Cable Controversy


I love the cable forum. Discussions about cable can really generate sparks among the mature audiophiles. Regarding cable design: Other than the basics of resistance, impedance, and conductance, it seems that there is very little firm ground upon which one can form convincing conclusions. Witness the bewildering array of cable designs, incoporating network boxes, magnets, biased shields, liquid conductors, solid core, braided strands, exotic metals, air dialectrics, to name but a few. In contrast: Regarding balanced cables, at least one experienced poster and equipment designer has stated here that all balanced cables perform identically, once a few basic design parameters are met.  I ask for the voices of experience and sanity to offer their theories and experience on the topic of cable design and performance. Thanks in advance.
psag

Showing 1 response by jadedavid

First, if you can't hear the difference in cables, good for you.
For the rest of us, I consider cables to be similar to spice in a recipe. You have the main ingredients, but without the spice's it just isn't finished.
As previously stated, I too have found cables to be very system dependent.
I have not found that this or that particular conductor or dialectric has a set signature.
A PCOCC cable from Mfg A can sound very different from a PCOCC cable from mfg B. etc.
Some silver cables can sound bright while others are smooth. 
As has also been suggested, just keep trying different cables until you hit on that magical combination in your system.
Heck, I just built a pair of interconnects from some vintage 18Ga cloth covered wire that blow away any/all the other interconnects I have in my system. Some of which retail for $1500+.
You never know what will work until you try it.
Have fun with it.
Just my 2 cents.