version.

It had a more open uncompressed sound from memory, perhaps John could enlighten us further on his experience(s).

I tried a single cable and thought that the outcome was better with the receiving end shield disconnected.  I subsequently had the shield disconnected on all my cables.  It only works if the RJ45 connector is metal and therefore could conduct any potential interference issues travelling through the shield into the switch etc.

 

I had the change done a few years ago and based upon my memory it was about less noise floor.

John

 

 

[Assisi]

2 hours ago, TRHH said:

 

Have been looking at AIM NA6 (import from Japan). But so far I have not implemented it:

 

Torben

What is before or after the above two components?  Which comes first and what is next?  It is about the receiving end shield not connected.  If you are considering a serious cable it could be worthwhile considering a Vertere.

 

John

[TRHH]

THX, but I already have a serious cable from FMC to DAC

 

 

Torben

[Assisi]

1 hour ago, TRHH said:

THX, but I already have a serious cable from FMC to DAC

 

 

Torben

HI Torben,

I am aware of the cables.  I did try one once it wasn't for me.  Others liked it.  The preference may be system dependent.  The picture shows a NA9.  You mentioned a NA6.  I tried NA7.  You mention FMC.  The cable is RJ45 not optical.  There may be some confusion happening.

 

You did not answer the question about the sequence of components.

John

[TRHH]

35 minutes ago, Assisi said:

The cable is RJ45 not optical.  There may be some confusion happening.

 

I don*t think there is any confusion here. The NA9 is used from FMC to DAC - see below

 

 

Torben

[marcobb0312]

2 hours ago, TRHH said:

THX, but I already have a serious cable from FMC to DAC

 

 

Torben

 

Hi Torben,

 

The cable shown the direction but it seem ground on both side connector.

 

Could kindly share your comment after use this cable ?

 

Cheers,

marcobb0312

[marcobb0312]

5 hours ago, TRHH said:

 

Have been looking at AIM NA6 (import from Japan). But so far I have not implemented it:

 

Torben

Hi,

 

How about streamer connect to switch, grounded side should connect to switch or streamer ?

 

Cheers,

marcobb0312