Cables more hype than value?

optimization is the heart of High-end audio! In that matter, cables are a major component of the system.
I listened to a system last week. The guy use a REGA Apollon and BRIO R amp on a pair of Usher Audio MINI-ONE. He wires the whole thing with a VDH interconnect, and self-made PCs. For the trial, we used my Analysis plus big silver.
After the first song, i notice a problem : the dynamic flattened the sound stage and a lack of high and low frequencies narrowed the overall presentation.
I asked the guy to switch the VDH for a pair of Analysis plus's Copper oval in. After the change, the depth was back with a greater sense of 3D, highs and bass were also more present with more subtilities. The gap was huge between the 2 cables. And the Analysis is not expensive so not hype at all. The Analysis plus's solo crystal oval is probably one of the most valuable wire on the market for his performance/price ratio. If the system is neutral, the Solo will make it sing with naturalness and a great sense of pace. If the system is unbalanced, it will sound even more unbalanced!

What I said earlier VDH does not make that great cables. He is a funny person, but there are enough brands which outperform his cables with ease. And yess cables have also a big influence on the stage. I sold Nordost for over 9 years. And I did hundreds of teste with them. Wenn I played 100% Valhalla my stage also become less wide and deep. Wenn I had discussions about this with Nordost they Always became quite irritated. It is as it is, it is that simple!!

"Wenn I had discussions about this with Nordost they Always became quite irritated."

I believe you.

They believed in there synergy bullshit story. 100% Valhalla Always gave different limitations. But also with other cables in there line. The stage becomes smaller wenn you use full Nordost cables. Wenn I changed for examples interconnects to Kimber the stage became bigger. And the instruments and voices were so much better focused. Then I used blind test to see what people prefer. They Always choose for the combi of Nordost and Kimber. I am a person who Always looks further than other people. Many people stick to the nonsense they say. Wenn I hear limitations I will directly look for a better solution. Nordost gives a lot of resolution. But instruments and voices need to be focussed sharp were they are ar put on the recording. It does not give the palpable image as in real. Instruments and voices are a lot more direct to point out. That is why I Always did use Nordost just for a part in a system. Because wenn you use it wise it gives you important parts in your set what is very important. Nordost does not have all properties/talents what can be given by cables. That is why I call it incomplete.

Agreed!