Cable elevators


My Saturday hifi tweaking involved digging out the family’s box of wooden building blocks and using them to elevate my speaker cables off the floor. Previously under an area carpet on a wood floor. Mc 601s to SF Amati with Wireworld speaker cables (to be replaced with Cardas). 
 

The result—mind you the system is playing really well right now thanks to my new Cardas interconnects—is greater clarity (I think), sound stage, and texture. This is definitely about wringing out the last ounce of the system and maybe I’m imagining the improvement. I don’t think I’d spend any money on buying risers, but what the hell why not use the old building block. Looks dopey and the family laughs at me, but dang does the system sound amazing.

Anyone else play with risers/elevators?

w123ale

It seems that so-called "snake oil" products fall into 3 categories to those who solidly reject the premise:

1) the entire concept seems ridiculous or absurd

2) or, the price of said product/catagory defies the proposed cost vs performance benefit(s)

3) both 1 and 2

It’s interesting (to me anyway) that certain products/catagories have stood the test of time and found themselves installed in legitimate "audiophile" systems for many decades. Not to mention that manufacturers whose stellar reputations (in many cases) have been put on the line based on an unapologetic endorsement of said product/catagory. It’s hard to imagine responsible manufacturers putting their core business at risk introducing a product that may represent a proportionally small income/revenue stream that risks tarnishing that image. Yet, there are still those who challenge the general legitmacy of those products/catagories.

I acknowledge the component of "bias" into the equation. a) If we want it to make a difference it WILL make a difference, and b) if we paid more money for it, it must sound better based on the mere factor that it’s cost is <enter number here> times as much as the base/economical model. I will also acknowledge the component of "negative bias", where the reverse can happen. In my own experience, some of the most astounding, most musicially rewarding products/catagories have occurred when the concept pegged the needle on my "BS meter" and I had to be dragged kicking and screaming into auditioning them. Then, it happened. My knowledge base expanded. And,, my system(s) delivered more of what I originally paid for. I was hearing more/better music from them.

So, it comes down to "the sound". Did we conduct our due diligence?

I’m convinced that there are those who have a high confidence level that they are hearing (good) "things" in their systems when new things are installed. I’m also convinced that those products/catagories may make no percievable difference to others auditioning the same item in another system.

There may be scenarios where BOTH can be true:

- different systems (all things that carry a signal or make sound)

- different rooms (including room acoustics)

- different power grids (where you live can make a difference)

- bias (positive or negative)

- different ears (and brains)

I have no comment on those who reject reasonable premises and choose not to listen. I define "reasonable" as some folks with very nice systems and pretty sensitive antennas themselves think there’s something of value happening here. It’s your life. Your time. And the clock is ticking.

Maybe a survey of the group might be helpful:

- have you listened to cable risers?

- what was your impression?

- if you own them, are you on the first generation. Or, have you "upgraded" to more expensive items?

- what is your investment in cable risers?

- if you haven’t tried them, what is holding you back?

- other?

Might see some interesting results?

Multiple risers are not necessary. If you have enough space vertically, one tall riser will lift the entire cable off the floor.

 

Maybe a survey of the group might be helpful:

- have you listened to cable risers?  Yes

- what was your impression?  waste of time and resources. 

- if you own them, are you on the first generation. Or, have you "upgraded" to more expensive items?    On my current  2 system (tubed and SS) and last system I am done chasing the marketing BS. 

- what is your investment in cable risers?  $250.00

- if you haven’t tried them, what is holding you back?   Tried and they did nothing!

As Danny pointed out in the video that bolong provided a link to and most didn't bother to watch, it's not costly in the least. He made his with some Tinker Toys his kids had. Two other friends who thought him crazy bought some after he demonstrated it to them. He said it took all of 5-10 seconds for them to hear the difference and they were on their cell phones ordering Tinker Toys from Amazon.

He also points out that not every cable is going to benefit from it and not every system is resolving enough to appreciate the differences. Why is everyone getting so emotional about something so inconsequential and instead, creating false narratives as if there's only costly and ineffective ways to doing it?

All the best,
Nonoise

                                          ^^^  YEP!  ^^^   

       The adherents of the Naysayer Church will never accept that there exists a multitude of variables, when an accurate simulacrum of performers and their performance in a particular venue, is the desire/goal.

        If their result differs from that of others, the aspects that they can't discern CERTAINLY MUST BE the product of the others' imagination.

        Of this they are certain: it CAN'T be THEIR system, room, or ears!

                                       Perish the thought!