Avguygeorge, I used to think that was true, but now I think you've got it backwards. That is to say, a particular cable will have a particular sonic signature. Its physical and electrical properties do not change after break-in. However, the different systems (and different locations within a system) where the particular cable is placed will vary quite a bit. This doesn't change the sound of the cable -- the sound of the system, as a whole, is what varies/changes...
minimze ambiguity when describing audio components
i have noticed and i myself am guilty of using adjectives when trying to describe the "sound" of audio components.
the words, warm, bright, dull, dark, to name a few are ambiguous terms for two reasons.
first, we hear differently. when serious listeners are evaluating the sound of audio equipment, several opposing terms may be used to describe the same component. secondly, without a definition of a term, a word may have different meaning when used by serious hobbyists.
there are 2 solutions.
first, lets have some definitions of commonly used adjectives, and post them where all can see them.
this may not be practical, so hear is solution 2:
describe the sound, instead of saying bright, say elevation in sound pressure in the range 1000 hz to 3000 hz. that is clear and specific.
if someone is looking for a cable wwith a particular sound, describe the sound specificalyy instead of using adjectives.
the word "polite" has idiosyncratic conotations. say what you mean by polite instead of saying "polite".
there still is an unavidable problem, namely differences in perception. someone may hear an elevation in spl in the bass (50 to 100 hz), while someone else may disagree, saying there is no increase in spl in that region.
differences in perception are unavoidable., but at least specifics make it easier to confirm or disconfirm a perception or opinion.
the words, warm, bright, dull, dark, to name a few are ambiguous terms for two reasons.
first, we hear differently. when serious listeners are evaluating the sound of audio equipment, several opposing terms may be used to describe the same component. secondly, without a definition of a term, a word may have different meaning when used by serious hobbyists.
there are 2 solutions.
first, lets have some definitions of commonly used adjectives, and post them where all can see them.
this may not be practical, so hear is solution 2:
describe the sound, instead of saying bright, say elevation in sound pressure in the range 1000 hz to 3000 hz. that is clear and specific.
if someone is looking for a cable wwith a particular sound, describe the sound specificalyy instead of using adjectives.
the word "polite" has idiosyncratic conotations. say what you mean by polite instead of saying "polite".
there still is an unavidable problem, namely differences in perception. someone may hear an elevation in spl in the bass (50 to 100 hz), while someone else may disagree, saying there is no increase in spl in that region.
differences in perception are unavoidable., but at least specifics make it easier to confirm or disconfirm a perception or opinion.