Originally Posted by
Stratmangler
1. Minimising connections is not going to be beneficial.
2. Terminating it properly is going to be beneficial.
3. If you have pulled in proper Cat5e installation cable it's solid core.
4. It's important that you get the wires in the correct order - if you don't connect the cable pairs as pairs, and with the correct polarity then your cable will not have appropriate impedance, and RFI rejection will be compromised.
Your network will not work if your cable leg pairs are not the correct polarity.
5. Back to the cable - if it hasn't got Cat5e and an ISO number printed on it it isn't Cat5e.
6. If it has economy network cable printed on it it's CCA (copper clad aluminium), and it needs ripping out and replacing. CCA is shit, and it's not fit for purpose.
7. If your cable is stranded it's not meant to be used over long distances - it's meant to be used for making up patch leads.
Thanks for responding.
1. Fewer connections means fewer break points in the line. Surely all to the good.
2. Fully agree.
3. It's proper Cat5e with Solid Core.
4. Yes, thanks. I think Mark Grant covered this quite succinctly.
5. It's stamped with Cat 5e and ISO /IEC 11801
6. It doesn't have "economy network cable" or CCA printed on it so I presume it's not shit, and can therefore stay.
7. It's Solid Core, not stranded.
The only bit I'm struggling with is the general recommendation to introduce an outlet socket and then a patch lead into the link, rather than connecting direct. The cable enters the room from the sub-floor void (timber floor), using the same hole through which the speaker and other cables make their exit from the room.
An outlet is not required for convenience, nor for aesthetic reasons as the entry/exit hole in question cannot be seen. The HiFi electronics are well plumbed in and the likelihood of them ever being re-postioned is somewhat remote. Likewise, the risk of damaging the 1m of cat5e cable that's above the floor is unlikely as it's right at the back of the kit and a challenge to get at anyway.
If I were installing this as a data point in another room then it would be an outlet every time.
So, I think the only point we're adrift on is the inclusion of an outlet plate on the wall...................?
Source: Orbe SE / SME IV / Cadenza Bronze
Source: WD NAS / Cyrus Stream X2 / Chord DAVE
Source: Oppo UDP-205 (CD/DVD-A/SACD)
Amplification: Icon Audio PS 3 Sig Phono + Audio Research LS27 + Musical Fidelity A5cr Power Amp
Loudspeakers: ProAc Response D28
Cables/stands: Mark Grant G1500HD + Linn K20 + Cat 5e
Other bits: Okki Nokki keeping things clean