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Biggest audio hoaxes

Often when people discuss audio, they talk about "snake oil" or "hoaxes."

It's pretty typical to use the term hoax as a tactic against another who disagrees with one, or holds an unusual opinion or vouches for something which has not been verified. That's not what I mean by a "hoax." 

By "hoax" I mean an audio product or claim which has been pretty definitively disproved. Maybe not to everyone's satisfaction, but to common consensus.

So -- with that definition of hoax in mind, what are some of the biggest audiophile hoaxes you've heard of?
128x128hilde45
hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
4,842 posts
 
Oh, one other thought.

Folks here have brought out an important distinction I overlooked.  A hoax can either be a completely useless device or technique that actually does nothing, or it can be hyperbole about something.

This distinction is important insofar as it helps show that some hoaxes are illusions proffered as reality, and others are exaggerations of the degree of something real. 
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,313 posts
 
Check this out. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dreadnought_hoax

By this definition, inexpensive "Cardas" cables from China would be hoaxes.
pragmasi
212 posts
 
Graphene solutions.
I agree that new super materials are used for gimmicks, but there are practical applications for graphene in audio. I'm just about to order a pair of these drivers from Seas... I'm interested in seeing whether the 20-2000Hz claim for an 8" driver delivers in reality, could make for the basis of a great 2 way. In my experience Seas specs are quite down to earth so I'm hopeful.
sugabooger
89 posts
 
Graphene in drives makes sense. High strength in the necessary direction compared to weight. It is a good conductor along the grain. It is poor through the grain. That limits it's electrical usage.
djones51
4,947 posts
 
I've had speakers with Seas graphene drivers it wasn't used for electrical properties but a corrosion resistant strengthening coating on magnesium cones. 
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