I am half-deaf, and wear aids to compensate. Best $ spent, but was 'picky' as to how & with what...
Ignoring the 'cable conundrum' entirely, as my perception of late may hear the difference, but would chalk it up to a different system in a different space not 'lived with' long enough to ascertain a 'difference', however apparent to the host..
Believe that the space itself is ignored too often, but one needs to run what one has, to the 'best of...' what can be attained.
Day One; your space or mine: "OK....sounds like....."
Day Two: "Now I see what you're talking about..."
(One needs to adjust their 'onboard EQ' to accommodate, but as to ones' preferences...we ARE from 'different planets', if not galaxies....)
...and it's Saturday 8, anyway.....*L*