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The Science of Cables

It seems to me that there is too little scientific, objective evidence for why cables sound the way they do. When I see discussions on cables, physical attributes are discussed; things like shielding, gauge, material, geometry, etc. and rarely are things like resistance, impedance, inductance, capacitance, etc. Why is this? Why aren’t cables discussed in terms of physical measurements very often?

Seems to me like that would increase the customer base. I know several “objectivist” that won’t accept any of your claims unless you have measurements and blind tests. If there were measurements that correlated to what you hear, I think more people would be interested in cables. 

I know cables are often system dependent but there are still many generalizations that can be made.
mkgus
douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
Jim, I'm glad I took the time to chat further and earn your trust enough for you to try it. I look forward to your input. :)

I am going to contact you via PM system.
cd318
2,636 posts
 
"@astelmaszek, Let me just mention that majority of the recordings you listen to were done with about 500ft of Canare microphone cable, and that's if the studio was fancy."

A timely reminder. If the dubious notion of doubling up cables (bi-wiring revisited 2019 style?) has any discernible effect can we begin to imagine the results of 'fixing' the weakest links of the audio chain?

Or does tea really taste better in a China cup?
glupson
7,842 posts
 
Nothing to do with the science of cables, but..
"...Tit for tat is usually seen on grade school playgrounds. Need I say more? 12 it is."
is probably incorrect. It is, in fact, how adults behave. An ordinary 12-year-old is quite open-minded and forgiving.
audition__audio
1,683 posts
 
Jim,
As if 30 years experience in some quasi related field puts you in a better position to judge. Instead of allowing the possibility that there may be things at play that you dont understand or cant hear, you take an aggressive stance that others are wrong (egotistic, ignorant, etc). I would suggest that it may be precisely this work experience that is part of the problem. Personally I have found always being right was just too much of a burden. Like Elizabeth it isnt your stance on these issues that I find objectionable it is your attitude. 
jhills
623 posts
 
@jsautter
Maybe a bit of arrogance, but I can guarantee you, not ignorance, my friend.
Again, - show me one other industry, tech or otherwise, that buys into or uses $1,000.00 per foot signal cable. Hint - "They Don’t"
It’s amazing that the ones questioned and scoffed, on this forum, are the ones who actually have many years of experience at building or repairing audio components, or those who have many years of professional experience in the music or tech industry, yet the same scoffers are eager to jump on to the wild claims of some of these high priced cable guys - some of which already facing, or have faced, suits and fines for false claims and improper business practices.
This thread is about the science of cables, so am just sticking to what is actually the science and truth of cables.......Jim
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