Interconnect - Does short length hinder sound?

For analog I have never heard any difference in the audio sound for interconnect lengths less than 3m (which is all I've experienced in a controlled setting). It is conceivable that there are circumstances where 60Hz or RF pickup is a problem and you get a "lucky break" by using the shorter 0.5m length. (I use single-ended.)

I have used 0.5m lengths in the past but changed them all out for 1m...The 0.5m lengths are just too inflexible when it comes to positioning even adjacent components. Also, this short length puts more pressure on the connectors and can transfer vibrations (although I can't say I have actually noticed problems from this).

One advantage of 0.5m is that they are cheap second hand...But I think everyone responding on this thread knows why that is.

Elizabeth talks about length effecting digital signals. There is a long thread about this here:
http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=31733
Basically, the issue raised in that link with digital (where the (fourier) frequencies are much higher than audio) is that reflections can add to the main signal just at the time the dac is deciding to accept the next digit. This leads to jitter which is a bane for digital music. The article says that the exact optimal length for digital interconnects is very system dependent on just how a particular dac accepts the incoming waveform.

For the most part I agree with all the posts above. One could argue that greater lengths of interconnects might allow for more seperation between components, which might allow for greater heat and vibration dissapation as well as less opportunity for things like RFI and EMI to be shared between components.

This was recently discussed just a month or so ago.
Here is the link to that discussion.
You might find it useful.

Optimal Interconnect discussion

Following up on my original Thread, I contacted my local audio dealer (who I consider very reputable). He went on to explain that the shorter Interconnect applies to "Silver Cables Only".

With Silver Cables, when using a longer length...it allows the higher frequency to catch up with the lower frequency, thus presenting a more balanced sound.

This conversation initiated due to my interest in the Nordost Red Dawn Line

My Bryston B-60 has Pre-Outs & Main Ins that were originally connected by a little brass U-bar. I read lots of recommendations from people that suggested upgrading to Tara Labs RSC link...basically...about a 2-3 INCH interconnect.

If too short was not good for an analogue link...then I would assume that there would be fewer recommendations for this and more for upgrading the U-bars to full size (0.5m+) interconnects.

I have tried both the links and a pair of .5m ICs and have found no apparent difference. There was however a difference when upgrading from the stock Ubars.

just my 2c.