Best ethernet cable for audio Streaming

When you are streaming music from your computer, it is important to have a good quality ethernet cable to connect your computer with your stereo or speakers. But the problem most people find is the abundance of options available in the market and a lack of credible assistance in buying ethernet cables for audio streaming.

For the regular user, a Cat6a Cable is the best ethernet cable for audio streaming. The bandwidth capacity and the data transfer speeds of this cable are more than enough to stream the finest quality audio. It also takes minimum loading time, compared to the other options.

How to choose an ethernet cable for audio streaming?

The first thing you should look for in an ethernet cable is its data transfer rate and bandwidth capacity. For audio streaming, a data transfer rate of 1 Gbps and a bandwidth capacity of up to 550 MHz is more than enough. You can make do with even lesser speeds if your budget is limited.

Secondly, the conductor of the cable should be made with pure copper. It is long-lasting and is more immune to crosstalk and electromagnetic interference (EMI). The other type of conductor you can get is a copper-clad aluminum conductor (CCA). It is relatively less reliable, but it will get the job done. However, the quality of sound would not be the same as on a pure copper cable. Because CCA conductors are more likely to be affected by crosstalk and EMI.

The third thing you should look for in cable before buying is the cable jacket. The best cable jacket you can get is a communications multipurpose plenum-rated jacket (CMR). It will enhance the signal transmission for better sound quality. And it will last longer as well.

What is the best ethernet cable for streaming audio?

The best ethernet cables for streaming audio are cat5e and cat6 cables. We recommend Cat5e cables if you are on a limited budget. But, if a few bucks don’t really make a difference to you, definitely go for Cat6 cables.

Here’s why Cat5e and Cat6 cables are considered the best ethernet cables for audio streaming.

Cat5e cables

Cat5e Cables can transmit data at speeds of up to 1 Gbps over a run length of 50 meters. And their bandwidth capacity is 350 MHz. They are available in various colors and jacket types. And prices can vary depending on the type of jacket you get. Plenum-rated Cat5e cables will be slightly more costly than Riser or PVC-rated cables.

The gigabit speed and voluminous bandwidth capacity of the Cat5e cables make them one of the best for streaming audio. The cost of these cables is also affordable, given the value it provides.

We recommend this solid bare copper Cat5e Ethernet Cable for audio streaming. The solid bare copper conductor will ensure high-definition sound and it can be used in both outdoor and indoor spaces.

Cat6 cables

These cables are better than Cat5e cables in all aspects, except for the price. Cat6 Cables will cost you just a little more than their counterparts but you get better performance in return.

The data transfer rate of category-6 ethernet cables is up to 10Gbps over 50 meters of run length and has a bandwidth capacity of up to 550 MHz. This speed and bandwidth capacity will never disappoint you. If you are seeking the ultimate quality, this is the cable for you.

You can buy even better cables for audio streaming such as Cat6a. But you will be investing unnecessarily because Cat6 cables can effortlessly support all the highest definition sound available.

This 1000ft Cat6 Cable will provide high-definition audio and it comes at an extremely affordable rate.

Shielded Ethernet cables Vs Unshielded

When you are looking to buy the finest ethernet cable to stream audio or video, you have to consider the shielding of ethernet cables as well. Shielded Ethernet cables have an extra protective layer around conductors. It can be a braided wire or an aluminum foil, or even both.

The benefit of getting shielded ethernet cables is that they last longer and prevent the conductors from transmitting external noise. Shielded Ethernet cables are also more immune to EMI and they provide better sound quality.

However, it doesn’t mean unshielded ethernet cables are a bad choice. In fact, most of the ethernet cables you have come across in your life are probably unshielded ones. Shielded Ethernet cables are mostly preferred for outdoor use and in spaces with a high density of cables.

Stranded Cables or Solid

Another factor you need to consider before buying ethernet cables for streaming audio is the integration of the conductor. Solid-core conductors are built out of one single stain of the conductor metal and the stranded core cables are made out of multiple strains of conductor metal at least 6 strains per conductor wire.

The advantage of using a solid conductor is that they are sturdy and last longer. However, the stranded core conductors are more flexible but also more vulnerable to snapping if twisted too much or too often.

For audio streaming, solid core conductors are better because of the obvious reasons, namely, lesser crosstalk, long-lasting, and the finest quality of sound.

Conclusion

Cat5e cables are a great choice for streaming audio and video, but if you are looking to experience the best quality of sound, you may want to consider the use of a Cat6 ethernet cable. These high-performance cables provide significantly more bandwidth and data transfer rates than their Cat5e counterparts, which will lead to much faster load times and smoother playback when streaming high-definition audio and video.

Smartech cables is the leading brand of high-performance ethernet cables and networking accessories. We provide free shipping on orders above $100.