2. cables
  3. 186342-457

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
jeffrey125
282 posts
 

@mitch2 Yes I am. 

tvrgeek
299 posts
 

He can't resist  🤣

If I were starting over I might look at bulk AudioQuest Rocket-11 or the base Kimber.   In theory maybe better than Belden 5000UP. 

Then  Belden 1800uf  or Mogami W3080 for interconnects. 

I would terminate these myself. 

mitch2
4,036 posts
 

@tvrgeek 

So don't tell me crystal orientation in 10 feet of cable, though measurable, makes a sonic difference...But geometry and dielectric can.

When evaluating ancillary audio stuff, from cables, to fuses, to small add-on in-line digital boxes, etc., I try and first decide whether I actually hear a difference and consider whether the difference is actually better, or just different.  Then I think about the possible reasons why something works, or not.  It is best when what I hear aligns with plausible reasons for the difference/improvement, but it doesn't always work that way.

I agree with you about metal purity and generally believe soft annealed OFC (or OFE) at 100%+ IACS is good enough for audio signals (although it so happens all of my cables are made from PCOCC).  However, to your point about dielectric and geometry, I have found the speaker cables I like best use foamed polyethylene dielectric, and I do believe twisting and star-quad geometries used to lower noise and lower inductance are good for speaker and power cables.  I find it interesting that BJC states, "Our favorite speaker cable is the Belden 5000 series," which is a simple pair of twisted, stranded copper wires with PVC dielectric and a PVC jacket.  Also interesting is that the highest purity copper available in the Iconoclast speaker cable line is OFE or Oxygen-Free Electrolytic Copper (99.99% pure), although they do offer OCC, or Ohno Continuous Cast copper (99.99998% pure), in their interconnects.

jeffrey125
282 posts
 

Gads

tvrgeek
299 posts
 

Found a case where the cable mattered!

My Mocero hub that monitors my crawlspace for humidity was flakey. Intermittent  Ethernet cable!   New generic cable from Amazon, works fine. 

I do love how those grain crystals are "diodes" so direction matters... in an AC circuit!  🤣

Lower inductance of power cords?  The opposite of what you want.  Sure, twisting reduces emissions which is a good thing. ( at least 1 per inch)  but to block RF, add a big ferrite choke on them.  More inductance.  If you believe the engineers from Jensen who are about the worlds experts on hum, twist the power lines, but separate the ground out. Don't braid it.    This is science, not magic. 

In any case, it does not matter if you hear an actual physical-in-this-universe difference, or if it is your brain telling you so. Your enjoyment is what counts.  I prefer to use science to get there, not advertising.  Others seem to be big fans of Kool-Aid and have the disposable income to indulge chasing their imagination. 

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