Inspired by the recent thread on Audioquest Ethernet cables, I ordered one of their Cinnamon cables to see for myself if they made any difference, or were simply a waste of money. I only have one, from the switch to the SuperUniti.
Does it make a difference? Well, yes, and much more than I expected. Better definition, better separation of the musical strands, yet with better integration. The music seems faster, and is overall more enjoyable. It's just more real.
Like I said, I wasn't expecting much, but I'm very very pleased with the result. The cable only needed to be 0.75m long, so was the cheapest of the Cinnamons, at £65. I'd say it was £65 very well spent.
You can say I'm gullible, or that it's all placebo, or that I'm simply stupid. I've tried it for myself and it makes a big difference for the better, in my system and in my room.
I've no idea why it works, and I really don't care. It works for me, and that's enough.
I don't intend to be drawn into discussion on this, and merely report my findings, in the hope that someone may find them of value.
Posted on: 26 October 2013 by winkyincanada
Originally Posted by Hungryhalibut:
They are very good, very solid, and miles better than the plastic ends of standard leads. They go into the sockets with a reassuring click. They certainly feel like quality items.
This. Owning nice things is nice. I appreciate good build quality in all items. I'm not getting back into the SQ debate.
Posted on: 06 November 2013 by hungryhalibut
I've now got another one, this time from the UnitiServe to the switch. And guess what, the system now sounds even better. The jump in quality seems at least as big as that gained by using a Cinnamon from the switch to the SuperUniti. I still don't really understand why it makes a difference, but make a difference it certainly does. Another £65 well spent.
Posted on: 06 November 2013 by gav111n
HH, your experiences with US, third party PS and now Ethernet cables mirrors mine. Have you checked out the GISO DS Yet? You can try it and return it with refund if it doesn't deliver the goods for you. I bet you won't return it though!
Gav
Posted on: 06 November 2013 by hungryhalibut
That's an interesting looking thing, which I've not heard of before. Where would it go - presumably on the end of the wire from the router to the switch, with a short wire from the isolator to the switch itself?
Posted on: 06 November 2013 by Harry
I tried an isolator, not that one. The results were not successful but I've heard positive effects described. So it all depends. On what I have no idea, but if a benefit is heard then fair enough.
Posted on: 06 November 2013 by gav111n
It's designed to go just before the streamer, but you could try it anywhere. I run it straight into my NDS. It comes with a very short run of shielded ethernet cable, but you could use one of your cinnamons instead.
Drop Ralf, the manufacturer, an email. He's really helpful. He said that it needs a good quality earth to perform at its best, which it obtains via the shield in the cables. Unless your router side has a really good earth it is best to connect an unshielded cable in and shielded out to your streamer.
Ultimately though, just whack it on and see what happens - for me the effect was dramatic and only positive - an obvious lowering of noise floor. I have a feeling that the GISO renders my other upstream tweaks somewhat redundant now.
I toyed with the isolator that Harry mentioned but I read mixed reviews, compared with the GISO. Also, Ralf made trialing the GISO easy - he said give it a try for two weeks and return it (undamaged) for a full refund if not happy.
