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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 2 responses by tubegeek1950

tubegeek1950
3 posts
 
 Cables? Cables? 

 Coming from a electronics technician background of 35 years, I am always astounded at the extremely over analyzed critiques of cables. I am also blown away by the extravagant cost. 

 I suppose my background makes me look at them from an  inductance, capacitance, resistive ( DCR ) and impedance  point of reference . 

 While there is an apparent technological advancement in the materials used to make cables,  it’s still all comes down to capacitance, inductance, impedance, and DCR.  Now,  with all those new advanced cable components ,  they do have an affect on the previously mentioned  technical characteristics. 

So, I decided to make my own cables. I bought some reasonably priced  American designed Australian made RCA male connectors.  Then I began looking for a good two conductor and single conductor with shield cables. I hate the stif inflexible “high end“ cables that you can buy online and through hi-fi audio vendors.   I found some very good Japanese made highly flexible shielded cable and was able to easily assemble them. 

Got to catch a plane will return with my results!

tubegeek1950
3 posts
 
It’s interesting that mr Miller can actually say l/C/R/ impedance measurements have nothing to do with the way cables sound. When the companies spend millions developing components and materials that effect all those measurements. The point is they do.

In “my” opinion here’s the difference. The difference is your ears or my ears or Bill’s ears or Mike’s ears. So, if you spend a lot of money before you hear them then money doesn’t mean anything. I will gladly admit my ears are to old to be a very good critic,  so to me measurements make sense. Many people will NEVER admit that they don’t trust their ears. Those same people will NEVER submit to blind tests. I’m also familiar with all electronics having a sound signature, because everything DOES! Those include, tubes, audio transformers,  amps, preamps, coupling   capacitors, hook-up wire, resisters, connectors, audio jacks and plugs.  So if you buy the best of everything theoretically you should have the best sound! But can your ears hear the difference?? 

Example:  My relatives live in Northern California and love their Sonoma, Napa wines,  ( and they should),  but will never submit to blind tasting if it’s California  wine, it’s the best as soon as they see the label! Needless to say being from the Northwest I don’t buy California wines! Ha 

Some audiophiles only read the labels and  dole out the money. .......Foolish 
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