If you had to choose, which cable would you buy?


I’ve been pondering something for a while.

Cables operate with 3 main specs - Impedance, Capacitance, and Resistance. We know these can be measured by test gear. With this data, we can determine the differences between cables. If a difference is too negligible to be audible, then we can assume that 1 or more cables share the same level of performance. I am only referencing this discussion.

For the sake of this discussion, let us deduce that we have the most flawless test gear in the world. There are only 3 units available worldwide. Since we are using the DynaTox Industries 3000, we can be certain that our measurements are accurate. Along with this, we have unbiased / blind listening tests that are conducted by 4 people with perfect hearing. We are using the same system and have an extra person swapping cables; no other changes whatsoever.

Our cables:

RCA cable #1: household cable - measures poorly. (noisy) = $10
RCA cable #2: department store cable - measures better. (less noise) = $40
RCA cable #3: specialty cable from Japan - measures even better. (inaudible) = $250
RCA cable #4: NASA cable - measures even better! (inaudible) = $2500

From the given examples, the specialty cable from Japan and the NASA cable are flawless in terms of performance. Since the NASA cable measures slightly better as proposed, is the price justified? I would think so. Yes.

Which cable would you buy?
mastering92

Showing 7 responses by dave_b

Every system/room/user interface is unique.  Absolutes do not effectively indicate results and testing is limited to a narrow range of pre determined outcomes. Our experience encompasses not only the aforementioned factors, but includes emotions, power line issues, relative humidity, hopes and expectations etc..!  Any change in any system under any circumstances will be discernable....if you can not hear it, then you should remove yourself from conversations regarding variable outcomes.  Fun fact, the same orchestra can sound completely different in various halls and the quality of the sound is local to the listening position.  In addition, often times the more expensive hall will sound disappointing when compared to another, less scientifically designed venue. Moral of the story?  Use your ears and experiment, but allow yourself the possibility of being surprised...irregardless of your bias, preconceptions or narcissistic self assuredness:)
dletch2 is new!  What gear and cables have you owned to make such erroneous proclamations?  
I have used MIT and Transparent cables for 20 + years because they actually are different and provide a more musical experience when properly matched.  That said however, any 2 cables from different manufacturers will sound somewhat different than each other despite electrical parameters being the same.  This should not be shocking news if you have dabbled in any listening sessions using various cables.  Why do 2 equally specified amps sound different?  Changing capacitors alone will alter the sound...there is more involved within the realm of audio then can be understood by your small paradigms dletch2!
People here just like to argue apparently, with the greatest resolve, emboldened by a seemingly sufficient understanding of science yet simultaneously lacking in any substantial  experience or experimentation!


Is the LETCH a self certified engineer?  I had no idea 🤷‍♂️ In that case I will completely ignore them!