Coming with a background in technology (and a fair amount of home theater tinkering), I fail to see how a cable can "significantly improve sound" is any at all. IMO, someone is making some nice $ selling you those cables. If there is an improvement, IMO, it maybe placebo or rather a "change"...

I am puzzled why people are doing all of these crazy DAC, AMP, and cable things...   I plugged my Westone 4's into my $1200 receiver and I didn't notice much difference, aside from having to turn the volume waaaaayyy down (as in 1/10 of normal) for it to be listenable. I noticed more bass and...

I called and was told the only difference is cosmetic (different cable connection and a different body with changeable face plates). Of course, this remains to be seen, but I doubt the guy I spoke to is lying.   Think I will stick to my Westone 4's for $300 opposed to getting the new W40's for...

Does anyone know if the Westone W40's are any better or worse than the old Westone W4's?

I have not heard the Shure SE535 because the new recommended red edition goes for ~$550 on Amazon Prime, but I can say the Westone 4's (no R - costing $300 on Amazon Prime...$250 cheaper than the Shure) is no doubt the best I have heard. For costing nearly 2 times less, I think Shure has some...