AL, my experience is that tube-rolling is much more profound than power cables in SOME links. I have found that tubes in any component can contribute to dramatic sonic changes. However, with cables, my experience has been that there is a definite pecking order that make the greatest difference in a system.
Today I can replace the IC from line stage to amp with any number of highly reviewed ICs and render the system almost lifeless…..it's like putting in a SS line stage. No other cable link in the system affects the 3D performance even remotely close as this. Once I have this link performing well, do other cable changes and tube experimentations begin to make serious contributions.
The best way to learn how significant each cable is, or tube may be, is to first achieve a level of personal audio nirvana. For many of us, this takes years and years. Then go back to some of your previously used tubes and cables…..and, with only one change, swap in that one item. Document the sonic change. Replace with original and repeat with other tubes, or ICs or only one power cord at a time with a typical $10 power cord from Home Depot. It will become quite clear as to which links in the system are most contributive or vulnerable to change. And such an experiment removes all the objective opinions by others as to which cable or tube or component is most important.
Today I can replace the IC from line stage to amp with any number of highly reviewed ICs and render the system almost lifeless…..it's like putting in a SS line stage. No other cable link in the system affects the 3D performance even remotely close as this. Once I have this link performing well, do other cable changes and tube experimentations begin to make serious contributions.
The best way to learn how significant each cable is, or tube may be, is to first achieve a level of personal audio nirvana. For many of us, this takes years and years. Then go back to some of your previously used tubes and cables…..and, with only one change, swap in that one item. Document the sonic change. Replace with original and repeat with other tubes, or ICs or only one power cord at a time with a typical $10 power cord from Home Depot. It will become quite clear as to which links in the system are most contributive or vulnerable to change. And such an experiment removes all the objective opinions by others as to which cable or tube or component is most important.