Hello all
Very interesting discussion. For reference my modest system consists of a Proceed HPA-2, Lexicon MC-8 I use in two channel pure analog mode and a Denon SACD. Well regarded components I would say. What makes it a little more special are the DCM Time Frame 2000 speakers framing it all. I don't recall any bad reviews on these velvet hammers. I have had them for years and still smile when I crank a good live recording! By the way that seems like a good benchmark on what one owns.
One day while vacuuming I damaged the banana plug jack on the right speaker. The repair required removing the plastic assembly for the plugs. Leading to the crossover was a pair of red and black 16 ga normal wire. Hmm. That gauge is only good for 18 amps...
Some of the comments on 500 dollar ethernet cables stunned me. I have 35 years in instrumentation and low voltage controls. I was an Electronics Tech/Surface Reactor Operator aboard USS Enterprise. Point being I am educated in fields pertinent to this discussion.
One job in my career was installing new data wiring for a Level 4 Bio Hazard Lab in Hamilton MT. Yes, true, federal facility even. The standards for the cables and terminations were extremely high. A very expensive Lantech 2 tester was used. Most of the time the way the wiring was laid on the keystone before being punched down was the issue. It could take several tries to pass. RJ 45 connectors are quite simple after a couple thousand and almost never failed to pass. Crosstalk, bandwidth and frankly quite a few tests I was not familiar with. Normal Cat 6 wire, keystones and RJ 45 connectors.
I recently read how the bass player for Black Sabbath played thru a blown guitar amp. It struck me how funny that was considering the exceptional lengths people go to for sound reproduction. Even if a band played the same song daily it would always sound different. I ask this question with respect: how is it that all of the equipment to amplify music and voice and record said is so normal but to correctly reproduce it takes six figures of unobtanium forged in Mordor? I currently cannot locate a Fender amp that requires having good home equity.
Finally to power cords. To further bore you with my past it also includes seven years at the power plants of PPL in Colstrip MT. If you think some of your CD transports are precise and quiet try walking by 600 tons of turbine blades and generator stator spinning 3600 rpm and not feel a thing. Anyway. So that electricity is stepped up, transmitted, stepped down multiple times, makes it to your service and through your wiring to the living room. NOW six feet of wire is somehow going produce some audible effect? What happened to the power supplies in the gear? I am honestly waiting for someone to preach how much better their system sounds on solar power.
Thanks for listening if you got this far. I LOVE my Time Frames!