I use an Audioquest Diamond Ethernet cable between the SpeakerLink output of my 818 to the SpeakerLink input of my 861.

In this application, balanced digital audio is being carried between the two pieces. I found this cable clearly superior to the SpeakerLink cable from Meridian and also superior enough to the AQ Vodka cable to justify its purchase.

There is no way to know without trying for yourself. BTW, I liked the Vodka cable better than the Meridian SpeakerLink cable, which in turn is better than a Cat 7 cable in my system for my application.

mw