Interconnects and non-believers

A different way of saying the same thing, Devilboy, is that some cables alter the sound in such a way as to make the bass less clear, the timing less precise so that the soundstage isn't as wide, and affect the sound in other ways.  Using words such as "BS," "illusion" and putting "sound" in quotes makes your statement rather confrontational and perhaps makes it seem like you're trying to make a point you may not be trying to make.  

What you actually said was that cables affect the sound of the system in different ways, and a change in interconnects can have a profound impact on the whole system.  The three pairs of interconnects I'm experimenting with on my system do, in fact, sound radically different.  I haven't really found a combination that I prefer, yet.  I believe I need to put another test cable into the mix before I determine what I like the most.  And maybe another amplifier before I'm done.

I used to love my big V8s too.  E39 M5, Corvette Z06.  Then I bought a 911 and man is that whole chassis and flat 6 fun.

As for the EE degrees, I have one and I had a coworker who was a signals guy (Intel) who swore cables would make no difference in a stereo.  I had three different options and after switching between them, he conceded that all three were much different.

I do not understand the few people who claim they make no difference.

As for the statement that cables can only transmit a signal without changing it, I suggest that is only partially true.  You are still transmitting from one driver network to one receiving network and the cable (impedance, inductance, etc) will affect how that signal is transmitted.  But yeah, the whole point is to create a system where you like the sound and enjoy listening to it.  

I am buying an awesome amp tomorrow and probably a PS Audio Stellar GCD DAC/Pre next week.  Then I have a problem because I don’t have any XLR cables at the house because I’ve never had a balanced pre-amp before.  This will be interesting.