The Physics of Electricity

Exactly what I was trying to convey. Differences in naterials, insulation, conductor size and composition, and manufacturing result in measureable differences in impedence and capacitance. These differences will alter the sound from dark to bright, and from slurred through smooth to detailed. I recommend starting with a well made, good copper, affordable cable and then adjusting for what one wants in the sound . . .brighter and more detailed (consider silver). . .darker backgrounds (consider AQ Midnight). . (more bass consider larger conductors)..and lots of others to one own taste and budget. However, I would NOT attach a $2000 cable to a $350 amplifier and expect a megashift in amplifier performance. I would consider dedicated lines well BEFORE I spring for expensive power cords; I am sure others will weigh in on this, but please let common sense and blind listening tests direct your choices.

Nearly everyone would like to think he or she has made the best choices, if not, certainly the most cost effective ones. The more one pays for something, the higher its perceived value. Better cables should have shielding from RFI. This likely costs more than unshielded cables. Other cables will vary in capacitance and impedance based on length, materials, configuration etc (more expensive materials and production costs will increase the cost of a cable). Signal conveyance can also be affected by the way a particualr cable is insulated as wellas by the gauge of the conductor and how it is twisted. The variations in capacitance and impedance will slightly change the sound, for better, or for worse, in someone's own opinion. If they paid alot for the cable, it would likely sound better than if they paid less. If they like the looks of a particular cable, it likely also sounds better too. Just my opinion on this one. Try starting with a basic cable within your budget, and then consider what you might be looking for (detail? bass definition? imaging?) and try to tweek you system accordingly before auditioning different cables. Happy Listening,