Cat5 or Cat6?

[Jacksmyname]

Hi all.
Running a cable from my router to my receiver.
Run will be about 100 feet at most, probably a bit less.
Right now, just for playing lossless music files.
But the future could bring other things, such as a Blu Ray player with Netflix.
Is cat5 enough, or do I need cat6?

Thanks!

 

[BMXTRIX]

CAT-5 can carry gigabit ethernet without any issue really. If you are fine terminating CAT-6 it really isn't like it's gonna cost you a fortune to go that route.

 

[Jacksmyname]

Thanks!
Only reason I'm looking at 5 is because it's readily available locally.
Thanks again.

 

[Rickster71]

I'd run CAT-6 if you have any future plans for it, and if it has to fished through walls. Why got through the hassle of running it again in the future.

CAT-6 has a higher signal-to-noise ratio, which is good for whatever you're currently running and higher data rates for future applications.

I wouldn't try to terminate the ends yourself; use a factory-assembled product rather than a field-assembled one.

 

[Jacksmyname]

Thanks Rick.

 

[GlocksRock]

go with cat-5e instead of regular cat-5, and you will be fine as it will do gigabit just fine and is easier to terminate than cat-6 and costs less.

 

[Jacksmyname]

Thanks GR.
It's a pretty easy run, only one spot where I have to go through a wall and then up to the attic. From there it's easy to get to the wall behind my system. Did it when I installed my side and rear surrounds.
The 5e is available locally pretty cheap, and it's already terminated.

Thanks again all.