HS-Link vs. CAT 5/6/7/8
 

Simple question, and please share only if you are certain and not guessing..

Is the HS-Link cable sold/made by Accuphase essentially CAT 5/6/7/8 cable?

In other words, can it be substituted with a good quality CAT 5/6/7/8 cable such as one made by DH Labs?

https://silversonic.com/products/digital-cables/

Here is photographic proof that the Accuphase HS-Link cable is in fact wired differently from a standard Cat 5/6/7/8

A standard Cat 7 cable tested on my Paladin Ethernet tester;

https://www.audioaficionado.org/atta...1&d=1606172981

Cable Passed

Accuphase HS-Link cable being tested;

https://www.audioaficionado.org/atta...1&d=1606173177

https://www.audioaficionado.org/atta...1&d=1606173243

Cable Failed

This shows a Fail on the #3 and #6 connections.

it would appear so, but then I have to ask how is it guys are using AudioQuest Dimond and other Ethernet cables in place of the HS-Link cable successfully?

Be curious to see if anyone else chimes in here.

The Diamond cables, of which I also have are made to meet the HS-Link Protocol.

Direct from Accuphase;

https://www.audioaficionado.org/atta...1&d=1606190819

so does that mean when the guys order the $1000+ AQ Diamond cables they're specifically asking for an HS-Link version and not a CAT5/6/7/8 cable?

No, they are simply built to the same Protocol.

I am using an AudioQuest Dimond cable instead original HS link accuphase cable and i could say it's a big difference between them. Of course there are people which are using the cables provided by Accuphase however i am not one of them.