How important are quality cables?

[JCPen047]

For me dap then cable.
Cable is good QOL other says it does change the sound etc but i only have the 200-300$ ish cable so i cant notice difference just give me s good QOL(quality of life)

I agree
DAP first makes more sense. Cables can be a nice QOL upgrade later, but for $200–300, the change is subtle at best.

 

[wyratt]

Hey all,

I just bought a focal Stellia, and will pair it with a Mojo Chord. I was wondering if upgraded cables are worth the investment, or should I save up for a DAP?

Some cables have better shielding, or better build quality, which might be worth it. From my understanding though cables are made to a standardized spec, and so functionality wise they're all carrying the same signals.

 

[buckness808]

Yay for first post here!

I wouldn't break the bank, but I've learned over the last 5 years in my mastering studio that cables do play a part.

Analog variants will certainly be a little more revealing.

Digital cables are a little more finnicky to discern, but different protocols might make a difference IN ADDITION to the cabling.

For example when I go from to TOSLINK/SPDIF input on my Trinnov Nova to my RCA/SPDIF it feels like a veil is lifted. Not so much balance of frequency, soundstage, etc. But just a thin piece of fabric was removed. Had other people in the studio to listen as well. I can test this in a Single Click from my Nova Software. Both from my RME ADI-2 Pro FS R.

If I "brand swap" AES cables, really little to no difference IMO with same length. Haven't tested enough with SPDIF 75ohm. A good shielded properly rated operating impedance cable does fine enough. Lengths do absolutely matter too. There are other articles & studies on that.

However I've experienced with digital devices overall, the same cabling will reveal differences as well. IE My RME ADI-2 Pro FS R SPDIF out vs my Prism Lyra SPDIF out to my Trinnov Nova, yes I can strangely enough tell a significant difference. Did not expect that at all. FWIW they were using Belden 1694A with true 75ohm connectors. Prism was RCA to RCA with true 75ohm crimp connector. RME was DIY Crimp DB15 (or db9 can't remember) to Crimp 75ohm RCA. Highly doubt the DB15 vs the RCA connector will be the tale teller...

I try to avoid Optical because I feel there are better options of transmission IME.

HOWEVER back to the OP ask:

OP was asking about headphones, and I swapped out my junk 1/8 to 1/8 stock cable from my Slate VSX to Ghost Cable Analog and the differences were more discernable than above examples.

YMMV

 

[zkmd]

Personally I don't hear a huge sound difference, so the most important part of cables to me are the aesthetic and the premium feel of them. It just feels right to pair a high quality IEM with a nice cable

 

[WILLJS]

Cables with weird impedance can change the sonic character in extremely rare cases, but other than that high end cables exist for aesthetics/ergonomics (not holding shape etc, looking at you Focal ), durability and better shielding from interference. These things only matter in a few cases and you certainly shouldn’t worry. What I usually say is a 30 dollar interconnect (for example) is well worth it over a 5 dollar one for build quality/aesthetics if you care, however a 300 dollar cable is a waste of money over the 30 dollar one. If that makes any sense.

edit: Also nice cables feel nice

 

[Diet Kokaine]

They are extremely important.
No need to pay thousands like people are doing nowadays, you can make your own for pennies on the dollar though. Like a nickel.
Just need some soldering skills, it's easy.

 

[WILLJS]

I’d love to make some of my own cables, actually a project i’ve been considered for a while.

 

[bagwell359]

Some cables have better shielding, or better build quality, which might be worth it. From my understanding though cables are made to a standardized spec, and so functionality wise they're all carrying the same signals.

There are 3 measurable factors in cables. Resistance, Capacitance, and Inductance. Depending on how cables are wound those variables can and do change. They are NOT made to some generic standard.

The other factors that can change sound is oxidation (for metals that do), and insulation (total, partial, none).

Many extreme claims are made for cables. In some circumstances they can sound different, but I don't buy any sighted results. I have found differences in SE interconnects, speaker cables, and headphone cables - not at all tied to brand or price, and often dealing with corner cases.

One can't help but note that vendors of expensive cables talk about ANYTHING but those 3 measurable traits. They want to avoid being seen in any way other than some ascetic monks who have found secrets only known to the initiated.

Go with O2 free (actually minimal) copper with solid connectors (I like gold over copper best). Avoid zinc, brass, and gold over zinc over copper, and do not obsess.

 

[WILLJS]

One can't help but note that vendors of expensive cables talk about ANYTHING but those 3 measurable traits.

probably because theyre influencing them to sound "different" and people take different as "better" as they're trying to justify their purchase ("oh I can hear a difference")

 

[Diet Kokaine]

I’d love to make some of my own cables, actually a project i’ve been considered for a while.

https://www.hificollective.co.uk/components/hookup-wire.html

They have pretty much everything you need.
Other parts can be ordered from here https://toxic-cables.co.uk/product-category/diy-parts-and-wires/

Cable shielding is a myth. It doesn't lead to better sound, heavy shielding makes the sound worse in most cases. Cotton or silk sheathing is all you need. Just make sure it's litz, not stranded. Neotech OCC copper litz cables are incredible, best on the market, and cheap.

@bagwell359 Rhodium over copper is the best. It's the only one that's not magnetic. Having said that, in most cases Gold plated is good enough.

 

[WILLJS]

neo

https://www.hificollective.co.uk/components/hookup-wire.html

They have pretty much everything you need.
Other parts can be ordered from here https://toxic-cables.co.uk/product-category/diy-parts-and-wires/

Cable shielding is a myth. Cotton or silk sheathing is all you need. Just make sure it's litz, not stranded. Neotech OCC copper litz cables are incredible, best on the market, and cheap.


If you're making interconnects or USB cables, silver foil is the absolute best.

thanks I should be able to get neotech cabling from jaycar, a local shop. Ill look into where I can source connectors a little bit closer to home