Back in the Days of Yore (early 80’s) Audioquest sent an IC comparator to their dealers for customers to try. This was a passive device with two pairs of inputs and one pair of outputs, with a rotary switch on top to select pairs of IC A or pairs of IC B. The comparator was connected between a preamp and an amp by a pair of IC C - which could be the same as either A or B. So totally passive with a single switch in the signal path after the preamp. This allowed instant listening to either IC A or B. Audioquest soon withdrew their comparator because nobody could tell A or B apart. I tried it myself and could hear no difference between two pairs of ICs from different mfgrs.
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:
- Do cables ADD or SUBTRACT from the signal?
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.