Do Cables Make A Difference?

[Haselsh1]

So how can now those cables make the sound better than it was before the preamp and the amp got separated?

I don't think that it necessarily makes the sound better, it makes the sound different. In my system I use different interconnects for digital and analogue because I use the cables as subtle tone controls.

[Marco]

May I ask why, Shaun?

I'm intrigued, because I do precisely the opposite, and seek to use those with the least discernible sonic signature, as in my view, interconnect cables should act as far as possible as a neutral conduit for the music signal, thus allowing the partnering equipment and recording to 'speak for itself'

Marco.

[Light Dependant Resistor]

So in this example, splitting the integrated amp into preamp and the power amp will always sound worse than it sounded when being integrated under the same 'roof'?

Hi Alex
No, because internally in a integrated amp there is economic benefit in running interconnects using
circuit board tracks, it is just too enticing by some manufacturers, to stoop to put the unit together quickly,
not necessarily with any audio benefit. If they stopped instead for 12 months, examining how to design
circuit board tracks properly, away from their usual duty carrying digital and analog ground planes
and power supply returns and general circuit noise - things might be different.

For instance, if they use wiring it sometimes is ribbon cable with computer type connectors, also not
necessarily with any audio benefit.

This opens the topic of shielding, and cables that are shielded vs those that are not,
shielding being a lot more costly.

So viewing cabling or its minimum standards as an economic benefit to manufacturers,
should alert discovery of at least 2 properties of cables that occur when there is more
funds available. Namely coaxial and twisted pair construction.

Cheers / Chris
.

[Haselsh1]

May I ask why, Shaun?

I'm intrigued, because I do precisely the opposite, and seek to use those with the least discernible sonic signature, as in my view, interconnect cables should act as far as possible as a neutral conduit for the music signal, thus allowing the partnering equipment and recording to 'speak for itself'

Marco.

Yeah Marco, my CD system is slightly edgy in the top end so I calm it with the interconnects, my vinyl system's sound suits a totally different interconnect so I use a totally different cable for that. It has taken Sue and I four years to get where we are right now starting with listening to various interconnects and then settling on Atlas Hyper cables and QED Reference.

[Marco]

No worries, mate. Whatever works, works. I'm impressed that your good lady is so involved in the process! Nice one

Marco.

[Haselsh1]

Marco, Sue is just as involved as I am and specifically loves Brand X, Mahavishnu Orchestra and Metallica

[magiccarpetride]

Marco, Sue is just as involved as I am and specifically loves Brand X, Mahavishnu Orchestra and Metallica

Imagine someone forming a band "Mahavishnu Metallica"!

[Spectral Morn]

Just reminded earlier today, how big a difference a cable can make. Once again a not so subtle improvement. Par for the course and I think a deaf man or woman could have heard it.

[farflungstar]

Cables, in my opinion, have a greater or lesser affect depending on the transparency of a system. If your system is baseline transparent and balanced (not forward, recessed unless that's your thing) then yes swapping cables is audible - to a greater or lesser extent. These changes can be both veiling/tonal in nature and make perfect sense when looking at electrical characteristics.

I have recently gone through an interconnect journey due to rack changes and the inclusion of a SUT. My system is, I believe very transparent and balanced, meaning no part of the range is exaggerated or recessed, at least to my ears.

My regular Cardas were too short and too hard in the mid between SUT and phono stage. Open and extended yes but just not quite right with the SUT.

I then changed all interconnects for some very well known ones on here. I didn't like what they did in my system - they seemed to raise the mid and highs which pushed things forward. But again my rack changed and gave me a reason to change everything again.

For a long long time I've considered VDH Integration but been put off by people's opinion of them. Some say they are the best, others they are dull and boring. But I trusted my instincts and went for it. They are perfect. They are open and extended, deep and controlled, the soundstage is excellent and no part is out of kilter with the rest - in my system.

[Macca]

Just reminded earlier today, how big a difference a cable can make. Once again a not so subtle improvement. Par for the course and I think a deaf man or woman could have heard it.

LOL I am also hearing cable differences at the moment, in this case speaker cable.

Not even different brands, just two different lengths of NVA cable. The thicker one gives a bassier sound, puts the mid and top further back, the thinner one brings the mid and top forward compared to the bass, It is a significant difference in presentation, although not in quality (the two should never be confused). I'd expect even a civilian to notice the difference between the two pretty much instantly.

These people like Jez who say there is no technical reason so you are imagining it - if they came round here and I demonstrated the difference I know that they would not sit there and say 'I don't hear it.' because they just couldn't, not with a straight face. I know the first thing they would do is exam the system, examine the cables and then tell me the technical reason. Well why could you just not do that in the first place instead of telling me I was dreaming!