SOtM dCBL-CAT7e Ethernet Cable

SOtM dCBL-CAT7e Ethernet Cable

High-End Network Audio Connectivity. Exceptional Value.

The SOtM dCBL-CAT7e Ethernet Cable is a high-performance network cable developed specifically for demanding digital audio installations where reliable connectivity, effective shielding and sensible system-wide investment are essential.

Combining Category 7 S/FTP construction, a special noise-filtering design, high-quality shielded connectors and support for network speeds up to 10GBASE-T, the dCBL-CAT7e represents SOtM’s approach to practical, audio-oriented network cabling.

Whether connecting a network streamer, high-end Ethernet switch, music server, router or network-attached storage device, the dCBL-CAT7e provides a technically capable solution for a wide variety of network audio applications.

Designed for the Complete Network Audio System

A typical high-end streaming system may require several network cables to connect its various components.

In more elaborate installations, dedicated music servers, network switches, routers, NAS storage and multiple streaming zones can significantly increase the number of Ethernet connections.

Using expensive network cables throughout the entire signal chain may therefore represent a considerable investment.

SOtM developed the dCBL-CAT7e to address this practical consideration without abandoning the manufacturer’s commitment to specialist audio networking.

The cable is intended to provide a carefully engineered solution suitable for both the connection to a network audio player and the additional network paths within the system.

Its accessible positioning within the SOtM range makes it particularly relevant to listeners building or upgrading a dedicated digital audio network.

Category 7 S/FTP Construction

At the foundation of the SOtM dCBL-CAT7e is a Category 7 cable architecture using four shielded twisted pairs.

The manufacturer specifies an S/FTP construction, combining individual shielding around each twisted pair with an overall braided shield surrounding the cable assembly.

This design is intended to reduce susceptibility to electromagnetic interference and manage unwanted coupling between network signal pairs.

Its construction incorporates:

• Four twisted-pair Ethernet signal paths
• Individual aluminium-coated film shielding around each pair
• Overall tinned-copper braided screening
• Gold-plated connector contacts
• Nickel-plated zinc die-cast connector bodies
• High-performance shielded Category 7 connectors

The construction reflects SOtM’s attention to the electrical environment in which network audio equipment operates.

Special Noise-Filtering Design

One of the distinguishing features of the dCBL-CAT7e is the manufacturer’s special noise-filtering design.

In a network audio system, unwanted electrical interference may originate from switching power supplies, computers, network hardware and nearby electronic equipment.

Although Ethernet protocols provide reliable digital data transmission, electrical disturbances associated with network connections may interact with sensitive downstream audio components depending on their internal architecture and isolation.

SOtM developed the dCBL-CAT7e with these considerations in mind.

Its shielding and noise-filtering approach is intended to help manage the electrical environment of compatible network audio equipment.

Actual audible results depend on the connected equipment and the complete system. A correctly operating Ethernet cable does not increase the resolution of the digital music data or change the underlying audio file.

600MHz Bandwidth and 10GBASE-T Support

The dCBL-CAT7e is specified for Category 7 performance, verified by the manufacturer up to 600MHz.

It supports standard Ethernet communication including:

• 10BASE-T Ethernet
• 100BASE-TX Fast Ethernet
• 1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet
• 10GBASE-T 10 Gigabit Ethernet

These capabilities make the cable suitable for a wide range of compatible home networking and professional-style digital audio installations.

Network music playback generally requires significantly less bandwidth than the cable’s maximum rated capability, but a high-performance physical cable can provide flexibility for future network upgrades.

100-Ohm Characteristic Impedance

SOtM specifies a characteristic impedance of 100Ω ±5% at 100MHz.

Maintaining appropriate transmission-line characteristics is important for reliable Ethernet signal transfer.

The dCBL-CAT7e combines its specified impedance with shielded twisted-pair construction and high-performance connectors to provide a suitable physical connection for supported Ethernet standards.

High-Quality Shielded Connectors

The cable is terminated with connectors incorporating gold-plated electrical contacts and nickel-plated zinc die-cast bodies.

These materials are intended to provide durable mechanical connections and maintain the cable’s shielded construction through the connector assembly.

As with any high-quality network cable, proper connector engagement and careful handling are important for long-term reliability.

Flexible Installation Lengths

The dCBL-CAT7e is available in lengths ranging from 0.5 metres to 50 metres, according to the manufacturer’s published options.

This wide selection allows the cable to be used in compact audio racks as well as installations requiring a longer connection between rooms or networking locations.

The correct cable length should be selected according to the actual installation, network equipment and applicable Ethernet requirements.

Contact Chameleon Audio for availability and pricing of individual lengths.

Straight-Through and Optional Crossover Versions

SOtM supplies its Ethernet cables in a standard straight-through configuration unless otherwise specified.

An optional crossover version of the dCBL-CAT7e is available upon request.

A crossover cable uses a different transmit-and-receive wiring arrangement and may be required in particular direct-device connections.

SOtM identifies direct Host-to-Target configurations using Diretta as one possible application.

Many modern network interfaces support automatic crossover detection, but the appropriate cable configuration should still be confirmed when designing a specialist audio network.

Ideal for SOtM Network Audio Systems

The dCBL-CAT7e is a natural companion for dedicated SOtM digital audio components.

For example, it can be used to connect a compatible router or network switch to the
SOtM sMS-500 Network Streamer.

Its construction also makes it a relevant choice for systems incorporating the
SOtM sMS-2000 Network Streamer & Music Server.

In more complex installations, the dCBL-CAT7e may be used between network switches, routers, compatible servers and network-attached storage equipment.

Its flexibility allows the same cable model to be used consistently throughout several network connections.

Combining dCBL-CAT7e with the SOtM sNH-10G

The SOtM sNH-10G Ethernet switch is designed specifically for demanding network audio systems.

The dCBL-CAT7e can serve as a suitable Ethernet interconnect between the switch and compatible connected network devices.

Its shielded construction and specialist noise-filtering design complement SOtM’s broader focus on network audio infrastructure.

Suitable cable selection should consider the entire installation, including network topology, equipment grounding and the connected components’ electrical design.

SOtM dCBL-CAT7e vs Higher-End Ethernet Cables

SOtM offers more than one network cable design to accommodate different system requirements and budgets.

The dCBL-CAT7e focuses on delivering practical Category 7 performance, shielding, dedicated noise-filtering design and a broad choice of cable lengths.

More elaborate SOtM network cables may use different conductor materials, termination arrangements or additional construction features.

However, a higher model number or price does not automatically guarantee an audible improvement in every installation.

The most suitable cable depends on the connected network equipment, required length, installation conditions and listening priorities.

Why Choose the SOtM dCBL-CAT7e?

The strength of the dCBL-CAT7e lies in the combination of its technical capabilities and practical versatility.

Its Category 7 S/FTP architecture, specified 600MHz bandwidth, support for 10GBASE-T, specialist noise-filtering design and wide range of available lengths make it a compelling option for dedicated music streaming systems.

For enthusiasts who require several Ethernet connections, it offers a way to maintain a consistent cable specification without moving automatically to the most expensive options in the market.

Key Features

• High-performance Ethernet cable developed for network audio
• Category 7 S/FTP construction with four twisted pairs
• Individually screened conductor pairs
• Overall tinned-copper braided screening
• Special noise-filtering design
• Support for 10/100/1000BASE-T and 10GBASE-T
• Verified bandwidth up to 600MHz
• 100Ω ±5% characteristic impedance at 100MHz
• Gold-plated connector contacts
• Nickel-plated zinc die-cast connector bodies
• Approximately 9mm outer cable diameter
• Available lengths from 0.5m to 50m
• Standard straight-through configuration
• Optional crossover configuration upon request
• Suitable for compatible streamers, music servers, switches, routers and NAS devices

Manufacturer Information

For official product information and the manufacturer’s current specifications, visit the
SOtM dCBL-CAT7e official product page.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the SOtM dCBL-CAT7e?

It is a Category 7 S/FTP Ethernet cable developed for high-performance network audio applications, incorporating shielding and a special noise-filtering design.

Does it support Gigabit Ethernet?

Yes. The manufacturer specifies support for Gigabit Ethernet as well as 10GBASE-T connections.

What is its specified bandwidth?

The cable is verified for Category 7 performance up to 600MHz.

Is the cable shielded?

Yes. It uses individual shielding around the twisted pairs and an overall braided screen.

Can I use it between my router and streamer?

Yes. It is suitable for compatible Ethernet connections between routers, switches, network streamers and music servers.

Does the dCBL-CAT7e work with the SOtM sMS-500?

Yes. It can be used for the sMS-500’s standard Ethernet network connection.

Is it suitable for an SOtM sNH-10G Ethernet switch?

Yes. It is suitable for compatible network connections involving the sNH-10G.

Does the cable increase the resolution of digital music?

No. An Ethernet cable does not increase the resolution of an audio file. SOtM’s audio-oriented design focuses on shielding and electrical noise management.

Can it improve sound quality?

SOtM designed the cable for network audio systems with attention to electrical interference. Any audible effect depends on the connected equipment and installation and is not guaranteed.

What cable lengths are available?

The manufacturer’s stated range extends from 0.5m to 50m. Contact Chameleon Audio for current options and availability.

Is a crossover version available?

Yes. A crossover configuration is available on request for suitable direct-device applications, including certain Diretta installations.

Does the standard cable use crossover wiring?

No. SOtM supplies standard straight-through Ethernet wiring unless a crossover configuration is specifically requested.

Can it be used with non-SOtM equipment?

Yes. The cable is suitable for compatible Ethernet devices, regardless of manufacturer.

Is it suitable for long network cable runs?

The manufacturer’s range extends to 50m. Actual supported operation depends on the network standard and complete installation.

High-End Network Connectivity at a Sensible Price

The SOtM dCBL-CAT7e Ethernet Cable combines specialist audio networking design with the practical performance expected from a high-quality shielded Ethernet connection.

With Category 7 construction, up to 600MHz bandwidth, special noise-filtering design and an unusually broad choice of lengths, it offers a flexible solution for network audio installations of many sizes.

Reliable Connectivity. Careful Engineering. Exceptional Value.

Availability and International Orders

Contact Chameleon Audio for available lengths, special crossover configurations, international shipping and personalised advice on choosing the right SOtM Ethernet cable for your digital audio system.