Just tested some ethernet cables for BluDave.
1. sotm cat7 only: Best match to BluDave CD player's performance. If Supra CAT8 gives 80% of CD transport performance, this cable reaches at least 95% of the CD transport. But given the huge price difference, Supra 8 is actually an excellent performer.
2. supra cat8 only: flat, warm, less resolving.
3. wireworld platinum starlight 7 only: much flatter than 2, resolving, but incorrect timbre. This is a huge disappointment given the high price of this cable.
4. sotm black only: resolving, flatter compare to 1, not as smooth as 1, not much to complain.
5. sotm cat7->iso-cat6->sotm cat7: this actually sounds strange, voices are further away, narrower but deeper soundstage which is not the same as the CD transport at all, microdynamics are more difficult to appreciate.
6. sotm cat7->iso-cat6->sotm black/supra cat8/wireworld pltatinum: lan filter hurts microdynamics
7. sotm black->iso-cat6->supra cat8/wireworld platinum: see 6
8. supra cat8->iso-cat6->wireworld platinum/supra cat8: see 6
9. with vs without iR in chain: once again, iso-regen hurts microdynamics when connected after ultrarendu.
10. sonore dc4 vs oem dc cable for uR: this is a big surprise, dc4 beats the oem dc cable out of water. The difference is quite obvious and not small. More forward sound. Fantastic dynamics and transparency.
11. uR+sotm cat7+dc4 vs iR+USB: Not a real comparison, the former wins with a good margin in every category.
Listening to these two sotm cat7 cables back and forth. They actually sound a little bit different which is again surprising. One is more resolving and have better dynamics than the other. Maybe I haven't given it enough time to burn in?
For me, I will return/sell everything else but keep the better sounding sotm cat7 cable. I see no benefit by using ISO-Cat6 filter at all, it really suppress microdynamics and change the soundstage in an unusual way.
Cheers