Show me the data about cables. I do hear small changes (maybe...sometimes if I really really push and try really hard). But I don't want to be drawn into a cable discussion....all I can say is that cable manufacturers have had decades to generate real life measurements...I still don't see them. Oh and I suggest you read my signature...might be on subject here.
FWIW, tubes do change sound as they can affect the actual circuitry.
I think there is a place for scientific discussion on the forum.
I'd love people to watch the clip and comments from London's April Head-Fi meet, where Sennheiser staff, including their product managers, had their jaws dropped when comparing stock cables with aftermarket ones on nothing else than the HD800s. However, for reasons I do not understand, the organizer decided to remove the clip at some point... The comments are still there on thread however.
An indication from a well respected vendor is actually from Stax and the detail they went to with their selection choice for SR-009, which is a 6N purity SPC cable.
My personal view:
- The sound difference is dependant on the actual cables, like with everything. I've heard cheap and expensive cables that sound virtually the same or super close. And I've heard significant differences, within reasonable expectations, between cables (both cheap and expensive).
- I definitely do NOT agree with the use of the word "myth"
- The effect cables will have also depend on the level of transparency of the main components on the system. E.g.: In a SR-009/HD800 rig with TOTL DAC/AMP the impact of the same cables will be more audible than in a low level system
- The cables should be amongst the last things to buy
- We do not all hear the same
The reason I am posting this is actually because my experience with the HD800s was significantly improved with using a simple mod (Tyll's version of Anax ) and alternative cabling. The stacked effect and combination of both really helped along with some of what was not so nice about the HD800s stock character.