Doug Schroeder Method, Double ic

budburma, that is a most lovely description of the benefits of Schroeder Method; thank you!  :)  I am elated that people are benefitting from the Method. You are testimony to the fact that it does not require an outlandish system, nor expensive cabling to obtain the benefit. (That being said, I have found correlation between the quality of the IC used in doubling and the quality of the end result, as would be expected.) 

What's really shocking about the Method is that for decades everyone has been captive to a method that is simply impoverished. Single IC imo is pretty poor, now that it becomes clear that there is a vastly superior alternative. The difference is anything but subtle, and shows how critical cabling is for systems. I think this would be the ultimate convincing proof of the importance of cables, if hobbyists would bother to try it. That is especially so since theorists disdain it, as though nothing good could come out of it. That makes the Schroeder Method all the sweeter as a victory for obtaining superior sound.  :) 

I also have shown quite convincingly that the notion of certain supposedly superior designs in components which are thought to be insensitive to cables is erroneous. Repeatedly we have digital fans declaring that products like the Benchmark DACs, etc. are not influenced much/at all by cables. That has not been my experience. Even the Exogal Comet, which is supposed to be completely immune to such things because the proprietary signal processing makes a new waveform is very influenced by the ICs. From the source I swap between the Audio Sensibility Schroeder Method ICs and the double ICs I have built with the Audio Sensibility Y Cables and the Clarity Cable Organic ICs - and the difference is obvious, like changing the dimming settings on lights in the room. 

BTW, Blessed Father's Day! 

Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncy....that's it!

My ears tell me that cabling matters everywhere. The vast majority of my audio adventure has centered around cabling, because it's easier and cheaper than component swapping and can make as big a difference...of course, finding the right (enough) components first should take precedent. That being said, my system is proof positive that they don't have to be 'perfect' to get to a great space. I generally work from the walls out and start with power cables, then i/c's, then s/c's...then wash, rinse and repeat! Not so much anymore, but that's definitely the way it went...

Occasionally I am contacted via the message system regarding someone wishing to try Schroeder Method, and they ask about a particular assemblage of gear, whether it will be safe to try. My answer continues to be review the original article (Audio Blast: Schroeder Method of Interconnect Placement at Dagogo.com), the threads here in regard to it, and contact your manufacturer to inquire about whether it is safe.

To date I have not heard of any incidents with incompatibility or damage to gear. My best information tells me that this is patently safe, as it would merely half the impedance and double capacitance. The admonition is that this should not be used with very long ICs as it could be a problem for some preamps to drive. I have been told my more than one manufacturer that an IC of about 1m would not present any problem. I typically double up 2m ICs and have used two instances in systems regularly (i.e. between source and integrated DAC, and between integrated DAC and amp(s). I have heard concern regarding use of the Schroeder Method when using an NOS DAC (output driven from a chip) or a Class D amplifier. However, I know that TEO Audio has used a Red Dragon class D amp successfully. I would like to try it with an inexpensive class D sometime. 

The warnings have largely been theoretical, however, manufacturers have a right to state what would or would not void a warranty.

Most gear seems perfectly content with Schroeder Method. I have used Belles, Benchmark, Exogal, First Watt, COS, Redgum Audio, Eastern Electric components all successfully. They all have sounded far superior using Schroeder Method. I am also using another well known amplifier, and a different manufacturer’s preamplifier, currently with Schroeder Method successfully (but they are under review and I do not wish to disclose them at this time). I regularly use Schroeder Method for both RCA and XLR, and both work equally well with it.

The body of information seems to be growing that the doubling of ICs is benign to most gear. Every instance that is tried is helpful information to learn about it. I imagine there could be some bizarre combination of gear that might be incompatible, so the warning stands. However, so far, all systems I am aware of that it has been tried have been without harm.

Back to your previous post, Doug, and not to nitpick, but expense and quality don't necessarily go hand in hand. I imagine many if us spent plenty of money on wires....and gear...with sometimes disappointing results.

Gabriel Gold and Twisted Pair Designs aren't overly expensive, but of considerable quality in design, construction, components and, most importantly, sonics. I've listened closely to many, many cables and can say that with some degree of confidence. Taking it personally would be too silly for words (ha!) - these are those rare cables that are worth the more than the price of admission for me and worth a listen anyway.

That said, I've listened to them in other's systems with variable results - and so it goes!