I’ve spent more than I care to admit - even to myself. But I’m generally at peace with it - even though I have a couple of conflicting observations I think are worth sharing.
Several system iterations ago, I auditioned balanced interconnects at my local dealer first and then in system and I was astounded at the easily identifiable differences. I suspect everyone interested in this thread would have easily heard those differences. However, my current systems are much, much better (and vastly more resolving) and the differences in ICs is essentially non-existent. I am unsure if there is any difference whatsoever. I literally just tested this again.
I’m not sure if it’s a matter of whether a system is resolving enough. I think it might be how that equipment is designed.
Likewise, my current systems are less affected by power cords. While there is some difference, few would claim it night and day between my Valhalla 2 cords and stock. I suspect (but am not sure) if I had tube gear, differences would be far more significant here.
About 15 years ago, I put some Analysis plus biwire cables in my system (low end in their range) and remembering being truly gobsmacked (love that word!) by a difference I could hear from the next room over the “audiophile” vampire wire it replaced. Night and day.
Today I am running what some would consider SOTA/TOTL speaker cables on my primary speakers. However, I needed to swap in some other cables (Analysis plus again but much higher up their line) when I was getting things sorted out in my new room. Is there a difference between the two other than the 5 digit spread in price? Yes. While I prefer the better cable, I could live with either.
Let me summarize: I have experienced that cables can matter greatly and cables can matter very little so I don’t think I am deluding myself.
So - I also don’t think conclusions should be drawn from the experiences of others. System topology, power quality and who knows what else are factors at play that are different for every one of us.
Deniers and believers alike should be skeptical of their deeply held beliefs and give some space for the rest of us to enjoy our hobby without sneering or sniping. I think the best advice is to try in your own system and be open to what your ears tell you. It seems clear to me the science of this isn’t clear at all. Sometimes yes. Sometimes no. There appear to be no absolutes.
My $.03 (inflation).
