Steve, Barrows from Sonore here. The answer is “maybe”. I prefer to use an optical Network connection (using Sonore products of course) as this eliminates the possibility of noise traveling on Ethernet cables to the audio system.
In any case, i do notice that you mentioned buying Ethernet cables from Amazon. Beware of cheapo, Chinese made Ethernet cables, as many of these do not meet specifications, also, most CAT 7 (maybe all?) Ethernet cables use metal shielded plugs and have shields which are connected to these plugs, for audio I would recommend staying away from any Ethernet cables which have the metal shielded plugs, as these create a ground connection (through the shield) from the router (or switch, whatever) to the Renderer, inviting the possibility of ground loops and ground borne noise. Ethernet is by design isolated, and these ground cables defeat the isolation on the ground.
My recommendation for wired Ethernet (if you do not use optical, which is my top recommendation when properly implemented) is to use CAT 6A cables, and get them from a reliable source. My favorites are from Blue Jeans Cables, they use high quality Belden made cable, and do the terminations themselves, they also measure each cable after termination to make sure it meets spec. These are not expensive, and have guaranteed quality, with no name cables form Chinese suppliers on Amazon you usually have no idea of what you are really getting. As for “audiophile” Ethernet cables, if you want to try some, first make sure you have known quality cables such as what I recommend for comparison, as if you compare against no name Chinese made cables your comparison may be to a cable which does not even meet spec!
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