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I've never believed much in cables, that said... (USB)

So, in 30+ years of being an audio geek of sorts I've never believed much in cables.  I've always felt once it's a decent gauge and quality (think basic Mogami XLR's and Canare 4s11 speaker) that they don't make much of a difference.  I do try occasionally and try to read the science to see if it makes sense.  

Over the years there have been a couple cables I thought MIGHT have been different (not better or worse, but different).

1.  Gregg Straley Reality cables - these are a solid core and I believe he cryo's them.  I felt the speaker cables MIGHT have brightened things up a bit.  60/40 on if they did, but I'm pretty sure they did.

2.  PS Audio AC3 power cables on my amp.  I inherited this cable with a used amp purchase so said what the hell, I'll try it.  Don't think it did a thing on the pre-amp.  But, with two different amps, I THINK it opened up the soundstage a bit.  Reading about it, I think that the whole highs/lows shapes of cables doesn't make a lot of sense.  But I did think it might make a big enough difference.  For what I essentially paid for it - I kept it and use it.  If anything it looks cool and does stay in the outlet with a vice like grip.  


That said.

Just got my first outboard DAC (oppo sonica) and started with a cheap USB cable then tried an audioquest cinnamon, clearly a difference to me.  I was shocked (and bummed in some ways). But it was obvious, so I tried an audioquest carbon - and yes, again I'm pretty darn sure I heard a difference and it was better.  Everything did have more separation and clarity without being brighter (which is what I thought speaker cables might have done).  This was clear.  It still makes little sense to me (0's and 1's).  I've tried to look at tests like at ASR... but man it's the first time I really felt I can hear a difference.  

Might try the PS audio power cord on the dac, but that means changing on the amp... so not sure if it would be fair or not!
dep14

Showing 1 response by rockaddict

rockaddict
21 posts
 
I’m another who thought cables couldn’t possibly make a difference. That was until my first entry-level separates system way back in 1998. To this day, I still metaphorically scratch my head with the question "How is this possible?"

Having briefly headed up the cables chain to a pair of Morrow Audio MA4s (pre 2018 design) @ GDP £320 (1.5m; RCA - RCA; Pure Harmony plugs), I decided to explore cheaper alternatives. Atlas Equators OCC came next @ £130 and, overall, I preferred them to the MA4s, the latter sounding toppy by comparison. However, just a few weeks ago, I learnt of Mark Grant Cables, did a bit of digging, and decided to give a pair of HDX1s a try. Very very impressive and for less than half the price of the Equators.

The HDX1s have stayed in my system. Much as my head continues to say "...there can’t be any difference...", I did an A-B-C with all three and there were definite differences in the tonal and sound stage characteristics of all three. I’m not arguing one is "better" than another, merely "different" with the outcome being a matter of preference.

One day, I hope to be in a position to try one or two cables from the nose-bleed arena just to see / hear "what if?" (e.g.Audience; Transparent).  However, that might just require a lottery win...

Happy listening all, wherever your budget is.
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