Lifting speaker cables

I got rid of a hum when I lifted my Harmonic Tech Pro 9s off the carpet using ceramic cable isolators. I got no difference at all when I used the same lifters with signal cable brand products. Go figure!

FWIW since MT brought it up, many of the demo rooms at last weeks Stereophile show had their mondo cables neatly arranged on a variety of lifts. Of course this could just be the cable rep making sure his babies got in the spotlight...

Then of course there were the rooms that looked worse then my rack and the surrounding area...

I do it - had some fun on ebay collecting old ceramic isolators - but honestly I can't say I hear a difference. On the other hand I believe that a lot of this stuff is synergistic, and that lots of tiny details add up to a greater whole. Besides it puzzles the maid (who has learned to put the cables back on after she knocks them over) and the dog, who has not.

I agree lifting any cables makes a huge difference particularly in imaging and smoothness. My experience tells me not to lift cables more than about 1/4" to 1/2" off the ground otherwise you lose body. Also avoid contact with solid materials such as metal or wood; e.g. corners of cabinets, etc. as this can add hardness to the sound. Plastics are one of the best materials to use under cables. Styrofoam cups and plastic drink glasses are a cheap way to go. Ceramic materials tend to add a bit of hardness to the sound.

I have found that floating the cables in water has a greater effect that lifting them. Various dyes may be added to the water to make the sound "darker". Ideally, one should experiment with a combination of isolators and dyes to optimize the sound. Thickeners may be added to tame those darn transient excursions and cologne to improve music that truly stinks. Filling your mouth with water and spitting it on the system also helps. Just my two cents.

Maybe nothing for sound quality improvement, but the cables look neater and cooler sitting on top of the porcelin holders.