Are cables additive or subtractive?

There’s lots of debates here about the effectiveness of cables. Let’s please keep that elsewhere so we can have a DIFFERENT discussion about cables.

Let’s assume for argument’s sake that yes, cables make a difference and that it’s worth paying for that difference.

Lets assume that is true, then lets ask the question:

Again, for this thread, assume cables change something audible.

What do you think and what are your experiences?

Also, let's try to avoid sweeping generalities and try to focus on what happens along this axis: Subtraction or addition.

erik_squires12-30-2022 3:55pm

antigrunge2 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,366 posts 12-31-2022 at 08:37am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Unfortunately my experience is that they are contextual: their specific resistance, impedance and capacitance characteristics work well in one setting and are negative in another, This applies equally to digital and analogue connections. And the permutations from shielding, gauges, metallurgy and connectors are mindboggling. The best solution therefore is no cable. Think Uptone USPCB… That said they are a major component in system synergy and a bl**dy money pit.
antigrunge2 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,366 posts 12-31-2022 at 04:14pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete @eric-squires, if high frequency roll-off from cables in your system resulted in improved spatial rendition chances are that you had RFI distortion somewhere in the chain. Cables are rarely anything other than an impedance/capacitance match or mismatch. And always: the shorter the better with the exception of power cables.
antigrunge2 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,366 posts 01-03-2023 at 10:30am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete @jtcf Might as well hang a sock over your tweeter. Cables as tone control? So NOT!