So, what Bob is saying is, if it is set to a 3db downstream SNR target, then that looks OK, might also the high-ish error count he mentions.
If it's set to 6db and has gone down to 3db, then that's not so good, and would mean the error count is evidence of iffyness on your line.
My original reply was just trying to state that age of the pair is not a factor, the condition of that pair IS, but the two don't go hand in hand.
Have you posted your postcode, some clever bunny may well be able to pinpoint your cab for you.
Thanks for the post, to be honest I'm not sure what I'm looking at with the stats.
That's what I meant with age really, logically age = worse condition but of course it's not always the case.
I haven't put my post code on, if I did you would be able to see 'me' completely due to what I do and where I am.
We are pretty sure we have located the correct cabinet, it's the next one along, on it's way to the exchange, if someone can tell me how I can check properly myself I will double check.
My line stats (under ADSL2+) are *almost* identical, except with a slightly lower attenuation value (so I am slightly closer to the exchange).
I too have a target SNRM of 3dB downstream (6dB upstream), and it hardly varies from that. This (as Zarjaz says) is a good thing.
The only downside is that it racks up the FEC counter - currently at 28 million after 2.5 days of uptime. Yours is only around a third of that rate, so isn't *too* bad.
The 2nd line here comes through the same drop cable - drop cable dates back to 1996, while the 2nd line itself was installed in 2002. It worked just fine on ADSL1 (8Mbps, 10 errors per hour), and used to have FTTC on it until a year ago - just before the 80/20 packages were available. It is about 550-600 metres from the cabinet.
When first connected, FTTC could hold a 40/10 connection during the first 2 days, but the number of errors on the line would trigger DLM to add FEC and interleaving, and drop the sync speed to 36Mbps (and download speeds to about 33 Mbps). Once BT re-organised the frequency bands in preparation for the arrival of 80/20, the modem suddenly got back the ability to sync at full 40/10 speeds (download at 37) - partly because the new bandplan gives a bit more capacity to downstream. However, it kept the FEC and interleaving overhead.
At the time the bandplan changed, I unlocked the modem, and was told that it had a maximum attainable speed of 60Mbps - so I suspect It'd achieve around 50Mbps sync speeds while the rest was used for the FEC overhead. The checker currently believes I'd have 51/11.
Does any of this mean anything for *your* line?
We have similar performance on ADSL2+ over the full line length (to exchange), with mine slightly worse. If the errors in both our cases come from the full line, then you would expect that you have a slightly better line (in terms of quality), but slightly worse (in terms of length to cabinet).
My gut feel says you'll probably be OK. If you're not, there are people here who can help - but you'll have to learn a bit about the technology & terminology 
Thanks for the detailed reply!
From your post if our lines are comparible it sounds good to get fibre on the line I can test, the only issue is it's going to be going on the downstairs line which doesn't even have broadband on it so I have no way of checking the quality of the line which is a pain.
You're right, I really do need to learn about these stats, I'm shamefaced I'm so interested in the subject while knowing so little about it!
I've discovered Bobs website (thanks footer in his posts!) and I'll have a good read through that, hopefully it'll explain everything.
Edited by PhotoFiend (Sun 02-Dec-12 11:43:12)
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