The Science of Cables


It seems to me that there is too little scientific, objective evidence for why cables sound the way they do. When I see discussions on cables, physical attributes are discussed; things like shielding, gauge, material, geometry, etc. and rarely are things like resistance, impedance, inductance, capacitance, etc. Why is this? Why aren’t cables discussed in terms of physical measurements very often?

Seems to me like that would increase the customer base. I know several “objectivist” that won’t accept any of your claims unless you have measurements and blind tests. If there were measurements that correlated to what you hear, I think more people would be interested in cables. 

I know cables are often system dependent but there are still many generalizations that can be made.
mkgus

Showing 10 responses by rocknss

douglas_schroeder

Prof, testing for power cord was with system identical throughout, using two identical stereo amps, and different power cords on amps. Only variable is power cord on amp.

Did you then swap power cords to amps and repeat?
elizabeth
I have decided to be a all out denier on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
A believer in everything anyone says on Wednesdays and Fridays.
"Who cares" on Mondays and Saturdays,
Reserving Sundays for actually thinking for myself, in any way at all.

To get a true indication of the efficacy of each, please rotate the days of the week monthly and report back.
Unfortunately swapping daily likely won't work. You may have to burn them in for weeks, and then remember what the system sounded like before.
Pretty sure that it is the corrosion resistance of OFC that makes it the material of choice.
But isn’t Mogami cable used extensively by Pro audio?
So, Pro audio is extensively using reasonably priced cables?
If I need a tone control I'll use ... a tone control.

My sentiments exactly.

But when you judge most products in audio, it becomes clear how much they differ from the truth. There is a reason why so less audio brands and products can reveal all the aspects of sound.

Give some examples of these aspects of sound that are missing.
 I will try this as soon as I get another two y connectors (already have two). IC's will be AQ Silver Extremes. First test will be between CD player and preamp.

How long of an interconnect do you need. My interconnect between CD an Pre is less then the length of two y connectors.