What is Low Impendance for an interconnect?

Hi Almarg,

You had the right link and I think that it has been discussed in this thread.

My read is that Roger is saying that his interconnects do not impart any coloration to the signal, which is his definition of a well designed interconnect.

It would seem that is the right place to start. Then if you want it to make a warmer sound, accenuate the bass, etc., etc. then you go from there.

So if I am trying to buy a pair of interconnects that do not color the sound, what does one look for in terms of construction and measurements?

So if I am trying to buy a pair of interconnects that do not color the sound, what does one look for in terms of construction and measurements?

That's a difficult question, in part because the sonic effects of an interconnect are dependent on the impedance and other technical characteristics of the components it is connecting. Generally, a lower output impedance of the component driving the cable will mean lessened cable effects, although of course that benefit may be far outweighed by differences in the performance of the components themselves. Susceptibility of the particular components to ground loop effects (not just hum, but also effects that can occur at high frequencies) can also be a significant variable, especially for unbalanced interfaces. And the performance of a given cable in a line-level application will likely be completely different than in a phono cable application, as the technical factors that are involved are very different.

Cable length is also a major variable, of course, most cable effects being proportional to length. Also, if the components provide balanced connections, and their balanced interface circuits are of good quality (which is certainly not always the case), it can generally be expected that using balanced cables will result in lessened cable effects relative to unbalanced cables.

Beyond that, when looking for neutral (uncolored) behavior I think it would make sense to be skeptical of a cable having any parameters that are extreme (either unusually high or unusually low), or for which the rationale for the design seems to focus excessively on minimizing one particular claimed effect.

And beyond that, it probably comes down to researching the experiences of others (while trying to calibrate the credibility of the person providing each report; for example I would consider the many cable-related comments Jmcgrogan2 has provided over the years to be especially credible), and if possible trying a variety of cables, such as via The Cable Company.

Regards,
-- Al

01-19-14: Dsper
So if I am trying to buy a pair of interconnects that do not color the sound, what does one look for in terms of construction and measurements?

Unfortunately, this is not so easy to do for the many reasons that Al has already mentioned. Also, not only for the reasons that Al mentions, variations in electrical parameters between components and cable lengths, but also because individuals have different personal hearing variations on what "color the sound" actually sounds like. I've witness quite a few disagreements over which cable was actually the most "transparent", even in the same system, at the same time. Different people just hear what they perceive as colorations differently, even if all of the electrical interactions are consistent.

Obviously there are some cable brands everyone pretty much agree that color sound, but even these brands can work well with the right ancillary equipment. For instance, a cable with a emphasized treble region can sound fairly neutral with warmer sounding electronics or speakers, just as warmer cables can sound neutral with brighter sounding equipment. This hobby is all about system synergy and personal musical taste, therefore many experiences are not agreed upon. Just like choosing a favorite flavor of ice cream, or wine, many may make recommendations of their favorite flavors, but that may have no bearing on what flavor would suit you best.

01-19-14: Almarg
And beyond that, it probably comes down to researching the experiences of others (while trying to calibrate the credibility of the person providing each report; for example I would consider the many cable-related comments Jmcgrogan2 has provided over the years to be especially credible), and if possible trying a variety of cables, such as via The Cable Company.

Thank you kindly Al, I am truly humbled. I had no idea anybody even read my musings, let alone gave any credence to my incessant rambling. ;)

Cheers,
John