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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 1 response by oldhvymec

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oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
tom6897, what state you in? It's effecting the noise I'm picking up in CA.

LOL, be careful it's not all the same... Who, How, What, ALL make a difference in the quality of the cable.  What they measure, not so much.
What are the cables doing, tonearm cabling, 12k power amps.. Power Cable, coaxial, RJ45.. Depends what it's doing.

Now shielding yes or no

Now ferrite rings, active grounding, passive grounding, and la te da...

Measure? Look and see how the wire was put through the die and make sure it's the right direction, connect the terminal ends and condition the cables with a cooker.

NOW LISTEN.. to hell with measure... THEY all measure good what kind of cable are you using.. .000X difference, in any cable I use.. But they sure sound different...

Regards
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