Does it Make a Difference?
11-09-2010, 11:40 PM
#43
50 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 217
I only skimmed this thread, skipped over page 3, I'll admit it.
But I notice an outright flat denial that cables affect sound in anyway.
While not noticeably to most people, they do play a significant part.
Especially so when deck manufacturers continue to push higher and higher line output voltages. The more voltage, the more EMI which causes crosstalk between signal lines (left, right, rear, etc). In severe cases it can muddy a soundstage or just degrade depth of music. Obviously only in extreme cases, but if you're working for perfection then cables can't be overlooked.
A good thing to look for is directionality. Lots of people dismiss it as a gimmick but it's not entirely without benefit. Typically, the cables have an EMI shield that is grounded at one end (source end) and "sucks" EMI back to the source, keeping it out of the music. Some of the even higher end cables are "pre worn" at a molecular level to encourage linear motion of electrons throughout the cable.
Higher quality cables have more precisely machined ends which, when mated to a precisely machined terminal on an amp, improves contact surface and reduces the very slight voltage drop at the connecting point.
It's neat stuff if you look into it deeper.
But I notice an outright flat denial that cables affect sound in anyway.
While not noticeably to most people, they do play a significant part.
Especially so when deck manufacturers continue to push higher and higher line output voltages. The more voltage, the more EMI which causes crosstalk between signal lines (left, right, rear, etc). In severe cases it can muddy a soundstage or just degrade depth of music. Obviously only in extreme cases, but if you're working for perfection then cables can't be overlooked.
A good thing to look for is directionality. Lots of people dismiss it as a gimmick but it's not entirely without benefit. Typically, the cables have an EMI shield that is grounded at one end (source end) and "sucks" EMI back to the source, keeping it out of the music. Some of the even higher end cables are "pre worn" at a molecular level to encourage linear motion of electrons throughout the cable.
Higher quality cables have more precisely machined ends which, when mated to a precisely machined terminal on an amp, improves contact surface and reduces the very slight voltage drop at the connecting point.
It's neat stuff if you look into it deeper.
11-10-2010, 02:52 PM
#46
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 16,855
EMI is one of the reasons we used twisted pair cables and amps have differential inputs.
If you want to see how much EMI or crosstalk your system has, disconnect the speakers from one side of your amp and the RCA from the OTHER channel at the deck. Play the deck at full volume and see if you wind up with sound from the unplugged RCA side. Your statement suggests that clearly the connected RCA should induce sound in the disconnected one.
Let me know the results ok?
If you want to see how much EMI or crosstalk your system has, disconnect the speakers from one side of your amp and the RCA from the OTHER channel at the deck. Play the deck at full volume and see if you wind up with sound from the unplugged RCA side. Your statement suggests that clearly the connected RCA should induce sound in the disconnected one.
Let me know the results ok?
11-10-2010, 03:00 PM
#47
50 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 217
EMI is one of the reasons we used twisted pair cables and amps have differential inputs.
If you want to see how much EMI or crosstalk your system has, disconnect the speakers from one side of your amp and the RCA from the OTHER channel at the deck. Play the deck at full volume and see if you wind up with sound from the unplugged RCA side. Your statement suggests that clearly the connected RCA should induce sound in the disconnected one.
Let me know the results ok?
If you want to see how much EMI or crosstalk your system has, disconnect the speakers from one side of your amp and the RCA from the OTHER channel at the deck. Play the deck at full volume and see if you wind up with sound from the unplugged RCA side. Your statement suggests that clearly the connected RCA should induce sound in the disconnected one.
Let me know the results ok?
I understand it's nearly moot. But it bothers me that the general opinion is that you can just twist up a pair of wires and have it work as well as a sufficiently engineered set of RCAs.
11-10-2010, 03:06 PM
#48
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 16,855
But you can.
Your post also claims "While not noticeably to most people, they do play a significant part."
and even though you wrote "severe" once and "extreme" once the overall tone of your post is that this is an easily perceptable occurance. It is not.
I especially like the 'pre worn' cable part. I laughed aloud.
Your post also claims "While not noticeably to most people, they do play a significant part."
and even though you wrote "severe" once and "extreme" once the overall tone of your post is that this is an easily perceptable occurance. It is not.
I especially like the 'pre worn' cable part. I laughed aloud.
11-10-2010, 03:09 PM
#49
50 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 217
Okay okay, pick it apart as you will :P
Believe it or not, some companies do it
Kimber Cables for instance.
The theory holds up. Signal loss is signal loss is signal loss. And wearing down imperfections is just another way to prevent it.
Edit: How many well known companies are using balanced inputs? That's another story entirely.
Believe it or not, some companies do it
Kimber Cables for instance.
The theory holds up. Signal loss is signal loss is signal loss. And wearing down imperfections is just another way to prevent it.
Edit: How many well known companies are using balanced inputs? That's another story entirely.
Last edited by BradSk88; 11-10-2010 at 03:15 PM.
11-10-2010, 03:18 PM
#50
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 16,855
I will never argue that a cable with better construction will last longer and help with signal transfer over some junk hair thin cable with plastic encased tin ends.
I just have to stop short of it actually sounding any different than a well soldered set of twisted wires with good ends. Just me.
I just have to stop short of it actually sounding any different than a well soldered set of twisted wires with good ends. Just me.
