mike1127
Member of the Trade: Brilliant Zen Audio
- Joined
- Oct 16, 2005
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Moonboy helped me carry out a blind cable test today. We compared two configurations of cabling:
The reason we changed out three cables at once was that for these initial tests, we wanted to create the biggest change conceivable (from a cable-believer standpoint). If we ever have time, we'll do tests on individual cables. As things stand, the process is slow.
Due to the lengthy protocol we only had time for two trials. I stood a 50% chance of getting each right by guessing. I got both right, and in fact was quite sure of the differences I heard, which is a promising start---though in all truth, statistically insignificant.
I don't believe in using an ABX box or quick-switching. Instead, I had Moonboy hook up a cable configuration while I wasn't looking. The entire system was hidden behind a large sheet, with a small slit in it, out of which ran the headphone cable. I also reached in through the slit to operate the CD player. I was careful to keep my eyes down or closed as much as possible, just in case some visual hint was lurking.
Because we didn't have an ABX box, it was not practical to "switch at will" between cables. Instead, I decided that each trial would give me four chances to listen, two chances to each cable, and that the goal for me was to identify the ordering of the cable choices. There were two possible orderings: ABAB and ABBA. I was not required to guess the identity of A or B. That is, I didn't have to say "A was the $700 cable." All I had to do was distinguish these two possible orderings.
For each "sub-trial" (A or B), I left the room while Moonboy hooked it up. I waited for five minutes outside the room to give myself a little listening break. Then I came into the room and listened to several music tracks for 5 -10 minutes. I left the room and process repeated.
So here's how trial one went: I was quite sure the ordering was ABBA. To me, cable A was superior---more excitement, better microdynamics, more compelling and involving. After the trial was over, I said... "I guess ABBA." Moonboy said that was correct. I said, "Also I'm guessing A was the Cardas cable because I greatly preferred it."
Guess what?
"A" was the Rat Shack and stock power cord.
I was shocked. I listened again to it, this time sighted, and had to admit it sounded pretty damn good. Also, reflecting on my memory of "A" and "B", it seemed like "A" (Rat Shack) was significantly brighter. It might be that a simple difference of FR explained the greater excitement and involvement.
For trial two I chose different music. I also decided to be aware of an FR difference, but pay attention to more subtle things, with the possibility that differences beyond FR might stand out.
In trial two, the brightness difference was pretty obvious, although this time I preferred the subtlety of the less bright cable---it had more emotion, greater beauty in the vibrato of the singer, etc. I guessed ABAB and was right. This time I said, with trepidation... "I preferred B" hoping it wasn't the Rat Shack again (because my world view would change pretty radically). Turns out "B" was the Cardas.
Before we continue, we may need to consider the possibility of some relatively large FR difference between these cables. It is not clear whether they are quite different electrically, or whether it is those "magical cable properties" that make the brightness stand out.
In the meantime, here's what I've learned:
To the extent cables matter, it seems that one can get the most enjoyment when one understands the strength of that particular cable and focuses on those qualities. When I was truly blinded as to the identity of a cable, I had to "forge a relationship with it" with no preconception. I found that a number of qualities could come to my attention and be enjoyable, and those qualities weren't necessarily in the more expensive cable.
Also, the differences were definitely more subtle than the impression one typically gets from sighted A/B comparisons. This could be (1) cables don't matter as much as I think, or (2) cables matter quite a lot in the long-term because of the "relationship" one has with the better cable deepening over time.
- (1) Stock power cables on CDP and amp, Rat Shack interconnect
- (2) Cardas power cables on CDP and amp (about $800) and Cardas interconnect ($700)
The reason we changed out three cables at once was that for these initial tests, we wanted to create the biggest change conceivable (from a cable-believer standpoint). If we ever have time, we'll do tests on individual cables. As things stand, the process is slow.
Due to the lengthy protocol we only had time for two trials. I stood a 50% chance of getting each right by guessing. I got both right, and in fact was quite sure of the differences I heard, which is a promising start---though in all truth, statistically insignificant.
I don't believe in using an ABX box or quick-switching. Instead, I had Moonboy hook up a cable configuration while I wasn't looking. The entire system was hidden behind a large sheet, with a small slit in it, out of which ran the headphone cable. I also reached in through the slit to operate the CD player. I was careful to keep my eyes down or closed as much as possible, just in case some visual hint was lurking.
Because we didn't have an ABX box, it was not practical to "switch at will" between cables. Instead, I decided that each trial would give me four chances to listen, two chances to each cable, and that the goal for me was to identify the ordering of the cable choices. There were two possible orderings: ABAB and ABBA. I was not required to guess the identity of A or B. That is, I didn't have to say "A was the $700 cable." All I had to do was distinguish these two possible orderings.
For each "sub-trial" (A or B), I left the room while Moonboy hooked it up. I waited for five minutes outside the room to give myself a little listening break. Then I came into the room and listened to several music tracks for 5 -10 minutes. I left the room and process repeated.
So here's how trial one went: I was quite sure the ordering was ABBA. To me, cable A was superior---more excitement, better microdynamics, more compelling and involving. After the trial was over, I said... "I guess ABBA." Moonboy said that was correct. I said, "Also I'm guessing A was the Cardas cable because I greatly preferred it."
Guess what?
"A" was the Rat Shack and stock power cord.
I was shocked. I listened again to it, this time sighted, and had to admit it sounded pretty damn good. Also, reflecting on my memory of "A" and "B", it seemed like "A" (Rat Shack) was significantly brighter. It might be that a simple difference of FR explained the greater excitement and involvement.
For trial two I chose different music. I also decided to be aware of an FR difference, but pay attention to more subtle things, with the possibility that differences beyond FR might stand out.
In trial two, the brightness difference was pretty obvious, although this time I preferred the subtlety of the less bright cable---it had more emotion, greater beauty in the vibrato of the singer, etc. I guessed ABAB and was right. This time I said, with trepidation... "I preferred B" hoping it wasn't the Rat Shack again (because my world view would change pretty radically). Turns out "B" was the Cardas.
Before we continue, we may need to consider the possibility of some relatively large FR difference between these cables. It is not clear whether they are quite different electrically, or whether it is those "magical cable properties" that make the brightness stand out.
In the meantime, here's what I've learned:
To the extent cables matter, it seems that one can get the most enjoyment when one understands the strength of that particular cable and focuses on those qualities. When I was truly blinded as to the identity of a cable, I had to "forge a relationship with it" with no preconception. I found that a number of qualities could come to my attention and be enjoyable, and those qualities weren't necessarily in the more expensive cable.
Also, the differences were definitely more subtle than the impression one typically gets from sighted A/B comparisons. This could be (1) cables don't matter as much as I think, or (2) cables matter quite a lot in the long-term because of the "relationship" one has with the better cable deepening over time.
