James Randi vs. Anjou Pear - once and for all

Do you believe that there are no discernable sonic differences between any audio cables?

I would believe if a reviewer would step up to the plate and defend their statements. In the absence of defence, I remain skeptical of statements that cables can make the kind of significant differences normally associated with acoustic treatments or changing speakers.From an engineering perspective (science) nothing I have ever read would support the kind of "extraordinary" claims being made. A small and barely audible difference is the most that could be expected, given properly matched components (components are normally designed to minimize the impact of cabling but there are some weird exceptions out there, so given the infinite possibilities out there some surprises must definitely occur!)

A small and barely audible difference is the most that could be expected

Well, at least that's a start.

If cables make no difference then why is Mr. Flat Earth not allowing the challenger (the person defending the fact cables make a difference) to select the high end cable of his or her choice to pit against the Monster Cable?

Seems obvious to me.

LM

LM,

Do you mean to say that because they have selected a well respected (already expensive) cable like Monster and chosen to make it go head to head with a $7,000 cable that it would be hard to tell the difference? If so, then I guess you agree with the general idea that "extraordinary" differences (the kind of claims made by many cable manufacturers and supported by reviewers) would not stand up to any serious test.

If you are suggesting that the challengers allow a 12 AWG wire to go up against a 30 AWG wire then no doubt the effect would be quite clearly audible (a million dollars would be quickly gone); deliberate selection of extreme cable resistance differences is bound to be audible due to the SPL drop. Similarly, if one were to select a cable with some active elements (capacitor/inductor) then the roll-off effect might become quite audible in some cases.

Dave,

Yes indeed a good start. You may be able to save me yet! What wire would you suggest for the mains?

Shadorne, I'd try some of the entry level Audioquest like Type 2 or Type 4. Both are solid core copper cables with the Type 4 being a heavier gauge. You can buy them raw for a few bucks a foot and not have to pay for termination.

Within the realm of slight audible differences, I find that these solid core cables sound a bit tighter in the bass than stranded cables generally. Solid core cables also tend to be a little smoother in the highs. No hocus pocus.