What makes an interconnect sound like it does?

"What makes speakers sound different?"

Glad you asked. Not because I think this is an appropriate place to discuss this question (that's for another thread), but becuase your question facilitates a good analogy.

I can make some generalizations about the sound of a speaker that is based upon an electro-static design vs. a speaker based upon dynamic electro-mechanical design. A sealed "acousic suspension" design vs. a ported "bass reflex" design. 1st-order crossovers vs. 4th-order corssovers. Etc...

Now, are these generalizations accurate all of the time? Nope - that's why they are called "generalizations." However, it does give you things to consider. I think it would be interesting to discuss generalizations about cable design.

Everything. Quantity, type, and size of conductors; conductor materials; how the conductors are braided, twisted, etc.; insulation material; outer jacket; connector type, material, and design; method of termination and materials used; type and amount of heat shrink. There are many others. Fine tuning often takes years of experimentation.

The termination, and for you flat earthers that believe that only gas tight crimp will do, I got news for ya, there's a darn good reason that the government spec's solder for it's termination joints. Repeatability and reliability. Only in theory is a crimped joint better.

The US spec's gold and silver clading or plating, and often times gold connectors, and SILVER Solder. Most high end critical signal or data transmission cables are high quality copper with silver plating.

So: What causes the sound differences is mostly termination and last: it's the length and the capacitance, reactance, impedance, resistanct, inductance that either adds or subtracts from the signal that colors the sound.

Which is why many poeple who don't understand what the cable is doing chase and spend many $$$ finding the exact coloration that perks up their system. Match you impedances on the components upfront, buy quality copper and silver solder to locking connectors and the interconnect game comes to an end. Since your springing for maybe a couple of bucks go whole hog and silver plate the cable and hey use teflon foamed insulation, twist, braid, etc, what ever floats you boat via the snake oil in whatever add you've taken a fancy to, add inexpensive locking WBT type RCA's from PE and your out maybe $15 and an hour of time.

But if your components impedances are mismatched I suggest fixing the real issue prior to chasing down big bucks in interconnects. You did impedance match you components, right!!! A nasty little secret that very few salons will tell you about. Even in the same manufacturer and family the impedances may not be matched. Ask the dealer you buy from, and if he can't tell you, get away fast.

loontoon,

Don't forget shielding types and configurations, as well as vibration management in the overall cable structure. These are very important considerations in both the sonic performance, and the noise floor performance.

And don't forget that an IC that is PERFECT in one place in your system may not work well at all in another. Just thought I'd throw that in to help ease your choices in wire.

Enjoy,
Bob