2. cables
  3. 186342-457

WHY CABLES MATTER!

I have seen the argument over and over again on why cables matter and the that wire is just wire and how scientifically it’s impossible for them to make a difference. The thing that surprises me the most is that different materials are used. Different shielding is used. Different connectors are used. Different braiding methods of the cables are used. Materials are sourced from different manufacturers and put through different creative processes but I always get some guy who comes on and says. WIRE IS WIRE AND YOU ARE NOT HEARING WHAT YOU ARE HEARING? To me it’s pure arrogance to think you know more than everybody else to the point where you tell me what we are hearing through my ears and we are not smart enough to know when are minds are playing trick on us. But using all these different materials, process and shielding and creative processes don’t make a difference. I spent the last 15 years trying all the cables I could try.  Thoughts anyone?

calvinj
skeptikal's avatar
skeptikal
25 posts
 

Lot of snake oil out there.  If you like Audioholics, here is a good video.  I choose my name a while back while reading that millercarbon thread on Moabs.  He talked about a lot of stuff that I researched and all of it is pretty much bogus.  I still want Moabs but it would be financially irresponsible at this time.

calvinj OP
2,317 posts
 

All of our systems are unique. Listen and do what’s best for you and your system. Do your research but trust your own ears. 

stephen141111
1 posts
 

I switched from blue jean speaker cables to Kimber kable 8tc and heard a substantial difference in audio quality. I am now a true believer cables make a difference imo.🤑

calvinj OP
2,317 posts
 

@stephen141111 i can’t see how some can say they don’t but I do have to understand that I can hear their systems. Cables definitely make a difference in the system. A good set of cables in a good system icing on the cake. 

kennyc
1,472 posts
 

@calvinj 

I suspect that many naysayers:

  1. Haven’t tried it themselves 
  2. Tried on an audio chain not transparent enough, the noise floor including ambient is not low enough, or their hearing is not sensitive enough.  This is tough to point out as it can be interpreted as insulting 
  3. Have an exaggerated ideas - they complain about expensive cables vs what we normally advise - “only very conservatively buy cabling to match the level of the audio chain”.
  4. It greatly bugs them not knowing justification for costs above basic wiring.  We have conductors, Dielectric material(s), Dielectric geometry, Shield design/material, Jacket design/material.  They’re stuck on the price vs cost.  They are fixed on emotional resentment usually stemming from unaffordability.
  5. They complain that cable manufacturers aren’t forthcoming in providing justification data, but downplay/ignore the fact that if they reveal their processes, copycat companies would steal sales.  

I simply look at cost/benefit within my budget.  Griping rarely does any good, it won’t change how cable manufacturers operate.  

I’m getting better at ignoring naysayers- they’ll always be around so it’s fruitless to try to fix- maybe might help some, but there will always be more

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