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What are we objectivists missing?

I have been following (with much amusement) various threads about cables and tweaks where some claim "game changing improvements" and other claim "no difference".  My take is that if you can hear a difference, there must be some difference.  If a device or cable or whatever measures exactly the same it should sound exactly the same.  So what are your opinions on what those differences might be and what are we NOT measuring that would define those differences?

jtucker
djones51
4,947 posts
 

You mention cables,  if 2 measure "exactly " the same then they will be indistinguishable in an ABX test. The reason people claim they hear differences in components that measure the same is due to confirmation bias. Take sight out of the equation and get back to us with how different they sound.

ghdprentice
6,858 posts
 

Too many variables to measure. For instance the delay and “smearing” of the signal by micro capacitors set up at crystal boundaries in the wires. There is no way the track the electrons to see which are being retarded and to make sure there are no stragglers (single crystal wires attempt to minimize this). In addition to all sorts measures like resistance and capacitance, noise can be picked up… and all wires with electrons flowing through them create magnetic fields that effect other wires. It’s a complex mess… without even considering the components on either end.

 

If designing interconnects you measure what you can, insulate against noise and magnetic fields as best you can. Look at the mess behind your components! Real dedicated audiophiles put lots of space behind their components and carefully isolate and cross wires at 90 degrees for minimum interaction. Their systems sound notably better.

The most reliable method is to listen.

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