Those black boxes degrade sound?

Those "black" boxes on cables are usually low pass filters, cut off above 20KHz. They probably do not degrade the sound, if you only listen to CD playback, and not analog MC cartridges. But are they needed? I do not think so!

MIT and Transparent cables "boxes" contain passive componentry which linearises transit time, such that all frequencies are theoretically in phase at the load end of the cable. Far from degrading your sound the networks are installed to enhance the listening experience --- eh? No they do not wear out, although they can be damaged via inappropriate usage or application of breakin boxes incorporating excess voltages or a DC component.
These networks are not just there for decorative purposes, and if they were't needed, they wouldn't even be there now would they? (indeed an absurdly speculative statement from the uninformed).

Smeared sound? I haven't heard the older generations, but MIT's newer ones do exactly the opposite. Cleaner, more articulate bass, better coherency top to bottom, better defined images, and a larger soundstage.

For image/soundstage freaks like me, check out MIT's MA series, it's a substantial difference over non-networked cables and even their standard lines.

They are not fixing anything other than phase differences introduced by the cables themsleves - that's how the manufacturer decides how much adjusting to put into the boxes. At least that's what the marketing hype says. I have heard legend that the cables sound better if you cut the boxes off, but I don't know who has actually had the chutzpah to cut up a set of very expensive cables for this purpose. Elizabeth - are you saying that you actually heard this done, with an identical pair of cables? What cables were they?
I do know that systems I have heard with MIT cables sound anything but smeared.

I do not think they wear out and actually found quite the opposite. My old 850 Reference speaker cables and 350 Reference ic's seemed to sound better over the years and were stellar right up until recently when I replaced them.

Regarding the comments about rolled off freq and smeared sound, I would be very curious to know which cable exactly, and with what gear because that is so very opposite of my experience. I have yet to find a cable that comes close to the clarity, accuracy, dynamics and overall "you are there" experience than MIT. They transformed my system way beyond my expectations and each cable has been more like a component change than a cable change. I can appreciate some may not be willing to make that type of investment in cable components but I cannot understand denying their efficacy.

as per usual, spouting off again about nothing which BTW "I have not heard"

tell us all, dear voodoo, how good that group delay sounds compared to your smearing reference standard

I have many years of experience with MIT and they are anything but smeared. They are actually the most grain free cables I have used - they might not be for everybody, but I have found in every system I have used/heard the one characteristic that is consistent is clarity and grain free sound.

I feel that I must chime in... If not just to add to the debate.I Owned a set of terminator 3, speaker cables (used). And though build quality was simply first rate even by todays standards, and not the most expensive of cables. I was overall dissapointed. THey sounded muffled, No mids, no highs, no detail (not an exagertion) I gave them months of breack in time to no avail. I handed them to a buddy whom was using straight gauge, without any input from me he noticed the same. Having said that, He still has my ancient MIT 330 IC's, and will not part with them. Just my two cents, I think that MIT is a great cable outfit (their record, and reputation shows)and would not hesitate to try other MIT products.However, Proof is in the pudding : )

You heard another network cable that you didn't like and now this one or other 2 must be the same?

I suppose all cars drive the same since they have 4 wheels?

The best way I have found to not degeade the sound of cables is to shorten them. Anyway there is prolly no room for a "box" on a 24 inch SC. Also found that there was a zobel inside my speaker and when removed clarity and linerised time transients(?) improved.

I owned MIT Oracle for a few years now 1.2V and 3.2V proline. They are not smeared, bright, dull, dark, slow or fat. They match up to your gear due to the variable impedance switching.

The cables cost but in a well designed system can be the cherry on the cake so to speak. Don't know them till you live with the for awhile, put your prejudice aside, some up some money and buy a set for yourself, start at your source.

I don't own the speaker cables only due to not having the room to work with the very large network box, so I use Kimber Select 3035 speaker wire, which works well with the MIT.