I would propose a simple rule for posters on this forum. If you have not auditioned a particular class of gear (i.e. power cables, cable elevators) or a particular piece of gear (amp, speakers, whatever) then you shouldn't have an opinion on how they sound, whether or not they make a difference, or if they are worth the money.
I am highly skeptical by nature but I have heard some pretty amazing differences when I didn't expect to. This has taught me to be humble about things I haven't tried like little pea sized metal thingies you stick to the wall or even cable elevators. I live in a semi-rural community so I don't have any local audio buddies (my best audio friend lives across the country) so I just have to sit here and wonder about things like 5 figure power cords. I've been to a couple audio shows and had the fortunate experience of hearing some demonstrations that overwhelmed my skeptical bias.
When non-audiophiles have heard my system I have often gotten an incredulous response. They look at me with and expression of "I can't believe this" and will say something like "I had no idea. The musicians are right there." As millercarbon stated it's the imaging that really gets them but the full range, the detail, and dynamics are big factors.
So my question @millercarbon is how do I get invited to one of your parties? I'll bring a nice bottle of whatever you're having and I promise to let it breathe.
I am highly skeptical by nature but I have heard some pretty amazing differences when I didn't expect to. This has taught me to be humble about things I haven't tried like little pea sized metal thingies you stick to the wall or even cable elevators. I live in a semi-rural community so I don't have any local audio buddies (my best audio friend lives across the country) so I just have to sit here and wonder about things like 5 figure power cords. I've been to a couple audio shows and had the fortunate experience of hearing some demonstrations that overwhelmed my skeptical bias.
When non-audiophiles have heard my system I have often gotten an incredulous response. They look at me with and expression of "I can't believe this" and will say something like "I had no idea. The musicians are right there." As millercarbon stated it's the imaging that really gets them but the full range, the detail, and dynamics are big factors.
So my question @millercarbon is how do I get invited to one of your parties? I'll bring a nice bottle of whatever you're having and I promise to let it breathe.