Which cables go with what?????


I never fails to amaze me, the questions people ask on this forum, always trying to find some synergy between cables and their components/speakers.

The fact is: there are two classes of cables:
1) Those that are neutral
2) Those that impose a sonic signature (tone controls of a sort)

If the average audiophile spent his time trying to weed-out the tone control cables and get some neutral cables, then all that would be left is to determine the right synergy between his or her components. This may mean elimination of an offensive component, as painful as that sounds.

Component synergy is real. Amps and speaker combinations definitely need to be selected carefully. In some cases also preamp-amp synergies are important. If you are using tubes, then there are even more compatibility issues. But cables, forget it. If you are trying to compensate for a poor component or speaker design by using tone control cables, you will probably never be happy and likely compromise the sound of the other components in the process. You will certainly never approach a live or "master-tape" sound. There, that's my editorial. Hopefully some will learn from it.
audioengr

Showing 5 responses by nrchy

Audioengr, you have long exhibited a complete lack of understanding when it comes not only to cable, but many other issues. I guess the user name does not insure reliability.

Why do you continue to propound these things that anyone with ears can tell are inaccurate? I am not an engineer, nor do I possess 'golden ears' but I have heard the fallacy of your statements over and over again.

We have had these disagreements before when I asked the question about what makes a bigger difference, new componants or very good interconnect or speaker cables? My experience shows that cables can make differences which are beyond belief. You poo pooed the whole ideal. Inspite of the fact that you could not measure the difference every one of the people I had come over and listen was amazed by the huge difference.

Since that test I have replaced my Aragon 8008st with a Krell FPB 200. The improvement was significant, but I'm not sure if replacing a $2000 amp with a $6000 amplifier was as big an improvement as the Purist Dominus interconnect.

Silly theories such as the 'neutral vs. tone control' will be disproven once science catches up to technology. Just because you don't know how to measure this difference doesn't mean it isn't there. Did gravity not exist before Newton? Did mold have no value because Pasteur had not discovered Penicillin? These dwarves standing on the shoulders of giants claiming to have understanding are preventing honest 'seekers' from learning the truth.
Based on their posts here; maybe they don't have enough customers to keep them busy.
Corona, isn't disagreement and discussion allowed here? Can't we have opposing view points and still enjoy the same hobby.
Audioengr is far better educated than I in these matters, we still disagree, but that doesn't mean that each of us is not entitled to our opinions and the ability to argue them in a civil manner. How boring would this site be if everyone agreed on everything.
I have learned a lot from people here, even those with which I disagree.
Audioengr, keep up the good work!
Audioengr and I have disagreed on many subjects in the past, but at the point of pushing his own cables I have to take exception. After all the discussion on this and other threads I still do not know what cables he makes or sells. He isn't pushing too hard!
In my opinion he is pushing his design philosophy and understanding more than his cable. I'm sure his opinion is just as welcome here as anyone elses.
I guess we'll continue to disagree, but I always like to read what he has to say. Who knows, I might learn something after all.
This was actually designed by a few of us as a weight loss program! At least it's worked for Gunbei!