Psag, I guess I was not clear. That is the same point I was trying to make. For short runs cmnr is inconsequential ergo inclusion of a a phase inverter is a net loss (all else held constant).
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.
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Psag, I, like you, believed balanced were the best solution. Then I got the opportunity to compare a 2 meter Kimber Kable silver balanced IC to a 1 meter KLE Innovations gZero3 single ended IC on a very nice Ayre/Magic system. The gZero3 sounded better with respect to clarity, dynamics, bass extension, bass control, Imaging and neutrality. They were also free of any colouration. Not only did it surprise me, it surprised the owner of the system. Just another person's observation 😊 But it made me change my view of single ended cables, which is all I use now. BTW, KLE Innovations only make Single ended cables because they believe them to be superior for shorter cables. Just another opinion. |
psag OP349 posts07-29-2016 9:49amOk, but even for short runs, I don't agree that a single ended cable will outperform a balanced cable. There may be exceptions, but in general, I think its accepted that balanced cable is an advance oversingle ended.Not true. If you start with the condition that cmnr is not needed in your application as dictated by your particular environment (i.e., because of short runs, low emi/rfi, etc.), then the benefit of a balanced system is zero (by definition) yet the inclusion of phase inverters in the signal path to achieve balanced has a negative consequence. Each application should be evaluated on this basis. As I said earlier many very well regarded electronics manufacturers eschew balanced for this reason. As an aside, it always amazes me how the 6 db delta alone in balanced output is mistaken by some for an improvement over single-ended cuz the person fails to properly adjust the volume in a properly designed experiment. I am not saying this is applicable here but it happens (a lot). |
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