Ethernet Type & Length

Posted by: Mr Frog on 06 August 2014

Hi

tried searching the forum and posting on this subject a while back and didn't really find what I was looking for. So hopefully some kind person will be able to assist this time around 

 

My router and NAS are on the same HiFi rack (different shelves of course) as my other kit. This means that the bog standard Ethernet cables are 'too long' and I wondered about the feasibility of using much shorter ones ....... or if that is detrimental to the SQ etc. For example, the Ethernet between the router and NAS could easily be a mere 25cm whereas the one leading from the Naim ND5XS is okay with the standard 1m cable.

 

Alternatively should I simply coil them up and use cable ties? 

 

Furthermore, what specific Cat type (5e, 6, 7 ...) of Ethernet should I be using?

 

Many thanks in advance

Posted on: 06 August 2014 by Mike-B

I have only recently replaced 5m of rolled up Cat5 with custom made AudioQuest "Pearl" Cat7 - see https://forums.naimaudio.com/to...er-from-cat5-to-cat7

As it happens I needed 1.5m,  a common stnd length,  but they can be made to whatever you want.

 

I would recommend thinking about replacing all the net with Cat7 if you have a metal ported switch. 

Posted on: 06 August 2014 by 40 below

Chord c-stream is CAT7, available in 0.75m I think, and excellent improvement over CAT6 in my experience. You may also get SQ improvement with more separation between switching-power NAS and rest of audio system.

Posted on: 06 August 2014 by mutterback

Having not heard fancy ethernet cables, I can't comment on whether or not they are for real, though I have to say I'm highly skeptical.*  You can get high quality CAT 6 ethernet cables in any length and color you need from IT supply companies online.  (In the US, I use Cables To Go.)  Anywhere up to 100 meters you shouldn't get any degradation.  

 

However, I fully support getting your router and NAS away from your system on a different power spur.  If you can get the wiring done, but them in the basement/closet, etc.

 

*Simon on this forum did comment somewhere that choking and filtering his ethernet cables did make a difference, but that CAT 6 should be just fine.  He knows what he's talking about. I can't find the post.

Posted on: 06 August 2014 by Huge
Originally Posted by mutterback:

Having not heard fancy ethernet cables, I can't comment on whether or not they are for real, though I have to say I'm highly skeptical.*  You can get high quality CAT 6 ethernet cables in any length and color you need from IT supply companies online.  (In the US, I use Cables To Go.)  Anywhere up to 100 meters you shouldn't get any degradation.  

 

However, I fully support getting your router and NAS away from your system on a different power spur.  If you can get the wiring done, but them in the basement/closet, etc.

 

*Simon on this forum did comment somewhere that choking and filtering his ethernet cables did make a difference, but that CAT 6 should be just fine.  He knows what he's talking about. I can't find the post.

You may be referring to this thread

https://forums.naimaudio.com/to...bles-sound-different

or to another that was removed after it was used as a vector for personal attacks and insults.

Posted on: 06 August 2014 by Mr Frog
Originally Posted by mutterback:

......Having not heard fancy ethernet cables, I can't comment on whether or not they are for real, though I have to say I'm highly skeptical."...

 

However, I fully support getting your router and NAS away from your system on a different power spur.  If you can get the wiring done, but them in the basement/closet, etc.

I agree it doesn't need to be anything fancy, but from what people suggest it looks like I should be looking at Cat 6 or 7. I don't use a switch for the Apple Time Machine router and all the' network gear' and NAS are plugged into the domestic power supply - whereas the Naim and ATC HiFi equipment run off a completely separate and dedicated ring main supply split from the electric meter/consumer unit - meaning that the SMPS stuff doesn't interfere with the linear PSUs

 

They just happen to share the same equipment rack ..... on the bottom shelf 

Posted on: 06 August 2014 by Huge
Originally Posted by Mr Frog:

I agree it doesn't need to be anything fancy, but from what people suggest it looks like I should be looking at Cat 6 or 7

...

The Category rating is largely a red herring, Cat 5 is sufficient as network streamers use 100baseT.  However the cable construction is very important for rejection of RFI.  SSTP or SFTP cables are recommended.  If you live in an area with relatively high levels of EMI, then ferrite chokes are also recommended to suppress common mode interference.

 

Inevitably as these are environmental factors their effects will vary from house to house, even in the same neighbourhood, hence from person to person.  It's impossible to give specific advice for any one person!

Posted on: 07 August 2014 by Huge
Originally Posted by Wat:

...

My musical storage device has a Thunderbolt. 

You should get Loki to talk to Oðinn about that - he's on the forum here.