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Best interconnects & speaker cable? I don't get it

I don't know if there is a question here but I'm posting this to see if there is something I'm missing or overlooking in this observation. To the point, I've read many posts arguing the benefits of one or more conductors over others and I almost understand some discussions regarding, at least, comparisons of wire gauge for speakers. Maybe it relates to my less than well developed ability to discern subtlities in sound quality but I really can't hear much, if any, difference between interconnects or speaker cables.

As an example, I was recently experimenting with an amplifier selector (Niles DPS-1) which can accommodate a max of 14AWG speaker wire. In doing so I had to disconnect my existing cables which are "high end" 12 gauge per leg bi-wires. In making this comment I realize that just because my old wires are big and expensive does not necessarily mean they are the best match for my system or even any good. But...even though I think I am able to hear some small difference between them, to say that I think one is better than the other would be a stretch.

It seems to me that there are factors that would logically lend to the issue of quality, the primary of which would be conductor resistance and/or impedance. However, for transmission of line level signals, I can't see impedance as a significant factor.

All that being said, I believe that some listeners with acutely honed abilities can actually hear these differences and, in a way, I am somewhat glad that I don't; It makes wire choices much easier and way less expensive.

My current system consists of Shanling S-100 CD player, CALSigma 2 DAC, Rogue Audio Sphinx and Martin Logan Odyssey speakers with various interconnect and speaker wires.
128x128broadstone
broadstone's avatar
broadstone OP
310 posts
 
I agree with you, Nonoise. Regardless of sometimes vastly differing opinions, most arguments are well taken and, to use your description, consistently civil. It's refreshing and provides some comfort for those of us who may be somewhat less knowledgeable in certain aspects of the hobby, to participate in these discussions.

Getting back to the topic, the one point I'm taking away from this discussion is that, if I continue this quest, sooner or later I'll possibly have honed my listening skills enough to identify differences in speaker wire and how that ability will help me tune my system. Although I'm quite happy with my system the way it is and it possibly is the best I can expect with my combined components, I won't let that stand in my way of chasing the ghost.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
03-13-14: Broadstone
Although I'm quite happy with my system the way it is and it possibly is the best I can expect with my combined components, I won't let that stand in my way of chasing the ghost.

Final warning: If you are happy, leave well enough alone.
Chasing that ghost can become a very expensive quest.
dragon1952
181 posts
 
Obviously there are two sides to the cable debate. The objectivists are always teasing about this 'golden ears' ability that the subjectivists supposedly must possess to hear differences. Well that assumes everyone has equal hearing, but that's not the point. I suggest people take this test https://www.goldenears.philips.com/en/setup_browser.html
This will prove that not all of us are equal as far as 'hearing' and by saying 'hearing' I don't mean in the general sense. Two people could test exactly the same on a standard hearing test but have entirely different results in the test above. My wife can hear way better than I can but she fails this test miserably while I pass it easily. If everyone's ears were equal then everyone would have the same results on this teat. It's not just ears, it's how the brain is able to interpret it.
dragon1952
181 posts
 
ha ha....that's 'test' not 'teat'.
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