will different lengths affect sound

I have heard differences in sound between a 1M and 2M interconnect, so I would not write off the possibility that a significantly different length of speaker cable could sound slightly different.

However, the issue for me would be moot; the design/quality of the cable would trump the effect of shortening the cable. If one has a poor sounding wire shortening it will not save its performance. IMO, one would do better to pay attention to the sonic quality of the cable as paramount vs. the length (within reason).

If comparing cables of two different manufacturers and different lengths I would not assume that a poorer sounding longer cable might be much better if shorter, i.e. 3-4 feet.

There are enough compromised systems and compromised ears out there that this issue will never be resolved. :)

Bill, When you have something of value to contribute I'll be willing to hear it. I'm not interested in speaking with you if all you can do is mock and insult. Find someone else on that level to converse with.

BTW, I believe sufficient microbiologic and probibilistic evidence has been shown to preclude the existence of Aliens in the universe. If you wish to rest your faith on such things you'll have to turn elsewhere. :)

Rok2id, good thoughts. I'm pretty sure that someday I will present my thoughts/articles to the publisher.

Bill, you are telling me that what I can do on a regular basis is impossible.

You're not the first to tell me such & such is impossible. I have had industry insiders including designers, manufacturers, repair technitians all tell me at one time that differences in sound pertaining to cables was not possible, or that it was negligible. To a person I demonstrated to them in my room that they were wrong - politely, of course. I am not naming names because if I were in their shoes I likely would not want my name associated with such a situation publicly.

In one case it was in regards to power supplies, as the other party said power cords cannot influence the sound of a power supply for an electrostatic speaker. Well... when in my room he heard differently he admitted that yes, power cords could influence some types of power supplies.

BTW, prior to the demonstration for him others taking his logical tack threw their derision my way, but amazingly after he posted that I had been right they changed their mind based solely on his testimony.

Another manufacturer proudly stated that he used cheapie cabling because they didn't matter that much. Well... after a demo in my system that manufacturer bought new cables for his audio show system.

You can feel free to doubt, but as they say, "While some are saying, 'It can't be done,' others are out doing it."

As for you, Rok2id, I recall you stating that you can't get your hands on the majority of equipment by which such things would be tested. I believe you have previously admitted that you are arguing your points from logic, not experience. I used to do that, and I was wrong much of the time. It takes only one or two experiences to show how far off base your logic is from the reality. Occasionally you will see in the threads a theme to the effect, "I just tried different cables," or "There IS a difference in cables..." IOW, they finally tried and found out how easily heard such things can be.

Similar the differences between a 1M and 2M interconnect.
I am not suggesting that hearing the difference would be as easy as falling over, or that even the average audiophile with a moderately capable rig would be able to discern it. In general terms you would need an extremely fine rig, perhaps in the $80-100K range and up. It has to have truly exceptional definition and clarity. If not you likely will not hear the difference. Now, simply because most people don't experience it does not mean it's not possible. Is it a more elitist excercise? Yes, because it pertains to a level of peformance most people will never achieve. But if an audiophile with good hearing were to compare they would hear it.

Rok2id, this is not an evasion; I have many times wanted to post extended discussion of my philosophy of testing and thoughts about blind testing. I have been writing about this for years but have not posted my thoughts here.
For now, in response to your question (and more than a bit of skepticism) I was changing cables on a system I had been using when I noticed the distinction in sound between the shorter and longer ICs. If that is not good enough for you, then so be it. Feel free to discount my observation.

Inna, like a medical test I try to ensure the testing equipment (stereo) be sensitive enough (the rig have enough definition/detail) to avoid false negatives (to avoid non-detection of differences).