2. cables
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Why Do Cables Matter?

To me, all you need is low L, C, and R. I run Mogami W3104 bi-wire from my McIntosh MAC7200 to my Martin Logan Theos. We all know that a chain is only as strong as its' weakest link - so I am honestly confused by all this cable discussion. 

What kind of wiring goes from the transistor or tube to the amplifier speaker binding post inside the amplifier? It is usually plain old 16 ga or 14 ga copper. Then we are supposed to install 5 - 10' or so of wallet-emptying, pipe-sized pure CU or AG with "special configurations" to the speaker terminals?

What kind of wiring is inside the speaker from the terminals to the crossover, and from the crossover to the drivers? Usually plain old 16 ga or 14 ga copper.

So you have "weak links" inside the amplifier, and inside the speaker, so why bother with mega expensive cabling between the two? It doesn't make logical sense to me. It makes more sense to match the quality of your speaker wires with the existing wires in the signal path [inside the amplifier and inside the speaker].

 

 

kinarow1
Post removed 
robbydouglas2
10 posts
 

I’ve been a known cable skeptic for the last 30 + years as an audiophile. In 1995, I listened to the same system through a dealer with multiple price points of MIT cables. I could not hear a single difference at all. However, I bought MIT cables anyway. I didn’t buy the cheapest, but I certainly didn’t spend a fortune. The price for some of those cables, even back in 1995, was stupid expensive.

Fast forward to today, I still have my MIT cables, but recently changed over to all Pine Tree Audio. These cables are handmade in the USA. They were a fraction of the cost of my MIT cables. I chose them merely for how well they are made, and more importantly to me, the colors. I use purple for balanced cables, blue for RCA, and yellow for digital. My system sounds amazing. Most people that have listened to it have never heard anything better. So what it’s worth, that’s my two cents.

rodman99999
6,171 posts
 

     No one can tell you whether/how your system, room and/or ears will respond to some new addition.   There are simply too many variables.

     LIKEWISE: no one can possibly know whether a new addition (ie: some kind of disc, crystal, fuse, interconnect, speaker cable, etc)  will make a difference, in their system and room, with their media and to their ears, without trying them for themselves.   

     Some companies offer a 30 Day Satisfaction Guarantee, so- those that are actually interested, have absolutely nothing to lose, by trying (experimenting with) such.     

     Anyone that knows anything about the sciences, realizes that something like 96% of what makes up this universe, remains a mystery.       

     For centuries; humanity’s seen, heard, felt and otherwise witnessed phenomena, that none of the best minds could explain, UNTIL they developed a science or measurement, that could explain it.     

     The Naysayer Church wants you to trust their antiquated science (1800’s electrical theory) and faith-based, religious doctrine, BLINDLY ("Trust ME!"). 

     Theories have never proven or disproven anything.  It’s INVARIABLY testing and experimentation that proves or disproves theories/hypotheses.   

    IF you’re interested in the possibility of improving your system’s presentation, have a shred of confidence in your capacity for perceiving reality and trust your own senses: actually TRY whatever whets your aural appetite, FOR YOURSELF.         

                      The Naysayer Church HATES it, when THAT happens!  
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,343 posts
 

robbydouglas2 

…

I use purple for balanced cables, blue for RCA. 
 

Because it’s impossible to tell them apart by connector types? Color is a better indicator? What if one is colorblind and blue appears as green and yellow appears as pink? Why did you spend more on these cables than the most basic ones you could get for under $50 for the entire loom if cables make no difference? Or did you just pay extra for the color of the jackets?

This is the funniest thing I read to start my day. Thanks for the entertainment!

waytoomuchstuff's avatar
waytoomuchstuff
1,159 posts
 

As a promenant cable designer once stated: "Cables can’t make a system sound better. They can only make it sound worse. It’s all about damage control."

Me: There are some who claim there are no sonic differences in cables. My opinon is that it is impossible for 2 different cables of varying designs not to sound different from each other.

To the OP’s point about the "internals": I published the topic: Thinking INSIDE the Box, which drilled down pretty deep in to what’s inside our speakers, amps, etc. I found that even short cable runs (less than 12") matter and connection/termination methods are critical. That being said, generally, "we have what we have" unless we’re willing to "hack" our components and take out the stuff that makes them sound worse, or improve connection/termination methods. For the adventurous, the sonic dividends can peg the needle on the "sonic improvements meter."  Taking all that into consideration, getting the right cables to and from your components is still a good strategy.

My advice is to do some research and try some things at home in your system. If the items are returnable, I’d try some things ABOVE your comfort level as well. Three things could happen here: 1) you don’t see/hear the value in them, which will solidify your decision in the lower priced pieces, 2) you like them and put them on the radar for a future upgrade, or 3) they whacked you upside the head (sonically) and you’ll just have to reevalute how you allocate resources related to the system.

Enjoy the ride. It’s fun. Really.

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