Regarding Ethernet cables:
We are frequently asked for guidance regarding Ethernet cables to use
with the EtherREGEN. This can be a controversial subject—by what
means can an Ethernet cable affect the sound?—and absent objective
evidence of variations, we will decline to recommend purchase of any
fancy or expensive Ethernet cabling. Still, ultimate audio is a pursuit with
many variables not yet fully understood. Not long ago few would believe
an Ethernet switch could make a sonic impact—so we are open-minded
about experimentation with network cables.
However, there are some very real physical differences between certain
Ethernet cables which can affect fine audio systems. Specifically, the
shielding of Ethernet cables and if the wire shield on the cable is
electrically connected to metal-shelled RJ45 plugs at both ends. For this
explanation we will refer to such cables as “shield-tied.”
It is desirable to avoid connection of multiple shield-tied cables into the
RJ45 ports on the ‘A’-side of the EtherREGEN. This has nothing at all to
do with data or signal quality. In fact, this recommendation is not even
specific to the EtherREGEN. Ethernet cables having metal RJ45
shells and end-to-end connected shield wires will unite
the grounds and zero-volt power domains of the
equipment they are attached to. This provides a path for
potentially detrimental AC leakage loops to form. If all you
are attaching with such cables (on the ‘A’ side) are computer, NAS, and
the feed from your main switch or modem/router, the leakage loops
formed between that gear will likely be fairly benign. But if one of those
components is somehow also connected to your audio/video system, you
may introduce undesirable leakage currents.
Keep in mind that the above is exclusively with regards to ‘A’-side
EtherREGEN connections (or with standard switches). The ‘B’ side of
the EtherREGEN is neither susceptible, nor can it become
part of, ANY leakage loops. The ‘B’ side circuitry and port exist
on their own entirely isolated power and ground domain. [Only the
External clock BNC ground is common to the ‘B’-side ground-plane.] So
if you have a fancy metal-shell shield-tied Ethernet cable,
go ahead and use it on the ‘B’ side port for connection
your DAC-attached streamer/renderer endpoint. This is the
connection that matters most when using an EtherREGEN anyway: If you
are going to hear a difference with an Ethernet cable, it will more likely
be with the ‘B’-side cable. This is also a good one to keep short.
Use of the EtherREGEN’s Ground terminal screw:
We have measured high-source-impedance leakage on Ethernet cables
coming from various other common network gear and computers.
Leakage is common-mode AC current traveling over DC connections.
It is pernicious stuff—passing easily along both analog and digital
connections in our audio systems—and it is desirable to shunt it away.
We address leakage in the design of the EtherREGEN in several ways,
including our use of RJ45 magnetics having 12 tiny transformer
cores per port. And their center-taps are wired to ground and to
the Ethernet switch chip through capacitors to maximally block port-
to-port leakage. This works best if the EtherREGEN is
grounded—either through the power supply or via the
The DC output 0-volt/-VE (‘ground’/shell) of the UpTone-branded
AC>DC power supply included with the EtherREGEN is common to
AC mains ground. When our supply is used to power the
EtherREGEN it is NOT necessary to use the Ground
screw. [Do not assume that 3rd party linear power supplies are
like this—some are and some are not. Some multi-rail supplies have
separate diode bridges and transformer secondaries and thus each
output ground is "floated.” This is easy to test with a
continuity/multimeter (be sure power is disconnected.)]
If you power the EtherREGEN with a "floating" supply—one whose 0-
volt/-VE (‘ground’/shell) is not common to AC mains ground—then
ideally the Ground screw of the EtherREGEN should be used. You
can do so by running an insulated wire safely to some AC mains
ground or to the chassis of a known-grounded component in your
audio system. [By the way, our UltraCap LPS-1.2 is a completely
"floated" and isolated supply, so if using it with EtherREGEN the
ground screw should be used.]
Please keep in mind that all of the above regarding grounding
concerns only the blocking of leakage from one RJ45 jack on the ‘A’
side to another RJ45 jack also on the 'A' side. Regardless of
grounding, zero AC leakage from upstream Ethernet
devices ever gets past the full active digital isolation
and reclocking ADIM™—to the EtherREGEN’s 'B'-side
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