Gauge + Length +Material = Sound


Is this a formula for cable sound?

Reason I ask is because I conducted the following experiment;

I made the following cables;

1 pair of rca interconnects about two feet (60cm) long
1 set of "preamp->power amp" jumpers converted to rca interconnects - about 1/2 a foot (15 cm) long.

Both sets of cables had identical materials, identical casing and identical gauge, identical terminations.

No sound difference whatsoever.
So over small distances, sound ought not to change - unless we change the metal of the cable. Or perhaps the gauge?

I might make some with a different gauge over the same distance. What are your predictions re the sound?
bleoberis
My prediction is Wishful thinking + Expectations = Perceived Change in Sound.

There is no likely change in sound for short runs of RCA for several feet when using properly matched, well designed and well functioning equipment.

Since you do not hear a difference your equipment is probably good.

Although you might begin to hear something if you went more than 20 feet of RCA on some gear (due to capacitance) and very likely you would hear an audible difference with 100 feet of RCA.

There are volume, as well as bass and treble tone controls on most gear and you can always buy an equalizer - these are all well suited for modifying the sound. Trying to modify the sound quality through changes in cables is very much on the border of and generally well below what is audible unless you go to extremes (from a science/equation perspective).
To hear minute nuanes that can be imposed by interconnects requires highly resolving systems. Also, length is not a factor for most of these nuances. Materials, and how they are used, and interact with one another will be the mitigators of change. If you want to exeriment with this, change the configuration of the cables COMPLETELY. Use different connectors, with different metal compositions. Use a different gauge OR combine two together (winding is tricky though). Use different conductor metals. Whatever your do, if you want to try to eliminate any variables, keep it consistent. Shielding will make a difference, dielectric composition will effect signature vs. time. These will not be big differences, but could "steer" your sound a few degrees one way or another. Again, it depends on your equipment's ability to provide black background, and high resolution.
I have preffered the finer guage wires in the ICs that I have heard.Start at 24ga,then try a 30-35 ga solid core conductor.If not intimidated go higher (40-50).
Just moved my monoblocks up to my speakers and went from 5.5 feet of solid teflon covered 12 gauge Neotech Occ ohno down to 6 inches.

The sound is cleaner, more direct and live, but losing a bit in fullness. Anther downside is my tweeters are hotter sounding which is not to my liking. I guess more energy/signal is being transferred. Would love to hear from any experts as to why this might be happening.

I enquired with Synergistic Research about obtaining a super short cable from them and they said they don't sell anything under 6 feet as the cable will not be effective at shorter lengths. Call this what you may.