Best way to hear sonic signature of a cable?


For all the cable-heads out there: can someone suggest a way to test cables? the best way i've come up with so far is using only a headphone amp (with a volume control) and a cdp and listening through a set of cans. this keeps only one set of interconnects in the system. but it still doesn't tell me what the interconnects will do once a preamp is added, etc.

what do you folks do when you don't have enough resources to swap out an entire system with difference interconnects?
kublakhan

Showing 1 response by gunbei

The old/new/old drill many of the posters mention is something I apply to all equipment, not just cables. I am doing that right now with two different amps.

In general, I listen to each component switch for about a week. And I weigh both the immediate difference I hear when making the switch and the long term feel I get for each component as I spend time with it. The reason I spend time with it is so that I can listen to a broad range of my favorite and familiar music. I've also found that certain gear needs a little more time than others to re-settle in with the system.

I realize the way I conduct my test includes many other components in the chain, which could influence my overall impression. If you're trying to get a feel for the character for a cable by isolating it the best you can, your method may be optimal.