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

nonoise Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 10,579 posts 12-30-2022 at 06:16pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Who's to really say? Do cables, hinder clarity or add shrillness? strengthen base or bloat the lower end? add warmth or smear the sound? tighten and focus or lessen body? I think one has to be intimately familiar with one's system and proceed from there. The more resolving the system, the easier to discern how (hopefully) the cables get out of the way of what your'e hearing. One must pay attention and rely on that (often derided) auditory memory one has to ensure that what improves isn't at the expense of other qualities that one enjoys or has finally ironed out. It's a game (and a gambit) and should be looked at it as such, but in my experience, I want a cable to only subtract the negatives and not add a thing to the mix. All the best, Nonoise