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ethernet cable and sound

Posted by eduardoo on April 12, 2012 at 23:24:32:
I am starting a (cheap-ish) trial of running different ethernet cables between my TP-Link 743 router (working as a wireless client)and my SB Touch. It appears that some companies are coming out with fancy (aka expensive) LAN cables. I guess from a scientific stand point, ethernet cable doesn't matter as long as it is up to spec (maybe it should matter even less in my set-up since signal goes through wireless first). But then again, our hobby has convinced us with some "phenomenons" that are not quite scientific to begin with.

Since I was just using some cheap LAN cable that came with routing equipment, I guess it wouldn't hurt to try some better built cable anyway(though I am not yet convinced enough to get a multi-hundred dollar LAN cable). I eventually bought a $30 Monster cable Cat6 cable (gold plated plugs with some custom plastic casing and thicker than normal construcion. Stranded) and a Elecom Laneed Cat7 cable (about $12)(shielded, gold plated plugs and has a little bit of metal covering on the plug. Feels like a solid core construction. Slightly thicker than generic ones that come with routers).

Initial trial seems to indicate that there is indeed a sound quality difference, with the original cheap lan cable sounding robust but a little homogeneous, the Monster sounding a little relaxed and warm (but possibly a little too much so), and the Elecom sounding cleaner in the treble, bigger soundstage, but slightly less (though tighter) bass. Since the two cables have not been run-in, I'll probably give it a little time before deciding. At this point, my preference goes to the Elecom.

Has anyone given LAN cables a try and what has been your experience? How about experience with the fancy ones from Cardas, Audioquest, Furutech, etc?

Thanks.