Mattkimb96: This is where science steps in to make life easier. One can actually measure the response of the cables in-system and verify which is working better. If one applies the proper tests, one can achieve the proper test results. When one interprets the test results correctly, the ears of a skilled listener will verify what the test equipment measured. Obviously, not everyone has the tools or knowledge to do this type of testing and that's why most end up buying and trying a million different combo's. Sean
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PS... In my experience, using one brand of interconnects though-out an entire system typically results in poorer performance, both sonically and electrically ( because they are the same thing when one goes beyond personal preference and seeks "neutrality" ).
The one exception that i can think of to this generalization is if one is using components ( from source to amp ) from the same manufacturer and designer. This type of system may share similar input / output characteristics whereas components of different make & model could be all over the map in this regards.
It is these variances in electrical performance and circuit stability from various designers that confuse the issue and require the use of different brands / types of cabling to act as an impedance transformer between mating components. The cables themselves don't have "sonics" but their electrical characteristics combined with the load impedance of the mating components do. It is these combo's, which vary enough in degree, that it causes the source to alter the performance of the system, both sonically and electrically.
Frank Van Alstine demonstrated this to Julian Hirsch over twenty years ago. Hirsch never learned anything from that experience and thought that all cables were the same. On the other hand, Van Alstine basically thinks that his circuits are impervious to outside influence and stable under any conditions, so maybe he hasn't learned much about cables either.
