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Cable Controversy

I love the cable forum. Discussions about cable can really generate sparks among the mature audiophiles. Regarding cable design: Other than the basics of resistance, impedance, and conductance, it seems that there is very little firm ground upon which one can form convincing conclusions. Witness the bewildering array of cable designs, incoporating network boxes, magnets, biased shields, liquid conductors, solid core, braided strands, exotic metals, air dialectrics, to name but a few. In contrast: Regarding balanced cables, at least one experienced poster and equipment designer has stated here that all balanced cables perform identically, once a few basic design parameters are met.  I ask for the voices of experience and sanity to offer their theories and experience on the topic of cable design and performance. Thanks in advance.
psag
gshepardbuster's avatar
gshepardbuster
620 posts
 
IMO cables are worth exploring.  Sometimes the difference between good and fantastic is the cabling.  
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,842 posts
 
The one thing I've taken away from just about every thread on cables is that:
1) No single type of cable that works well in one system is going to work
    as well in another.
2) Since there are no absolutes due to all the variables, try different  
    cables until you find the one(s) that work best in your system.  
3) Cost is a consideration only in what your limits are, knowing that there
    is a law of diminishing returns with all things audio.  

All the best,
Nonoise
jafant's avatar
jafant
19,618 posts
 
Agreed-
the difference between excellent and outstanding- is Cabling!
davidpritchard's avatar
davidpritchard
866 posts
 
And the difference between outstanding and breathtaking is using an Audiodharma Cable Cooker to fully condition the power cords (including the ground), fully condition the Interconnects, and condition the speaker cables. Add to this the modestly priced Jim Hagerman FryCorder which conditions the house wiring all the way back to the utility transformer.

These two devices allow your wire to demonstrate their full potential!

David Pritchard
jadedavid
76 posts
 
First, if you can't hear the difference in cables, good for you.
For the rest of us, I consider cables to be similar to spice in a recipe. You have the main ingredients, but without the spice's it just isn't finished.
As previously stated, I too have found cables to be very system dependent.
I have not found that this or that particular conductor or dialectric has a set signature.
A PCOCC cable from Mfg A can sound very different from a PCOCC cable from mfg B. etc.
Some silver cables can sound bright while others are smooth. 
As has also been suggested, just keep trying different cables until you hit on that magical combination in your system.
Heck, I just built a pair of interconnects from some vintage 18Ga cloth covered wire that blow away any/all the other interconnects I have in my system. Some of which retail for $1500+.
You never know what will work until you try it.
Have fun with it.
Just my 2 cents.
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