Best Speaker Cables?

coachvu · Nov 29, 2008

Originally Posted by kronik

I will probably go with Blue Jean Cables

I've had nothing but positive experiences with them.

A Y · Nov 29, 2008

bkk · Nov 30, 2008

Originally Posted by Artisan Fan

I doubt anyone here will believe me but there is genuine sonic improvement to be had from the following on speaker cables:

**Purity of wire.
**Metallurgy - mix of copper, silver, gold, other alloys, etc.
**Winding geometry.
**Dielectric quality and type.
**Connectors, termination process and overall quality.

Most of what you list only effects very high frequencies, very long distances, or very high power. I always find it humorous when some cable companies are trying to back their claims using theories based on RF engineering or power distribution.

That being said, as long as the quality of the cable and connector is up to snuff (thick guage, connectors and wires that create a good contact and won't break, etc), you will more than likely not hear a difference

unpainted huffheinz · Nov 30, 2008

Originally Posted by bkk

Most of what you list only effects very high frequencies, very long distances, or very high power. I always find it humorous when some cable companies are trying to back their claims using theories based on RF engineering or power distribution.

Also, audio signals are ultra low bandwidth by today's standards. I have some HD SDI video cable that carries over 10,000 times the bandwidth of any audio signal, and there is definitely a stringent set of requirements for that type of cable.

A Y · Nov 30, 2008

Originally Posted by unpainted huffheinz

Also, audio signals are ultra low bandwidth by today's standards.
The problem with audio is that much of it is awfully designed with respect to electrical compatibility and good practices (cf. AF's tinfoil solution). When cables make a real difference, it's almost always because they're mitigating some problem in the design. Cables cannot improve audio quality --- it can only degrade it, because the cable's job is to transmit a signal unchanged. When a cable makes a difference, something's messed up. +1 on the recommendation for Blue Jeans Cables. I've had nothing but positive experienes with them, including their return policy. --Andre

Sprezzatura2010 · Nov 30, 2008

Originally Posted by A Y

The problem with audio is that much of it is awfully designed with respect to electrical compatibility and good practices (cf. AF's tinfoil solution).

That seems to be much more a problem at the so-called "High End" than it is with "regular" electronics. Not to say there aren't "high end" electronics that are worth it, but they seem to be few and far between.

JetBlast · Nov 30, 2008

Maybe an audiophile can clear this up - what is the difference in the cables you purchase? Does it really improve sound quality that much?

I almost feel like a sinner wearing Koss earbuds hooked into my iPod.

Sprezzatura2010 · Nov 30, 2008

Originally Posted by JetBlast

Maybe an audiophile can clear this up - what is the difference in the cables you purchase? Does it really improve sound quality that much?

I almost feel like a sinner wearing Koss earbuds hooked into my iPod.

Cost and appearance are the primary differences. But in truth, mostly just cost.

They do not improve sound quality at all so long as basic minimum technical standards are met. See my link to Roger Russell's site earlier in this thread. At extreme prices, there is a possibility that the cables will be designed to lower fidelity by introducing extra sonic anomalies into a system, such as rolling off the high frequencies.

JetBlast · Nov 30, 2008

Originally Posted by Sprezzatura2010

Cost and appearance are the primary differences. But in truth, mostly just cost.

They do not improve sound quality at all so long as basic minimum technical standards are met. See my link to Roger Russell's site earlier in this thread. At extreme prices, there is a possibility that the cables will be designed to lower fidelity by introducing extra sonic anomalies into a system, such as rolling off the high frequencies.

Very good, thank you.

J'aimelescravates · Nov 30, 2008

Did we establish if OP's music is digital or analog?
My recc is to save the $80 and buy Blue Jeans

kronik · Nov 30, 2008

The fact that there are a number of people in this thread that took my initial post seriously is a tad disconcerting.

StyleForum, you disappoint me more everyday.

JetBlast · Nov 30, 2008

Originally Posted by kronik

The fact that there are a number of people in this thread that took my initial post seriously is a tad disconcerting.

StyleForum, you disappoint me more everyday.

I just can't understand (and I know there are some people who will actually do it) who would spend $21,000 on audio cord. I bought my headphones for $20 at Borders and I can hear the music just fine.

J'aimelescravates · Nov 30, 2008

Originally Posted by kronik

The fact that there are a number of people in this thread that took my initial post seriously is a tad disconcerting.

StyleForum, you disappoint me more everyday.

Oh wow. I must admit that I did not click on the link. I just went with the thread title and the later posts..21k for cable is ridiculous unless being robbed and raped is fun for you

A Y · Nov 30, 2008

Originally Posted by kronik

The fact that there are a number of people in this thread that took my initial post seriously is a tad disconcerting. StyleForum, you disappoint me more everyday.
Your $0.25 computer cables are obviously rolling off your ironic frequencies. You should upgrade to metallurgically-pure and Kimber-approved Ethernet cable so that your posts are clearer and have more quality and value. And this is the last time I'm telling you this: don't forget the styrofoam cups.

--Andre

kronik · Nov 30, 2008

Andre.

Best Speaker Cables?

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