So - if all cables are the same - they would perform "the same" - the fact is - they don't!
If you look at those companies that "care enough about their customers" to actually publish their spec's (good companies do) you will see vast differences in Capacitance, Inductance, resistance and cable architectures.
This alone will dictate how they will perform with different audio components.
Some hi-fi components have a real dislike for high capacitance cables e.g.
- a lot of phono cartridges perform terribly with hi-cap leads
- a NAIM amp is just one example that "performs best" with low capacitance speaker cables!
- Cambridge Audio 640p and Dacmagic actually runs several degrees cooler with a good power supply and cable - and their performance - WOW!
Some cables use silver, some silver-coated-copper and some just plain copper
- silver is a better conductor of electricity, so it stands too reason it will have better resolution performance
Some are screened, some are braided, some employ what's referred to as "DNA Helix" to deal with RF.
- Personally, I prefer double braided wire screens - but that may be changing.
Companies that don't publish their spec's are selling an unknown commodity, which I choose not to purchase.
- the argument about stealing designs is a moot point - companies patent designs before marketing them
- That and - 24 hours after they hit the streets - a clone has been made anyway!
- so please - lay your design on the table for the world to see!
So, if you are of the opinion that all cables are the same then - buy Blue Jeans cable...
- because they will no doubt perform "THE SAME AS" the top of the line Nordost! :-)))
- they're modestly priced !
- and you will be be able to sleep at night knowing that the rest of us are.......... :-)
However, you can always elect to investigate all the alternative cable architectures and select cables that will perform to their optimum in your very own audio system.
Granted, it's possible you may have paid over the odds, but then again, you may just have selected "the perfect match" and your system will "come alive". In which case - did you pay too much? :-)
Many audio stores will have "loaners" that you can take home and assess in your own system - that is a very good informed way of assessing which works the best in YOUR audio system!
Nordost are so confident, that they have a case containing a selection of their cables that you can audition at home - one dealer near me said I could have it on loan for a week!
Call me crazy, but I, like many others on AG have spent a lot of time investigating several types of cables and have found that they make a profound difference in the net result. I'm not just talking marginal improvements (or degradation), I am talking about OMG moments, where the result is amazing (or just plain terrible)
I base my choices on knowing something about the equipment I have and what works best for it!
- I do not believe the "word" of the manufacturer
- I do not rely on audio reviews in their totality
- I evaluate the spec and the design
- ask for feedback about a specific company or cable on AG forums
I do have my favourites and at times I try a different manufacturers product.
- with advancing technology I anticipate my favourites could change
Most importantly - I endeavour to "try before I buy" - if it doesn't provide a substantial ROI - I move on!!!
We all want the "quick answer" to that age old question - "which one is best?"
Alas, it is NOT that simple and it never has been. You have to put some effort in - sorry :-(
