glupson, thanks for sharing about your system, as it is helpful for me to know your involvement, priorities, etc. It helps to see what you are wiling to do in the hobby, fleshes out more your discussion.
Two things for clarification; If you are primarily referring to me as a "pro" reviewer, you seem to connect this with income, and it seems you distrust my input because you think I’m paid. I have never been paid to review for daggo.com. I largely volunteer my time/cost involvement versus the "pro" reviewers who are paid. So, please correct misinformation that is tacitly suggested about my being "pro" when associated with payment or income. I actually have spent far more than most audiophiles on their systems simply to attend shows on my dime so that I can develop better systems for myself. I have spent far more of my own money on this hobby than most, so yes, if it’s experience and building hundreds of systems that makes a "pro", then yes, I am a pro.
The second inference you have brought up about three times, though I have corrected it, is that somehow I am benefitting (perhaps by the mistaken notion that I am paid as a reviewer) from associations from Schroeder Method and use of cables. I have stated clearly my involvement in my Method, and have said that I have no financial incentive other than perhaps a patent that assured no gain/income that won’t even materialize for years. I have zero investment with cable makers, and the only benefit I have had to date is a loan (I never consider cables on loan for review purposes to become mine; something that distinguishes me from some reviewers) of cables that can be called back at any time.
In case it would be pointed out that I do obtain an accommodation on purchase as a reviewer, yes that is so. However, I have also stated publicly that my time investment per dollar/hour would be so low that the vast majority of persons here would not put in the effort. I happen to love building systems and would do so anyway, and I love writing (I guess that's obvious enough!). So, the invitation to review years ago was up my alley. :)
Now, with those misnomers corrected, I’ll answer your latest post:
You have what I would consider a mid-level HiFi system. On your system you would most definitely hear distinctions between interconnects. You intentionally misquoted me by omitting the word "big" in your summary. Then you proceeded to conclude that I am in error because you add that you could hear changes with a $60 earphone cable.
So, you attempt to discredit me with that comparison. However, you have failed for two reasons: 1. I discussed "big" changes, which is my subjective judgment of what is worthwhile to pursue, not an absolute statement of whether there was a change. I think your misquote shows your agenda, to discredit me due to your deep skepticism.
2. I know that changes of cables to inexpensive systems are audible. I recall taking an aftermarket power cord to a boom box and hearing a difference! If you can hear a change of a $60 cable on earphone, and I can hear a power cord change on a all in one system, then I guess we’re not so far apart on audibility of cabling after all. :)
I don’t think you have any clue what the spectrum of performance is for audio systems. I speak of a VERY wide spectrum of performance when I say that it takes a $25K rig to get more out of cable changes. I don’t expect you to understand that. So be it. I suspect the vast majority of people who have made $25-100K rigs would agree with me that there is a disproportionately more profound influence of a cable change on a $50K rig than a $5K rig. i.e. You can hear a lot more of what a cable is doing on a $50K rig than a $5K rig. I am certainly not interested in an ongoing debate about that with you if you have never set up a $25-50K rig. It’s like arguing with someone how a high performance sports car handles who has never driven one.
So, in further assessment, "perfectly functional" electronics in no way means superior performance. You’ll get music, but the character of the music can be profoundly improved - for instance, by the Schroeder Method.
I can also answer your tacit objection about the earphone cable compared not being better. You have a 50%/50% chance of any cable compared being better. If that one didn’t do the trick, try another. To conclude that there is no efficacy in aftermarket cables from one comparison is imo in keeping with the tendency to write off my input with an incorrect characterization that you cannot hear changes with lower end rigs.
I think you have demonstrated my premise clearly, that cost determines your "cable worldview", and that any one who would dare to promote use of expensive cables you suspect deeply, even when they have explained themselves. I consider you not just a skeptic, but an arch-skeptic, as you continue to hold that there is some latent agenda, some manipulation, where none exists. I attempt to offer the community a great, and potentially super-inexpensive method, and you rail against me for it! Wow, I am about done with that.
I have spent too much time doing what I said I wouldn’t. I am debating my credentials, methods and motives. Frankly, I put in the time not for you, but for the community. If you change your mind, I will be elated for you. But, I suspect you are too confident in yourself, too entrenched to accept experience from someone who could help you get a much better sound and imo more enjoyment for not much money.
So... I will attempt again to commit myself to not engaging in lengthy arguments. If I can’t gain your trust through explanation, then I’m not going to indefinitely spend time on it. I’m very happy to help those who want insight, but to this point you want to incite distrust. I can be doing more important things, like, yes, writing reviews, etc.
Meanwhile, I suspect there are some who are trying Schroeder Method, and I hope you are having a great time with it! :)
