WHY CABLES MATTER!


I have seen the argument over and over again on why cables matter and the that wire is just wire and how scientifically it’s impossible for them to make a difference. The thing that surprises me the most is that different materials are used. Different shielding is used. Different connectors are used. Different braiding methods of the cables are used. Materials are sourced from different manufacturers and put through different creative processes but I always get some guy who comes on and says. WIRE IS WIRE AND YOU ARE NOT HEARING WHAT YOU ARE HEARING? To me it’s pure arrogance to think you know more than everybody else to the point where you tell me what we are hearing through my ears and we are not smart enough to know when are minds are playing trick on us. But using all these different materials, process and shielding and creative processes don’t make a difference. I spent the last 15 years trying all the cables I could try.  Thoughts anyone?

calvinj

Everything matters in delivering the audio signal the ears. Components matter, so do the power supplies in those components, and the quality of the capacitors and resistors, and the type and quality of attenuators, and the hookup wire used to connect everything. And we have to include the quality of the connectors, as well as the type of wire used and the design of the cables. This is a chain and every link matters. Some more than others, but none can be discounted as not mattering. 

It's not a matter of whether something works or not; it's about the effect it has on the end result.

These discussions always seem to arise by someone in the cable business. This is like free advertising, it’s wrong

@asctim  the cable that goes from left to right channel in the Polk sda is out of phase and does work really well. I've had Polk sda2a speakers for over 30 years and with upgraded crossovers and tweeters they do some things better than My apogee duetta 2 speakers can do, plus they can be positioned up against the wall.

When I’ve been involved in deep disagreements with someone I usually go the reductionist route - i.e. trying to find the fork in the road between our beliefs so as to find the common ground before it.

In this case, I suggest the most productive conversation would be about how to scientifically prove cables matter. Whether listening tests or some form of measurement...whatever...but if we can’t even agree on a method of proof, this will go on forever.

I’ve found that quick switches in the audio signal, like you’d have in a double blind, may be somewhat effective in detecting differences, but unless one of the samples is truly bad, I have found that these quick switches do not tell you which is superior. It’s often the case that hot treble sounds better at first but is fatiguing.

This happens to me often when I switch gear. An immediate improvement is detected but in the long run the other was better, or vice versa.

Long term listening is far more effective to me in terms of what sounds best. But not really effective to be able to differentiate at the snap of a finger.

In other words, audio comparisons are amazingly challenging relative to, say, comparing something visually. There is nothing to put your finger on in the same way.

Let’s fix that issue and agree on a form of proof and then someone just do it. I’m too busy but I’ll definitely watch 🍿