Hello to all,
I am intrigued with the new ethernet cables and the debate they have promoted here. For me this prompts a review of my network set-up, prior getting some cables to demo at home.
Some questions and observations first.
I have HP microserver >> 2M cat 6 shielded >> netgear gs108 >> long 15M length Cat 6 shielded >>> NDS. The Naim gear is all on a separate consumer unit. All the cat 6 is choked at each end (thanks to Simon in Suffolk!)
First comment - so far I have considered the Ethernet performance to be completely satisfactory, on the basis that I cannot discern any meaningful difference between the same files streamed over Ethernet and via a USB stick. This point alone has stopped me from looking at linear PSUs for the switch, or other cable options. Is this a valid position to take, using USB as a "reference" from which to compare network performance?
For those enjoying clear SQ benefits with the new crop of Ethernet cables and indeed linear PSUs (or even a local Mac Mini in the listening room), I don't doubt your findings, but what prompted you to try these options, were you finding that memory stick was better, or was it just curiosity?
With regard to network set-up, I cannot be alone in having a long length of cat 5 or 6, going under floor into the listening room. it is neither simple nor inexpensive to substitute a new cable. Do you think it is worthwhile putting an additional switch (along with its extra SMPS) into the network, near the streamer, just for the ability to add a metre of AQ or Chord cable to feed the streamer? I wonder whether any benefit could be compromised, just because of the introduction of the switch.
The other option I wonder about, is whether to put in something like a mac mini SSD or even a Raspberry Pi into the listening room. That could render the 15M of CAT 6 redundant, other than as an internet connection for iradio.
Anyone in a similar position? I am delighted with the NDS, but if there are ways to optimise, I'm all ears.
Posted on: 09 June 2014 by Richheart
not particularly a fan of apple, I tried the airport express to improve video streaming over wi-fi. However I replaced my linksys e900 and connected my UQ2 and Mac Mini using the same CAT 7 cable. I wasn't looking for and did not expect any sonic-variation over the ethernet connections. I was most pleasantly surprised by a more tuneful bass, more air, deeper soundstage - something in the treble I was not so happy about, might well be better defined poor recordings.
Since I wasn't even expecting this, I can fairly discount placebo/suggestibility.
Posted on: 09 June 2014 by Big Bill
Originally Posted by Richheart:
not particularly a fan of apple, I tried the airport express to improve video streaming over wi-fi. However I replaced my linksys e900 and connected my UQ2 and Mac Mini using the same CAT 7 cable. I wasn't looking for and did not expect any sonic-variation over the ethernet connections. I was most pleasantly surprised by a more tuneful bass, more air, deeper soundstage - something in the treble I was not so happy about, might well be better defined poor recordings.
Since I wasn't even expecting this, I can fairly discount placebo/suggestibility.
You can never discount the Placebo effect. Experiments have even been done on animals that showed a placebo effect. Placebo transference from one person to another has also been shown.
Reading around (Amazon Reviews) it seems that the latest Airport Extreme will not connect to non-Apple networks. Have you found this?
Do you find it quick enough to stream 24/192 streams wirelessly>
Posted on: 09 June 2014 by Richheart
My network includes Mac and PC, a slingbox, UQ2, Squeezebox touch, ipad, 2 android phones.... all working in much better harmony since the upgrade.
The reason I upgraded was that the upload from the slingbox or from air-video would freeze on the ipad. I have no problems with that.
Prior to the change I had cut-outs when streaming to the squeezebox over wifi at 24/192 (regularly) and occasionally on 24/96.
All these problems have been resolved.
The reason I discount the placebo effect is that I noticed something different without even connecting it to the fact that I'd changed router. As the UQ2 and mac were switching through cables and I'd had no problem before, I was not looking at them as having changed. Until I tried to work out why it sounded better, why I could suddenly hear the difference between toslink from JRMC and ethernet into the UQ2 from the same library.
