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how to best a/b cables

Ok, I admit it: I have serious doubts about the claims of those who believe in cables. But I am willing to take their challenge - let my ears decide. So I went to a local dealer (who is probably reading this thread - Hi!!) and got some Transparent speaker cables and interconnects to audition. My setup: Linn LP12 turntable, Linn Linto phono stage, Linn Ikemi CDP, Plinius 8200 integrated, B&W N804 speakers and 10 year old Audioquest cables & inters (I believe they are the "Ruby" models.)

My question: my Linn Linto has dual outputs. Can I connect my old cables into one output and the Transparents into the other and then run them into two different inputs in the line stage pre and thereby get a good way to a/b the cables? My dealer says it is not a good way to get an a/b comparison because the two sets of cables will affect eachother and it will muddy the water. Does this make sense? If I hook one into the tape1 input and the other into the tape2 input and if I'm switched to tape1, then tape2 is an open circuit and should be completely inert and vice versa. Any comments?

PLEASE!!! I DO NOT WANT THIS TO BE ANOTHER DISCUSSION ABOUT WHETHER CABLE QUALITY AFFECTS SOUND QUALITY!!! JUST HELP THIS LOST SOUL TO FIND THE TRUTH!
gboren

Showing 1 response by bob_bundus

bob_bundus
1,834 posts
 
I wasn't going to comment on this, but the misinformation in some of the above has caused me to reconsider. You have two pair of phono outputs in parallel to each other. You take two pair of cables, only one at a time terminated into the preamp depending upon which is selected. The inductance/capacitance of the unterminated cable in parallel to the signal-carrying cable can definitely influence the behavior of the "working" cable. I've heard this myself so I know that it can happen.
The only way to determine if this is a consideration in your own application is obviously to experiment; it may or may not be an issue.
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