Cable design is a lot like creating a pizza

 

We’ve engaged in this conversation before, so: I suspect your queries to be more argumentative, than inquisitive. Hence: this post is more for those extant, that are genuinely interested in the Physics of what’s what with our wires.

If I’m wrong: my apologies!

Let’s pretend that you do not know my motivation for the questions. And that your presenting a motivation is speaking on my behalf, or worse.

"But what part of a stereo systems is like a transmission line?"

*http://www.audiosystemsgroup.com/TransLines.pdf

In that the author states:

A relatively short length of cable shows no measurable transmission line effects for low frequency signals. But if the cable is long enough (or the frequency components of the signal are high enough), transmission line effects will begin to appear with increasing frequency or length.

The signals are generally on low frequency, say <20kHz.

If these hi-end cables had some measurements, or could show that their cables were different in say a null test, then it would be easier have some confidence that they are different.

The ICs for instance are either different or they are not. They have not even shown that they are different.
But let’s say that they are.

Then people use them as tone controls.
What is the point of that?
Why not just have a transparent cable and use a preamp with tone controls?

Maybe I want my pizza served so that I can add the pepper and grated cheese myself, maybe I don’t.

If I’m gonna spend a couple thousand dollars on some so-called hiend cables I’m gonna need a better explanation of what I’m getting.

Why? Do you need someone to tell you what pizza tastes best to you too? Read reviews and user feedback and buy used cables at 50% off retail that exhibit the sound characteristics you’re after or buy from direct sellers with nice trial periods. If they don’t work out just sell or return them. Why are you over complicating this? Cables are by far the easiest components to try for next to nothing. Take advantage of it!

In that the author states:

A relatively short length of cable shows no measurable transmission line effects for low frequency signals. But if the cable is long enough (or the frequency components of the signal are high enough), transmission line effects will begin to appear with increasing frequency or length.

The signals are generally on low frequency, say <20kHz.

        Refer to my post, dated 09-18-2022 at 09:32am (Indiana time)

Refer to my post, dated 09-18-2022 at 09:32am (Indiana time)

This one?

@holmz -

     Maxwell's equations weren't wrong, but: there's much more involved*, when we're dealing with retaining a plethora of frequencies/voices (instrumental and vocal), ambient/room information (height, width, depth) and placement of the afore mentioned voices, within that space.    (iow: much more sensitive info, than what's contained in DC or AC).

The electrical signal has no idea about the placement of musicians in a room.

And the plethora of frequencies are all <20 kHz, which is not like MHz or GHz, where transmission line theory is used. 
The author in the link you provided below says so.

       Even those involved in manufacturing PC boards for more the more sensitive RF systems, take into account the variables involved when choosing materials, as signal speed is dependent on their dielectric constants and possible frequencies to be encountered.

Ok we can talk about dielectric constants.

       We've engaged in this conversation before, so: I suspect your queries to be more argumentative, than inquisitive.    Hence: this post is more for those extant, that are genuinely interested in the Physics of what's what with our wires.

                                      If I'm wrong: my apologies!

"But what part of a stereo systems is like a transmission line?"

                 *http://www.audiosystemsgroup.com/TransLines.pdf

My snoring just woke me up...