Getting started!
Contents
Standard connector
We used two types of standard connectors: gold-plated and non-gold-plated. The type is the same: CAT6a / CAT8 with a cable guide.
The installation went as we are used to with standard connectors: remove the jacket of the network cable, remove the shielding, and pull the cables through the guide in the right order. Cut them to size and push the conductor into the plug. Then check carefully whether everything is far enough into the plug. Everything ok? Then finish it off with a special crimping tool that is also suitable for CAT8 plugs.
The assembly was not the easiest, but it was reliable. At 1.60 and 2.00 euros per plug, these are by far the cheapest in the test. And we know that these plugs do not break down or come loose easily: a fit is a fit…
However, a good crimping tool can cost 15 to 20 Euros. So take that into account as well.
Here you find the standard connectors
Here you find the gold plated ones
Two not so great connectors
Funnily enough, the two most expensive connectors in this test let us down: the Phoenix Contact and TE Connectivity. Both connectors looked great at first glance – nicely made, all-metal – but after assembly we couldn’t get a good connection.
Disassembling and reassembling didn’t help. And after three times it wasn’t a charm… a connector pin on the Phoenix Contact broke. In short: not recommended at 26 Euros each for the Phoenix Contact and 31 Euros each for the TE Connectivity. Ouch: 120 Euros ‘down the drain’….
Hirschmann
Hirschmann is a well-known manufacturer of numerous cable and connector materials. Everyone knows them, of course, from the coaxial cables and plugs. But they also make other products. Think of network connectors.
This connector costs 9 Euros per pair…. exactly: a pair of 2. The connectors come with a neat manual. Assembly is done with a small block where the cables go through. Then you cut them short and push the whole thing into the connector in place. An easy and fool-proof system, as it turns out, because we did not waste one connector during assembly.
The quality of the Hirschmann is fine for the money. Yes: there are nicer models and fancier models, but considering the price, this is an excellent choice. For the next best thing you pay 14 euros per set…. In short: fine connector for a just price!
Here you find the Hirschmann connectors
Delock
We know Delock from our fiber converters. And well: they work very well. They have never let us down. And again we see a neat product, although with 14 Euros a piece it is a pricey (er) connector. Because we do not see much difference with the Helos. Except for a few details.
Assembly is identical to the Hirschmann and Helos. You push the cables in the right order through the small guide block, cut the whole thing off and press the small block in the connector on the pins. Close the plug, screw it on and you’re done. And just like the other two: fool proof.
The difference with the Hirschmann is that this Delock is made entirely of metal and that the cable relief does not use a tie-wrap, but a screw connection. That looks a bit neater and is also a bit more secure, we think. We also notice that the cable guide – that block – lets cables through a little easier. That works a little faster and easier.
Here you can find the Delock plugs_
Telegärtner
The connector we see a lot in our audio world. And that is understandable: the connector is very nicely made and very well finished. It is also very well attached to the cable and feels very robust. However: you pay for it: the version we bought is 23 euros each. That is a version for CAT8 and with strain relief. There are also slightly cheaper versions without proper strain relief.
Mounting is slightly different. Telegärtner uses a kind of pcb with two plastic cable guides on it. You put the cables through in the right order. Then you squeeze the whole – gently – so that the metal pins on the pcb make contact with the wires. An ingenious system. But you pay for it. And in the past we have had really mixed results with this system.
The Telegärtner is without doubt one of the nicer connectors. And we understand that people like the look of it. The connection is also very robust. However, at 23 Euros each… not the bargain of the century.
Here you can order the Telegärtners
Metz Connect
The Metz Connect feels light. And that’s good, because it’s not a good idea use very heavy connectors with a fragile ethernet port. There can be play which may cause contact problems in the long run. Installation of the Metz Connect is fairly simple: you run the cables through, cut them to size and press the top on.
Next, we tweaked the whole thing a bit (gently, of course) by pressing it together with pliers. This was not mentioned in the manual, but we saw some space.
With a price of 10 Euros each, we think the Metz is certainly a fine product. It feels light, looks good and installs quite easily. The Helos, Hirschmann and Delock are still a bit easier, but this one certainly comes close. Great product.
Here you can get the Metz Connect
Helos
At 7 Euros per connector, the Helos is one of the cheapest connectors in this test. But it comes very complete and is equipped with a strain relief via a screw system. In short: all the bells and whistles.
We have no problems with the installation of the Helos CAT8 connector. Although the Delock cable guide lets the wires through a bit easier, it also works fine with this Helos. And the result on the cable is also very good: it looks very clean. In short: excellent choice for 7 Euros each. To give some perspective: you can assemble three cables for the price of one set of Telegärtner… Not a difficult choice for us.
