Cables
Without wishing to stir things up (no really!) I wonder how many people who can hear differences with cables and/or other "tweaks" have actually tried it "blind", ie with things being switched without their knowledge and had their responses scored in a scientific way?
I think (or thought) I could hear a difference with interconnect cables so I spent some money there but that wasn't blind. I did blind test a mains conditioner and couldn't hear any difference at all. I am 100% convinced that my speakers sound much better on their spikes and spike shoes than without but again that wasn't blind and maybe I'm kidding myself.
I wonder if those who make big claims and who haven't subjected themselves to blind tests would be willing to do so?
Anyway I'd be really interested to hear about any independently verified blind tests (as I'm sure lots of people would be).
Chris
For me, sadly, interconnects are like fine wines, above a certain price point I can't tell any diffrence. 
Opposite for me, below a certain price point I can't tell any difference 
At least you can buy more wine with the money you didn't spend on cables...a good bottle generally does wonders for the sound 
I am tired of all this whining about cables
I am tired of all this whining about cables
I am tired of all this whining about cables
I was quite enjoying it. 
Facinating to see that this debate still rages on (I've not logged in for a while). I find the subject facinating, just wish I had the required golden ears to hear the differences. For me, sadly, interconnects are like fine wines, above a certain price point I can't tell any diffrence.
Still, I'll await the reports with interest.
Who is to say that the golden ears are the ones who hear a difference? I think the golden eared people are those who hear no difference, as their hearing is accurate to what cables really do to sound quality, which is nothing.
Who is to say that the golden ears are the ones who hear a difference? I think the golden eared people are those who hear no difference, as their hearing is accurate to what cables really do to sound quality, which is nothing.
Who is to say that the golden ears are the ones who hear a difference? I think the golden eared people are those who hear no difference, as their hearing is accurate to what cables really do to sound quality, which is nothing.
I have evidence, see my blog.
Heheeeeeeee!!!
I have a sideway question: doen an analogue interconnect 'degrade' over time? I'm planning to buy a new DAC, amp and speakers, by next year somewhere. Could I keep using a 12-years old QED i/c (QNECT1, gold plated terminals; doesn't show its age at first sight)? Just wondering...
Assuming it's not been damaged it'll be fine I'd think. I used Audioquest Turquoise for years (probably a good decade) and never had a hitch with it. Swapped it for some van den hul's and never noticed a difference.
Well well, cables again?..lol...
Important things b4 u will notice differences in cables.
1) Clean mains. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. Not on the cheap, proper mains conditioners. I use mains conditioners in my music recording studio. The difference is night & day.
2) your system is only only as strong as the weakest link. Any weak HIFi equipment, component or cable will stop you from hearing any change in sound.
3) Cheapo speakers will not tell you the changes happening in your music system.
4) CLEAN MAINS.. did I mention that before.. YES THATS HOW IMPORTANT IT IS>
I have a sideway question: doen an analogue interconnect 'degrade' over time?
As long as the plugs are still clean, it should be fine.
In theory an interconnect can degrade over time—you can get microscopic cracks in the crystalline structure, but let's face it, it's very unlikely to be audible.
Well well, cables again?..lol...
Important things b4 u will notice differences in cables.
1) Clean mains...
Cables + Mains in one thread?
LOL!
Agree with you though!
Facinating to see that this debate still rages on (I've not logged in for a while). I find the subject facinating, just wish I had the required golden ears to hear the differences. For me, sadly, interconnects are like fine wines, above a certain price point I can't tell any diffrence.
Still, I'll await the reports with interest.