Ancient Cable Experts Please Help.

I concur with Redkiwi about the possible conductor oxidization. (Now the part where the ANCIENT CABLE EXPERT part of your post applies!) My own experience with some of the early Monster speaker cables is that the oxidization can be limited to a few inches near the terminations and a quick remedy is to cut-back and re-terminate if you want to continue using these cables (??). But agree that you should try and listen to some more modern cable. Have fun! Richard at www.vantageaudio.com

Ikarus, in theory there should not be an average life for cables, they should perform well indefinitely, some types depending on conductor materials, etc can actually improve over the years. If there is any life limitaion it is likely to stem from problems with insulation materials, terminations, etc. However with some earlier stranded types there can be corrosion problems but again these can be minimised if the cables are looked after well enough. The only reason you should change/re-evaluate your cables is either if you listen with other cable types in your system that improve on your old ones or you get the dreaded "audio-itis" fever at regular periods which causes one to break out in a sweat and run into audio stores clutching your wallet shouting "help yourself"...!! Enjoy the music and seasons greetings to all, Richard at www.vantageaudio.com