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
ricred1
1,992 posts
 
I may be wrong, but the fallacy that "some" seem to be making is people are purchasing cables without listening to them in their own system. I've listened to many different cables in my system. I have never purchased cables or anything based on cost.
dorkwad
540 posts
 
When you have 3 people sitting there listening to a system they have heard a number of times each in the past few years.   All listen to the same 4-5 cuts using one set of cables, and then all listen to the same 4-5 cuts using the other set of cables.  Each of them concludes in similar ways on what was improved, and it was transformational to the system.  This was done with broken in cables that one or both of them brought over to hear.  I had not bought anything yet, and really had no desire to do so, unless there was a significant difference in the sound and it took my system to a much more realistic sound.  Being as all that happened, I then ordered the said cables from the distributer, or I bought them from one of my friends at a used price.  Call it what you want, that is THE way to do listening tests and to possibly see if something is a vast improvement to your system IMO.
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
All cables and power cords must be allowed time to settle in. Once the electrical-mechanical connection is disturbed you have to start all over. Even if the cables or cords are broken in. Therefore, any kind shootout or blind test is unreliable. It’s not that easy, MGee. Even if the cable or cord is moved without unplugging, that alone can affect the sound. That’s why the debate has gone on for what, 40 years? I don’t even have to bring up contact enhancers or cable elevators. Even when people think they hear differences in tests they sometimes change their mind later and think better if it for a number of reasons. Especially if the device is controversial. 😬
glupson
7,842 posts
 

chemman,


I think that bias may occur, although I am not sure it is always in favorable direction.


For whatever it is worth, I recently blasphemously bought a cable (RCA) without ever listening to it. It was a few-hundred-Dollar "upgrade" from $15-16 cable I had had (and still keep). I bought it for the looks. It simply appeared "fancier" on the pictures and was affordable enough for the purpose I had for it. I did not expect much and I got exactly that. The sound is not better for sure. In fact, I think nothing changed although someone might convince me it is even a little worse. I kept it connected because I like those shinier connectors, which I actually almost never see as they are behind the equipment. Was it worth it for the sound? Not at all. Was it worth it for me? Definitely yes. Would I buy it again? No way, novelty has worn off.


I suspect that some, probably not all, of the buyers fall in the similar category. They want finishing touches to their equipment, a final stroke they may feel is missing. Something that, at least in their minds, matches the rest of their system. It does take some sheepish courage to admit you fell for the looks and that is where some of the bias may come from.


If I have to use another RCA cable, I will go back to the $15-16 pair. Unlike these more expensive ones, cheap ones are pliable, have angled connectors, and can easily fit behind the equipment. Expensive ones are hard to bend and fit anywhere without strain. Does anyone else have a problem with stiffer cables?


To answer the title question of this thread, yes, cables matter, but it is not always for the sound.

nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,672 posts
 
I suspect that some, probably not all, of the buyers fall in the similar category. They want finishing touches to their equipment, a final stroke they may feel is missing. Something that, at least in their minds, matches the rest of their system. It does take some sheepish courage to admit you fell for the looks and that is where some of the bias may come from.
I suspect that you're prone to projection, at least in this case.

All the best,
Nonoise

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