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.
128x128mkgus
douglas_schroeder,

You may be reading too much into anything related to your method.

The word "pro" was referring to your sentence "I would be interested whether you use Pro cables, or whether you use aftermarket cables." Not to you as a person or anything else.

"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."
I am not sure where I omitted the word "big". The quote from your post was copy/paste so if computer omitted it, I am guilty as well. Otherwise, it is what you wrote. I would not try to make my case by playing tricks. On the other hand, there is a word "big" somewhere in there. Maybe you omitted it by accident. You would not have done it to discredit me, I am sure.

In fact, I was not even trying to make any case but just asking about your thoughts. It was not a trick question, it was a real question. "I have no clue" would be a perfectly legitimate answer. I have no intention of discrediting you, as far as I am concerned the whole world can switch to Schroeder method if it works for them. Still, it was not me who, based on experience, mentioned price of the system as something relevant. It makes sense to me on some primitive level (better is better and more expensive is most of the time better) so you do not need to defend your claims. It is just that I still do not know if you have any thought about the reasons for it or explanation of such observations.

As far as me having Karma and Wilson speakers, the bug is saved and geoffkait will stay hungry. My only experience with Wilson speakers is passing by a pair of used Duetta (or something like that) in the hallway of JS Audio in Bethesda. They were not playing at that time. As far as budget goes, my choices are not influenced by budget, but by overall interest of the moment. That extends to audio cables, too. I passed by a Revel showroom just the other day and they have my speakers there at their full price ($5000). Maybe an older design, but still current. I would buy them again, unless some other model comes in yellow.

Nobody is railing anything against you and your angelic offers to this community. You are really overly sensitive about things nobody ever spent time to think about. Great that you offer, now let’s go back to the title of this thread and let us know more about the science of it all.

My conclusion from this thread is that I was right about geoffkait. He can figure some things out quite well.
@ieales

Not 1 in 1000 has any technical expertise whatsoever or been within 100 miles of recording studio. You’re all talking out the side of your neck!!!


Really ! Like, really !...
Wow !?.....really!?.....that is sooooooo cool !?....can I have your autograph?.....purty please....and for those keeping score please enter the preceding as a tongue in cheek joke....

And please note, over the last few decades I’ve been to several hundred studios, recording locations, and editing facilities....and the take-away?....the vast majority not only sucked, they sucked big time....even the ones in which highly regarded recordings were made....in fact most living rooms sound better, though admittedly they aren’t as pretty or impressive looking or loud...Just saying eh.
glupson and ieales, I do not concur with your assessments, but I'm not spending more time on this at the cost of my work. Blessings to you both, and thank you for at least cordially debating me. :) 

If either of you ever wish to try Schroeder Method of IC placement I would be happy to discuss it with you and to see your impressions.
I will say this, I think you will miss out big time if you dismiss it. Short of that we know pretty well where we stand and likely further jousting would not be productive. I will try to keep an open mind to your comments going forward.  :)