2. cables
  3. 136769-457

DO CABLES REALLY MATTER?

Yes they do.  I’m not here to advocate for any particular brand but I’ve heard a lot and they do matter. High Fidelity reveal cables, Kubala Sosna Elation and Clarity Cable Natural. I’m having a listening session where all of them is doing a great job. I’ve had cables that were cheaper in my system but a nicely priced cable that matches your system is a must.  I’m not here to argue what I’m not hearing because I have a pretty good ear.  I’m enjoying these three brands today and each is presenting the music differently but very nicely. Those who say cables don’t matter. Get your ears checked.  I have a system that’s worth about 30 to 35k retail.  Now all of these brands are above 1k and up but they really are performing! What are your thoughts. 
calvinj
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
Speaking of stuffing in chairs am I the only one who cannot tolerate the IKEA Poang Chair? You know, the cheap audiophile alternative chair, the one that’s stuffed with that same kind of foam as Sonex acoustic foam. Sonex has got to be one of the worst sounding materials ever foisted on unsuspecting and gullible audiophiles. Leather chairs, regardless of stuffing, are another irritant.
glupson
7,842 posts
 

According to the picture on the Internet, that IKEA chair seems uncomfortable. Which one may claim for most, if not all, of the IKEA products.


The question arises, what is better investment for a $1000-2000? Good listening chair or a good cable of some kind?


EDIT: If I have calculated it right and IKEA chair is stuffed with same foam as Sonex acoustic foam, it may be cheaper to buy a few IKEA chairs and tear them apart than to buy Sonex foam itself. Of course, if one wants that Sonex foam in the first place. 

chemman
15 posts
 
@calvinj  

OK, I won't waste time with made up words.  Archimago has tested a boat load of cables over the years.  His methodology is sound.  His metrics show no change to many of the quantifiable specifications regarding hifi that have an effect on sonic character. If you get a chance, that is at least worth looking at.

From an epistemological point of view you wrote, "There are those of us that know that they make a difference based on the ability of your system to be resolving and transparent."

How do you really "know?" Via the sense of hearing, is that as reliable as science?  Only you can say what you think there. The business with high resolving systems sounds rather elitist and takes away from your credibility.  If you say you can hear something in the cables, how can you say at the same time no one else can if they don't have a resolving and transparent system?  That sounds like hypocrisy to me.

Who is to say that confirmation bias is not at work either?  Someone spends $500 on a cable because they believe it will enhance the sonic performance of their system is going to be psychologically pre-disposed to hearing it.  There is no way around that.  How much so is up for debate.
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
Glupson, I didn’t say they were comfortable. I said they sounded bad. Reading 101.
calvinj OP
2,360 posts
 
Well I will say this. To each his own. In my system my choice of equipment and cabling work for me in my listening enviorment.  Your room does play a major part in how your music sound. Positioning of speakers also play a major part. In my situation I’m basically locked in component wise. My system is very niche because of the brands I chose. They are great performers that most don’t know about so I think you should listen to your own ear to determine if the difference is worth it. I’m not going to go drop 5k on one Cable but I will spend a decent amount if I think a Cable brings out the little things that make enjoy my system more.  It’s up to each individual to decide what he or she wants to do. Remember though you are the one listening to your system the most so you have to like it not anybody else. As far as hearing is concerned. Some can’t hear the difference. I actually can so for me and my ear enjoyment I will tweak with cabling a little. Enjoy everyone. 
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