@audioman58 If I live long enough I will evolve in that direction I'm sure LOL. I've been a vinyl purist for so long, adopting the new streaming way of listening is a completely new language. Also, being an audiophile on a budget means I start low but save my pennies to move up. Thanks for the recommendations!
How do you compare components?
I’m going to be comparing HDMI cables for the I²S connection between a Denafrips Iris and Pontus 2. ALL are certified 8K Ultra High 2.1. A $6, $47, $72 and $150. My thought is to start with the cheapest and work my way up, giving each a few days to settle in. Is that the best way to go about it? Or start with the most expensive and work down in order to hear if there’s a degradation?
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If differences are not immediately obvious, a) it could imply that you have other bottlenecks, poor speakers, low resolution room, low quality ears, etc, which didn’t make it worthwhile for the cable upgrade to begin with. b) it could mean that you bought some bullsht cable which wasn’t an upgrade at all.
p.s. This whole suggestion of sitting for around for weeks to compare and discern differences eventually is foolishness (some guy seeking psychological solace, or some sales guy waiting for the return window to expire). |
Hi , I see you have two similar threads going on. First off kudos for risking being flamed for asking about cables. So based on my experience at Mid Fi, cables do make a difference, sometimes huge, occasionally not. I’m not going to dissect all the minutiae as I’m not that smart or experienced. But my thought regarding USB at MidFi level , I went up the chain from $3.00 cable to an entry Audio Quest , to Cardas Clear , to Wire World Starlight Platinum 8. I experienced an improvement each time , with the Wire Word giving more on the upper end over the Cardas. But with my current gear that’s my budget max. I haven’t tried HDMI for audio so I can’t comment, but I would certainly try a couple in your position. As far a break in/ burn in , it would seem to a pea brain like myself that there should be a noticeable improvement immediately that would give you some indication that you could decide. For an example I have Morrow level 6 interconnects as I like their sound, but they literally take 400 hrs to break in. So within the allotted time to return I was able to absolutely make a decision. FWIW I dig your speakers and since it’s been 40 plus years , I can only remember liking them. I hope you post your HDMI findings as I’m breaking out my Oppo 105 and will probably get a Dbob to go with it. Merry Christmas, Mike B. |
@buellrider97 Thanks. I am also a firm believer that even in mid-fi cables can be heard. And the speakers (ESS AMT 10B) are 40 years old (upgraded the Xovers, tweeter diaphragms, and refoamed woofers) and are honestly the best Ive ever owned. And I’ve owned a lot of speakers. |
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