With the rise of streaming and dematerialised sources, the Ethernet network is becoming a conveyor belt for audio content in its own right. Offering a higher and, above all, more stable data rate than Wi-Fi, it is even the preferred medium for the transit of latest-generation Hi-Res digital audio streams, which require a lot of network bandwidth. However, to take full advantage of Ethernet’s capabilities, you still need high-quality cabling. Welcome the Audioquest Ethernet Series!
Like analogue audio signals, digital streams can suffer degradation as they travel through the installation’s cabling. Although they are less ‘fragile’ than analogue signals, certain phenomena can affect their quality and, consequently, the quality of the sound reproduction. The appearance of jitter, among other things, or latency, can lead to inaccuracies during the digital/analogue conversion carried out by the playback equipment: DAC, network player, etc. These disturbances can lead to an increase in the rate of distortion or undesirable conversion artefacts.
So Audioquest naturally put its expertise at the service of digital links, including network cabling. Very early on, the American brand realised that the quality of a cable was linked not only to that of the conductive materials used, but also to their arrangement within the cable, the insulation and its overall sheathing. The Ethernet cables offered by the brand take these observations into account. We looked at three models here: the Cinnamon, the Vodka and the Diamond.
Despite its low price, the Cinnamon is all about quality and rigorous selection of the materials it uses. It is based on solid 1.25% silver conductors. This choice eliminates the interaction between strands, a major source of distortion. Insulation is also provided by high-density polyethylene. This material guarantees the geometry of the signal pairs. Finally, arrows indicate the direction, source to destination, to be respected when cabling the installation for optimum quality of digital flow. The cable is available in six lengths, from 0.75 m to 12 m, at prices ranging from €99 to €389.
The Vodka is based on the Cinnamon, but uses 10% solid silver conductors.
It also features high-density polyethylene insulation and direction-of-use markings. In addition, shielding based on a triple carbon layer combined with metal-loaded synthetics form a shielding screen that protects the conductors and prevents most of the radio fog in which we live from reaching the ground plane of the equipment. Like its predecessor, this cable is available in six lengths, from 0.75 m to 12 m, at prices ranging from €449 to €2,349.
Finally, the Diamond is the most prestigious cable in this family. Based on 100% solid silver conductors, it delivers unprecedented clarity and dynamic contrast. It also features a dielectric polarisation system. Any insulating jacket slows down the signal inside the conductor. If the insulator is unpolarised, this slowdown is heterogeneous, varying from one conductor to another. This is a major problem for multi-octave audio, which is highly sensitive to time shifts. AudioQuest’s DBS creates a strong and stable electrostatic field, derived from a battery, which saturates, restructures and polarises the molecules of the insulator. This minimises both the energy stored in the insulator and the multiple non-linear delays that occur. The result is dynamic contrast and unexpected detail. DBS batteries provide years of autonomy. A test button and indicator allow the battery to be checked occasionally. As before, this cable is available in six lengths, from 0.75 m to 12 m, at prices ranging from €999 to €10,999.
The set up
We connected these cables in several places in the system, i.e. between the box and the switch, and between the switch and the various connected sources. Our various tests lead us to believe that if you have to favour one link over the others, give priority to the one between the box and the switch.
The sound
For a long time now, we’ve been noticing that improvements in Ethernet cords were making an obvious difference to the quality of music streaming. We’ve tested a number of models, all of which generally respect the brand’s personality. So far, no surprises. A comparison of the American manufacturer’s three models confirms the gradual gradation in performance as you move up the range. So there’s nothing mysterious here, just logic. The first model makes an impressive difference compared to a lambda cord. The bandwidth is wider, with the extremes of the sound spectrum much better defined and more extended. Focusing is better, giving the soundstage the opportunity to reveal itself to you with greater acuity. And above all, the quality of the timbres tends towards a much more natural listening experience. By switching to the Vodka model, you gain in listening comfort, a bit like upgrading from a small sports car to a powerful saloon. Overall, the basic qualities of the first model are still present, but much more assertive. The bass is denser, the treble brighter and the midrange more structured, with greater density of timbre. The image is vaster, with better punctuality of sound sources.
The perception offered by the Diamond is mainly characterised by sonic refinement. At this stage, the level of detail, and above all the quality of timbre, rises significantly. What could legitimately be considered excellent at the previous level is here adorned with a touch of delicacy that offers recorded music a higher degree of sensitivity. This is clearly evident in the rendering of ambiences, which at times become astonishingly credible.
Our conclusion
It makes sense to buy a quality Ethernet cable for a streaming music system. And the American manufacturer’s range is wide enough to satisfy you. The real question is which model to choose. And our comparison of the day is extremely instructive in this respect. Our recommendation is simple. We recommend that you base the quality of the cord on the quality of your system. Never has this rule been more true than in this context. Cinnamon is a tried and tested product that offers extremely attractive value for money. You can rely on it in all circumstances to make music more authentic and enjoyable. We strongly recommend it for all entry-level systems. And we’ll keep it successfully up to a very respectable level. The day you feel you’ve reached its limits, the switch to Vodka will come naturally. It will offer you a fuller, more dynamic vision of networked music. The Vodka can already be part of a top-of-the-range system without restricting it. As for the Diamond, it’s by far the best performer. However, you’ll only be able to hear it fully on an excellent system.
To sum up, buy a Cinnamon as soon as you can. Progress to the Vodka whenever possible, even if it means mixing the two models and placing them where they make the difference (which is what we did, with good results), and finally, go for a Diamond if you’re lucky enough to have a very top-of-the-range system and the budget to go with it…
Author: Pierre Fontaine
Technical sheet: AUDIOQUEST Ethernet
- Origin: United States
- Price:
- 119 € (1,5 m)
- 599 € (1,5 m)
- 1599 € (1,5 m)
