I feel there are many types of people out there. Some are very fixed on the numbers. They need to see measurements and they base their decisions on them. I started as an installer. I worked in the field and followed the plans. Later I became an owner and designed the plans, as well as installed them. My foundation is based more on what I find works, than what the numbers say. That does not mean I ignore or am ignorant to the numbers. I am aware of them, but I follow more closely what provides results in the field.
Take for example the above readings with Oyaide. Not the best. But that installation was fantastic sounding. I don't know why the numbers were so high. But it radically changed the owners perception of how the infrastructure is installed and what/how to use the materials. It allowed such a better sensed of understanding of his equipment he removed some filtering products from his system. He later found other he preferred.
I don't find the measurable performance characteristics of a wire as important as what is the wire. There are other facets of electrical infrastructure that are more impactful than what is the measured mV between the neutral and ground at the duplex. At least as far as a home audio system is concerned. If I were wiring a recording studio, I would probably have to re-evaluate my objectives. With a home audio system, I want the presentation quiet, fee of grain/veil and I want it to sound as natural and close to unamplified instruments as possible. That's my goal.
Having said that, I do need to revisit metal encased wire. Either MC or in a steel pipe. I also need to revisit how I am twisting the wire. Do either of these result in any shift in tonality or noise I can hear. I have even thought about full immersion cryogenic treatment. Although a recent conversation with an audiophile I chat with frequently made me question what happens when that wire leaves the bath, then gets thrown around on a floor at a job site, manhandled and pulled into a pipe, then manipulated in the panel and box. Have I just cracked free and rearranged all the molecules that were altered in the freezing. And what about over time. There are some people saying the magic of cryo treatment goes away over time. That is why I prefer to find the orientation of the grain from the factory and work with that.
If people want to use metal, go right ahead. It will probably work out just fine. Just for goodness sake, don't go from box to box with it.
