I manufacture bespoke power Cables and the original comment about using them as tone controls is reasonable, for example it is the reason many turntables are chosen over others. Correctly designed cables allow devices to work properly with simple influence such as sufficient flow to enable the device to work fully and behave correctly with longevity such as accurate thermal venting, which prolongs product life. I am very proud of what I do and the lengths I go to. One guy said he would rather go without Breakfast for ever and have one of my designs. Which says a lot.
audiophile folklore - cables and claims from manufacturers
The cable debate.
Cables make a difference, sure.
But SHOULD they?
I have been grappling with this question for the better part of 20 years!
Fanatical claims from manufacturers, talking about how their cables will improve your system in specific ways, sonically.
More accurate bass, cleaner midrange sounds, treble resolution... etc. soundstage and imaging, you get the idea.
The fundamental disconnect is - they have never heard YOUR system!
So then, how do they know what their cables will sound like in your system. Not to mention, astronomical prices on some of these interconnects. The wilder the claims, the higher the cost.
The behavior we should be looking for is passing on the signal, with as little losses as possible. That can be done relatively cheaply, with well made professional interconnects that cost less than 100 dollars in most cases.
If you could build an audio system (all of it) from thrift store finds and cables really did make that much of a difference, then wouldn’t the sound quality scale that way?
It seems many audiophiles I know are in denial. And even worse, some use cables as TONE controls! This is where audiophoolery becomes a religion. Audio dealers promote it, because it impacts their bottom line!
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May I politely suggest that you ease up on your viewpoints on cables? You’re new here - which is great. But it seems you have an axe to grind and your arguments are not actually supported by science - but rather your understanding of the science. I wrote the following in a previous post, but it seems worth repeating: 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. 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). |
@devinplombier - good question. An audiophile without dogma? While you’re a rare breed, I’m afraid you’re totally, hopelessly lost. I suppose an option would be to just enjoy listening to some good music. |
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