This has been a fascinating year so far, in terms of HiFi improvements.
And today was another stellar day for sound quality improvements with Cat8 cables.
Since January 1st, my Linn system has a new Shunyata Denali, a superb Akubarik Katalyst filter release from Linn a month or so ago, and then followed by a second Akubarik Exakt filter release last week. Add to that, a new Hubble extension block for the rear channels (Thank you Ropedrag), great improvements in vibration control, and a week ago or so, a new Cisco SG300 SS28 switch. Today the Cat8 arrived!!!
Cisco SG300 SS28 Switch
Linnrd had mentioned to me a while back that an industrial network switch such as a Cisco switch with its own built in power supply and AC power cord would be better sound quality than a switch with an SMPS. He was right.
![Big Grin]( "Big Grin")
To be fair, the Cisco switch was acquired from nrwatson more than a year ago, but when I tried it at home in my system, the two fans were too loud, overwhelming the music in the room. It took me more than a year to finally get around to open up the box and disconnect the power to the fans, then try it out in my system.
I am only using 3 of the 28 ports on the Cisco switch, so the box is just slightly warm and little chance of overheating.
At first, the switch sounded clinical to me. I swapped out the standard 15 amp mains cable for a Shunyata Venom power cable with a bit of improvement. I had the Cisco plugged directly into the wall, but was not completely happy with the result. Then it dawned on me to plug the Cisco switch into the Denali, and sound quality was immediately better and more listenable.
I had the Cisco switch sitting on top of carpet, with a couple of silicon pads under the case, between the switch and carpet, and all sounded good. That is until I decided to place the switch on its own platform. This platform is a Yorkville studio monitor stand with foam, metal and rubber on top. The platform transformed the sound quality and presentation in a very positive manner.
Cat8 Ethernet Cables
Today, the Cat8 Ethernet cables arrived from Certicable in New York.
I wanted to test a theory that I had, that the Cat8 cables with far better shielding, less crosstalk and much wider bandwidth would provide a better sound quality. I was not disappointed!!!
Recently I changed my HDMI cable from a 1.4 spec to 2.0 to great effect, and then changed again when the HDMI 2.2 cables came out. These provided significantly better picture quality for my TV, as well as sound quality in 5.1. So when I saw there was a higher spec Ethernet cable available in the Cat8, I jumped on the chance to try it out. Does better shielding, reduced crosstalk and greater bandwidth provide better sound quality than what I had?
I spoke with Briain about this purchase, and he mentioned that streaming music used little bandwidth and even humble Cat5 should be adequate. I said I understand that, but wanted to try the equivalent of putting a V8 engine in his MG motorcar. It would get me to the grocery store with a bit more aplomb.
![Tongue]( "Tongue")
I decided to order enough Cat 8 cables to redo my whole network, except the Ethernet cable from the switch to the AEDSM, which is a Chord Anthem cable I purchased from Sunbeam.
I am now the proud owner of Cat8 Ethernet cable from the NAS to the switch, the AEDSM to the Akubariks, to the Akurate Exaktbox 6, and to the Surround channels driven by the Majik Exaktbox I.
Cat8 cables have been almost impossible to get in Canada, until now. I did a search last week, and Certicable now ship to Canada. Certicable is based out of New York State, and manufactures their own Ethernet cables that meet the new Cat8 specification. These cables are reasonably priced at around $45 USD for a 10 foot cable. The 25 foot cable was around $65, so it was not silly money if it did not work out.
I am aware of the Supra Cat8 cables from Sweden and readily available in Europe, but decided to go with the Certicable, even though the price is similar.
So how does it sound? Superb!!!
Even though my Akubariks are toed-in, the sound stage is much wider and higher, extending many feet outside the speakers. The music fills the centre between the Akubariks with far more detail and presence.
The background is far quieter, revealing ample more detail from the music.
The real test is what it did to music that was compressed, such as most of the music from the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The Red Hot Chili Peppers now sound much more open, breath better and have a fantastic stage presence and listenabilty I have not heard before.
Playing my reference tracks has revealed far more detail and better presentation, even discovering some new things I had not heard before.
Playing electronica such as Yello is captivating and surreal. It now plays the best I have ever heard with unprecedented dynamics and engagement.
This has been a grande experiment with a unexpectedly great result.
![Big Grin]( "Big Grin")
YMMV
