The truth about interconnects - can you handle it?

As long as any of you simply "look at" and "measure" these cables, and do not listen to them, there is no real determining being done. That would be like me "listening" to the Mona Lisa, and determining that all paintings were alike. Or "watching" a symphony being played, and concluding that Beethoven looks just like Tchaikowsky when being played. You technical people need to let go of your attachment to measuring instruments and listen to equipment. Just like 20 years ago, when this argument was "put to bed", we have forgotten that, and are now arguing the same old stuff all over again. Are you going to tell me that a Technics department store receiver sounds better than a Pass Aleph? Why not? It measures as good or better. Wires don't matter, capacitors don't matter, everything is the same, they both amplify and have low distortion specs. Is this your position? All I can say is that for people who claim to be "analytical and scientific", your analysis and science are sadly lacking. Are you going to try to say the sun is not shining, because you are using a light meter under a shade tree, and forgot to look where you were standing? You have to actually listen to the product to determine how it sounds. No measurement in the world is going to tell you this. All science begins with an "empirical analysis". This means "an observed phenomenon". Then tests are done to determine what is happening. Using tests that don't relate to the phenomenon cannot be used to "prove" that the phenomenon isn't happening. You are using science in reverse, and cannot even see that is what you are doing. That is not scientific. The premise that "everything has to fit into my little R-L-C bag" is just bad science. Claiming "psychological" effects to explain what you don't understand, or can't measure, is a convenient escape from the real conclusion that you can't measure what is being heard, so you lean on that in order to cover the shortcomings of your testing methods. The real truth here is that the "scientific" argument is the trailing edge which is well behind the cutting edge of listening testing.

Say it ain't so Joe.

Amen, brother Bomarc.

BTW, Twl, I care as much as anyone here about the faithful reproduction of music. As I attend many concerts each year, I have live music to compare my system to. I listen very carefully, and converse with many people who do as well. My responses here ARE based on my listening tests.

Enjoy your music,

Charlie

While I believe their are some great cables out there that can make an improvement in the sound of your system, I also believe their are some cable manufacturers that are fradulent, and their is no protection group to police it.
And even if their was it would be difficult to prove given the complexity of why something works, especially in system A and not in system B. Never the less a manufacturer can make up any mumbo jumbo for advertising purposes and suck in the audiophile whose never ending quest is for the perfect sound. For me the true test is would I be willing to wager money I can tell you the difference between cable A and Cable B. I own several cables I would be willing to bet a $1000.00, I could tell you the difference blindfolded. I own other cables that I would not bet a nickel on.