U-Audio recently reviewed Siltech’s new Classic Network Cable.
Click here for the original version written by Tiankai Dai.
Translated version
Siltech has also launched its network cables, and two at a time. One is the high-end Royal Signature Network Crown, and the other is the Classic Network in the Classic series. The former uses S8 mono X-tal Silver conductor, while the latter is Siltech’s signature G9 silver-gold alloy.
Siltech pointed out that general network cable manufacturers are emphasizing the speed of data transmission, but for audio systems that use network cable, the speed is not important. The important thing is the constancy of the transmission rate and the integrity and accuracy of the signal. The accuracy of data transmission is related to the structure, conductor and terminal of the wire. Once the impedance of the wire is uneven and the geometry is not coherent, it will cause reflections and echoes in the data stream. The crystalline cross section of the conductor will also cause slight distortions, and these imperfections will affect the timing of message transmission. In addition, high-frequency signals are also very fragile and are susceptible to external interference.
G9 silver-gold alloy conductors are equipped with special insulation and shielding.
Therefore, Siltech uses their signature G9 silver-gold alloy conductors on the Classic Network, and uses special structural technology and the highest quality shielding and insulation. They comply with the basic specifications, the cores are shielded in pairs, and DuPont Teflon is used for insulation. The outside part of the wire is still made of FEP expansion net with blue skin, plus Siltech’s metal ring, from the outside, the brand recognition is extremely high.
Classic Network uses the RJ45 connector of Telegartner MFP8, which is the most respected in the industry, and maintains the best shielding state at both ends of the signal transmission to avoid the intrusion of external noise.
The sound quality is condensed and solid, and the dynamic level is clear.
In terms of sound performance, Siltech is Siltech. After switching to the Classic Network, the sound has improved comprehensively. The biggest difference is that the sound is more condensed and solid, and full and powerful, with rich details, better clarity of micro-dynamics, the level of music is unfolded, and the dynamic contrast is more obvious. These changes in the sound make the music sound more contagious.
Piano and vocals, showing outstanding texture
This kind of solid texture is especially easy to feel when expressing piano and vocals. When listening to the first movement of Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 29 played by Emil Gilels, the beginning is strong and vigorous, with the soft and tender phrases coming after, forming a huge contrast.
When I switched to the Siltech Classic Network, the sound of the piano was not only more cohesive and solid, the four bars of ff vigorously penetrated my heart, and then the music turned weak, soft and romantic. The heavy chords, under Gilels’ rational and rigorous interpretation, are strong but not overly extravagant, and the rhymes are rich and brilliant.
It can also be seen that the quality of the voice recording is outstanding. Take “Song to the Moon” sung by soprano Adele Charvet as an example. At the beginning of the song, there is the sound of high-five, pacing and tapping, and then Adele appears in a chanting posture to unfold the song with the piano.
After switching to Siltech, the first high-five pacing became clearer, and the texture was more solid. In particular, the last pacing sound of the tempo showed a sense of weight. As for Adele’s singing after the cable change, it appears fuller and more energetic, with ups and downs and changes, and more tension.
The rhythm and pulse in the music are more lively
Listen to the Belafonte Sings the Blues album again, and its voice is full of breath and warmth. “A Fool for You” starts with a whimper of a trumpet. The bass and drum kit are softly embellished by the side. After an introduction, Belafonte’s magnetic voice is brought out. As soon as the Siltech Classic Network cable was connected, the trumpet and bass became more condensed, the tone became more realistic, and Belafonte’s singing voice became fuller and more powerful. In “Cotton Fields”, Belafonte dominates the rhythm of the song. The Siltech network cable makes the rhythm and pulse of the music more lively, also the song sounds more livey and the expression is more vivid. After singing, the pitch is higher and the volume is louder. Siltech masters the dynamics and emotions come out naturally.
Good bass resolution
When listening to Lou Reed’s “Walk on the Wild Side”, the bass at the beginning has both body and details. As soon as Siltech Classic Network is on, the bass sound grain is fuller and more flexible. The momentary motion picture is clearer, and those string vibrations sound more natural and clear.
Lou Reed’s singing sounded clear in outline, concrete in shape, and precise in pronunciation. The main and chorus develop step by step, and the accompaniment is also enriched. The slender but clear strings, the rustle of percussion are three-dimensional and vivid, and the saxophone at the end of the song is warm and shiny.
Clear micro dynamics, rich details
In the performance of large-scale production of music, Siltech Classic Network makes music sound more dynamic and contrasted. Clear micro-dynamics and rich details give a more realistic sense of stage. Listening to Mendelssohn “A Midsummer Night’s Dream Overture” by Andre Previn conducting LSO. At the beginning, after the four chords of the wood pipe, the strings begin a dance of spirits. Between those weak performances, the scene is full. Siltech’s message volume is really amazingly rich. When it came to the section where the fairy king and the queen were introduced, ff’s strong performance was suddenly pulled up, and the brass pipe was played with great vigour. Siltech Classic Network speaks wonderfully about these dynamic changes and all the details of the stage.
Add richness and authenticity to the sound
Do you think streaming music is plain and flat? Maybe you haven’t adjusted it properly. Like all Siltech cables, Siltech Classic Network cable can add richness and realism to the sound of your home system, and let you feel that streaming can be so beautiful.
Reference equipment used:
Network cable: Linkomm CAT-8 Network cable
Storage device: Synology DS212 NAS
Network switch: Ansuz D-TC Supreme Power Switch
Streaming player: MSB The Discrete DAC
Preamplifier: Norma Audio Revo SC-2 LN
Rear amplifier: Norma Audio Revo PA-160 MR Mono rear
Speaker: Wilson Audio Alexia 2
Other information:
General Import Agent: Taifu Audio
Phone: +886-2-2570-0395
Website: www.autek .com.tw
