|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
173.225.52.226
In Reply to: RE: Ars Technica dissects an AudioQuest Vodka ethernet cable posted by AbeCollins on July 24, 2015 at 09:36:55
I find it interesting that whenever anyone starts talking about "snake oil" they have usually been reading Skeptics' websites.Interestingly enough, I am curious. What about the Vodka cable is "snake oil?"
The only valid complaints I can see so far are:
1. CAT7 isn't an official standard, and since they aren't using the GG45 connector, the cable can't possibly be real CAT7, but some sort of Paeuso CAT7. While they do use copious shielding on the connector, it can only be rated as an over built CAT-6a technically.
2. It is expensive (a little over $100/foot). And even though the prices for their ethernet series starts at $8/foot, we're talking about *this* cable and boy is it expensive.
3. It seems somewhat over-engineered (Though that masking tape is weird. You'd think in a overbuilt expensive cable everything would be expensive in it?)
.----
For something to be "Snake Oil" is has to be like the patent medicine issued in the 19th century -- It cannot possibly do what it says on the bottle.
From what I can tell, the Vodka cable does what it claims to do. It carries ethernet signals. It's well shielded (if overbuilt) which would convey any benefits of shielding where it is used. It's only fault is that it is expensive, somewhat mitigated by the range of prices in their range.
That's not snake oil.
============================
As audiophiles, we take what's obsolete, make it beautiful, and keep it forever.
Hey! I have a blog now: http://mancave-stereo.blogspot.com or "like" us at https://www.facebook.com/mancave.stereo
Edits: 07/27/15Follow Ups:
"For something to be "Snake Oil" is has to be like the patent medicine issued in the 19th century -- It cannot possibly do what it says on the bottle."
Having looked at the AudioQuest web page describing this product, I have to admit that they make no claims whatsoever regarding the "audibility" of the product, other than to caution that the product is "directional" (in an Ethernet cable?) and for best results "have the arrow pointing in the direction of the flow of music. For example, NAS to Router, Router to Network Player."
Caveat Emptor!
JE
Thanks for the followup.
I'm always a little skeptical about directionality, too. But, when I have put in cables in the 'ol stereo, I usually "follow the directions" -- and since most of the cables I have in the interconnect variety are XLR, so there isn't a lot of choice.
I agree, I think the strongest thing you can say about AQ's Vodka is "Caveat EMptor" you really can't accuse them of being liars.
============================
As audiophiles, we take what's obsolete, make it beautiful, and keep it forever.
Hey! I have a blog now: http://mancave-stereo.blogspot.com or "like" us at https://www.facebook.com/mancave.stereo
Post a Followup:
FAQ |
Post a Message! |
Forgot Password? |
|
||||||||||||||
|
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors: