A fresh approach to cable analysis
Here’s an interesting idea that I wish someone would do. Start a YouTube channel in which you take full range of power cords, interconnects, and speaker wire ranging from cheap to top-of-the-line and carefully dissect them and expose how they are constructed and with what. In the past, we have been through all the arguments about measurements and subjective evaluation, and that gets us nowhere. I think, looking at the physical construction of these chords, which I assume almost no one ever does, especially on the more expensive ones, would produce some surprising results and really be hard to argue with. I’m sure manufacturers would hate this idea, but I don’t think there’s any way legally that they could challenge it.
+ 1 Cannot know sonic performance simply at looking at the metal, dielectrics, weave pattern, terminations, etc. |
Genuine question, How does this topic align with speaker wiring? Many people think magnepan wiring is inferior. Many speaker companies offer wiring upgrades. Many people say silver is harsh unless done right. Are there correlations between the posted topic and these types of scenarios? If they are different, why? |
@cleeds I’m not in a position to throw anyone under the bus — am I certain? Yes. Do I know? No. When I said "not unique," I was referring to the marketing fluff of most if not all cable guys. Read the first section of my attached doc for context. Can the objectivist prove there is nothing there? No — we are only bound by our current understanding of physics. But can the subjectivist prove there is something real? Also no. It ultimately comes down to who you choose to believe: those who cite established physics, or those who claim knowledge of secrets nobody else can verify. And more and more, I find myself leaning toward the objectivist side. Think about it — if some physical phenomenon made cables genuinely perform outside of established physics, wouldn’t the military, medicine, aerospace (NASA), and countless other fields have every incentive to investigate and exploit that same "magic"? The fact that this claimed phenomenon exists exclusively in high-end audio is worth reflecting on. This is an honest question. |
“No well-controlled double blind test has ever produced statistically reliable results showing listeners could consistently distinguish between speaker cables of comparable gauge and impedance. Why not? If its SO CLEAR?” I don’t typically read arguments where listeners are comparing the same gauge and impedance. My sense of the argument is that all cable is the same, from a majority on that side of the discussion. 🤷♂️ |
Using two silver-laden or silver-plated cables—especially between a digital source and DAC or a DAC and preamplifier—often introduces, or amplifies "digital glare". Digital glare exacerbates some of the clarity and articulation you may have gained by introducing a silver cable to your chain. But by adding a second silver cable, the consequence ends up overly analytical with harsh sibilants in the high frequencies which is clearly fatiguing to the listener. Audiophiles, and the audio industry itself, widely recognize that copper and silver offer subtly distinct sound characteristics; largely due to their specific electrical properties and how they interact with audio frequencies. It's metallurgy, but that is only one part of the cable equation which is more nuanced and detailed than you may think. If you do. Think, that is. |
