Cable Wars - ASR Review of Kimber KS 1036 Silver RCA Cable ($4500 pair)

@jasonbourne71 Back in the late 70’s AudioQuest sent their dealers a passive comparator box which allowed switching between four RCA cables. My local HiFi store had one. We tried it. Nobody could tell any of the four cables apart! That’s why I know that claimed differences in cable sound do NOT exist.

Wow, there it is.  A test 50+ years ago, on 70s grade audio gear, plugged into a passive switcher box which in itself impacts the sound... rendering poor sound quality - this is absolutely believable. Same impactful result occurs with those old passive speaker switcher boxes too.  I have one here now.  It’s likely they all did sound similar, no real difference - in that particular test case scenario.   

Is this the root of your basis for repeatedly stating sound differences don’t exist?

I wonder if the debate over cables has ever changed anyone's mind. Has anyone ever said, "Gee, considering your well-stated argument, I've changed my mind and now believe cables do/don't make a difference." I doubt it. Which leaves us with buy what you like. If you think better cables improve sound, buy them and you win-you hear better sound. If you think cheap cables sound just as good stick with cheap cables and you win-your ears hear the same sound for less money. The cable debate is the audiophile equivalent of repeated games of tic-tac-toe.

@johnnotkathi

Why did you bother posting this, to troll? If you are going to post reviews at least use a reputable source. ASR is far from reputable. If ASR supporters are happy with an Amazon cable, great for them, but this has nothing to do with me. In conclusion, like the minion leader always signs off:
"Any donations are much appreciated."

Common Sense would suggest evaluating audio products by LISTENING.

Caveat- one must have a transparent enough system to hear differences. 

 

 

hilde45

5,725 posts

03-21-2026 at 07:36pm 

If your room acoustics are bad, every claim you make will be taken with a grain of salt.
 

Right on point!

Similarly, those without a system to speak of, or with a system that’s not on a level to support high end cables, and who have never heard a system on that level extensively enough to make any judgement calls, their comments aren’t worth much. And this probably includes 90%, if not more, of the ASR members. 
 

I have right now in my system Nordost Tyr 2 XLRs, Kimber KS1116 copper XLRs, Kimber Carbon phono RCAs and Kimber Carbon XLR cables, and all Kimber power cords throughout (except stock cord on turntable motor).

No - Bluejeans don’t sound like Nordost or Kimber. Bluejeans suck in comparison - they’re dull and lifeless. 
 

In this system the difference between components, cartridges and cables is immediate.