Mini to mini cables...any difference?

[pharmrodant]

Is there really any sound difference in the cables that cost $5 to the ones that cost $90? Will I tell a difference?


David

[stevenkelby]

Originally Posted by pharmrodant

Is there really any sound difference in the cables that cost $5 to the ones that cost $90?

Yes.

Originally Posted by pharmrodant

Will I tell a difference?David

Maybe.

There are many factors involved.

Also, there is more to an expensive cable than just the way it sounds.

My advice, use the $5 one until you know it, and your system, intimately and are convinced that it is the weak link in your system.

Then, if you find you want an expensive one, hopefully your ears, gear and knowledge will be at a level where you can appreciate any SQ improvements.

For your ipod, you want a LOD, not a mini-mini. For the Archos, don't bother with different cables, they won't be the weak link anyway.

[1Time]

Originally Posted by stevenkelby

My advice, use the $5 one until you know it, and your system, intimately and are convinced that it is the weak link in your system.

Maybe I'm missing something here, but how would one determine the mini cable to be the weakest link without comparing it to something better?

[stevenkelby]

Originally Posted by 1Time

Maybe I'm missing something here, but how would one determine the mini cable to be the weakest link without comparing it to something better?

Just by previously experiencing more obvious audible changes in other gear swaps first. Then you'll be more likely to accept that cables can make a difference. Or be more thoroughly convinced that they don't, either way.

I mean that you should be at the stage where you can readily hear differences in bit rates, sources, cans, amps etc. before spending up on cables. That way you appreciate it more and can really hear the improvements (if any).

Then when you do compare it to something better, it's a big improvement.

It's because cable differences are often subtle, and some people spend a lot on cables, then are disappointed not to have heard a huge difference. They possibly didn't hear a difference because their gear, ears or experience weren't up to it.

If you've got the money though, a great cable will last a lifetime and won't let you down. If you know you'll get one eventually anyway, do it now.

My advice was for someone who isn't sure if they need good cables or not, they should wait and be sure.

"Will I tell a difference?"

Tough question, but I suggest giving yourself the best opportunity to.

[bigshot]

The difference (if it exists) between cables is so minute, it's unmeasurable and inaudible. Even if you could hear a slight difference, would it be worth spending 20 times the price for something you're not even sure you can hear?

Cables are status symbols (bling) and ego boosts for golden ears. They're also a huge profit generator for stereo stores. I buy all my cables at Radio Shack, and my system sounds pretty darn good.

Spend money on speakers and headphones. That's where money makes a significant difference.

See ya
Steve

[stevenkelby]

All good points.

Originally Posted by stevenkelby

Or be more thoroughly convinced that they don't, either way.

[1Time]

Originally Posted by stevenkelby

Just by previously experiencing more obvious audible changes in other gear swaps first. Then you'll be more likely to accept that cables can make a difference. Or be more thoroughly convinced that they don't, either way.

I mean that you should be at the stage where you can readily hear differences in bit rates, sources, cans, amps etc. before spending up on cables. That way you appreciate it more and can really hear the improvements (if any).

Then when you do compare it to something better, it's a big improvement.

It's because cable differences are often subtle, and some people spend a lot on cables, then are disappointed not to have heard a huge difference. They possibly didn't hear a difference because their gear, ears or experience weren't up to it.

If you've got the money though, a great cable will last a lifetime and won't let you down. If you know you'll get one eventually anyway, do it now.

My advice was for someone who isn't sure if they need good cables or not, they should wait and be sure.

"Will I tell a difference?"

Tough question, but I suggest giving yourself the best opportunity to.

So are you saying there is no way to know if a cheap mini cable "may" be the weakest link without first comparing it to a higher quality one?

I say "may" because I realize people don't share the same ability to tell or judge differences in cable changes, no matter how inaudible, subtle or obvious it may seem.

[mark_h]

I like the build quality and bling value! Not done enough A/B-ing to really make a firm answer either way.

[stevenkelby]

Originally Posted by 1Time

So are you saying there is no way to know if a cheap mini cable "may" be the weakest link without first comparing it to a higher quality one?

I say "may" because I realize people don't share the same ability to tell or judge differences in cable changes, no matter how inaudible, subtle or obvious it may seem.

I don't know, maybe?

Without having heard a good one, you may still be able to tell that your current one is not performing as well as a cable could. Maybe you could just sense it. After getting experience with the improvements to be had from better source/amp/cans etc, but always hearing a certain fault in the sound, you might infer that the cable is causing that fault?

[powertoold]

If you're going for value, there's no audible and repeatable difference unless you are near big electromagnetic fields, in which you'd need good shielding on your cable.