It seems that so-called "snake oil" products fall into 3 categories to those who solidly reject the premise:
1) the entire concept seems ridiculous or absurd
2) or, the price of said product/catagory defies the proposed cost vs performance benefit(s)
3) both 1 and 2
It’s interesting (to me anyway) that certain products/catagories have stood the test of time and found themselves installed in legitimate "audiophile" systems for many decades. Not to mention that manufacturers whose stellar reputations (in many cases) have been put on the line based on an unapologetic endorsement of said product/catagory. It’s hard to imagine responsible manufacturers putting their core business at risk introducing a product that may represent a proportionally small income/revenue stream that risks tarnishing that image. Yet, there are still those who challenge the general legitmacy of those products/catagories.
I acknowledge the component of "bias" into the equation. a) If we want it to make a difference it WILL make a difference, and b) if we paid more money for it, it must sound better based on the mere factor that it’s cost is <enter number here> times as much as the base/economical model. I will also acknowledge the component of "negative bias", where the reverse can happen. In my own experience, some of the most astounding, most musicially rewarding products/catagories have occurred when the concept pegged the needle on my "BS meter" and I had to be dragged kicking and screaming into auditioning them. Then, it happened. My knowledge base expanded. And,, my system(s) delivered more of what I originally paid for. I was hearing more/better music from them.
So, it comes down to "the sound". Did we conduct our due diligence?
I’m convinced that there are those who have a high confidence level that they are hearing (good) "things" in their systems when new things are installed. I’m also convinced that those products/catagories may make no percievable difference to others auditioning the same item in another system.
There may be scenarios where BOTH can be true:
- different systems (all things that carry a signal or make sound)
- different rooms (including room acoustics)
- different power grids (where you live can make a difference)
- bias (positive or negative)
- different ears (and brains)
I have no comment on those who reject reasonable premises and choose not to listen. I define "reasonable" as some folks with very nice systems and pretty sensitive antennas themselves think there’s something of value happening here. It’s your life. Your time. And the clock is ticking.
Maybe a survey of the group might be helpful:
- have you listened to cable risers?
- what was your impression?
- if you own them, are you on the first generation. Or, have you "upgraded" to more expensive items?
- what is your investment in cable risers?
- if you haven’t tried them, what is holding you back?
- other?
Might see some interesting results?
