Originally Posted by Jalo /img/forum/go_quote.gif
Qusp, since I am the one that brought this issue up with regard to cable matching of the PB2, and I understand that you have a difficult time in explaining that it is "just isn't true", but could you at least try to explain why it "just isn't true" for my benefit? When you say it isn't true, do you mean:
1. Do you mean that this statement just isn't true period. If so, what part of this statement is not true, (for instance, you may say cable doesn't make any difference and that is fine with me), or
your joking right? you have had a look at my moniker and profession havent you?
2. Do you mean that this statement isn't true AS IT IS, but it could be true under certain conditions, if so, under what condition could it be true? or
IMO its a statement made without enough experience to know better, nothing more than a cliche
3. Do you mean that this statement is too generalized and cannot be applied to all cases, if so, under what specific condition can you make this statement?
when all variables are the same, or as close as possible, but even then its subjective and even then with a statement that broad, something will still come along, break the mold and surprise you. there is no formula, yes IMO certain metals and topologies will contribute towards an overall effect in a particular direction in sound signature,....most of the time
You also stated that system synergy is much more important, as System Synergy is also a generalized term for me, could you elaborate what you mean? By system synergy, do you include cable as a factor that could affect system synergy? If so, what about cable that you consider as a factor that may affect system synergy, is it the type (silver vs copper vs sxc), the format (balance vs SE), the construction (like Jamato says above--the gauge and the combination of the strands and number, single vs multi core), or others like the shielding, braiding, numbers of solder joints, type of solders, connector, or others? If you don't think cable is not a factor in system synergy at all, then could you list the factors that you consider as important starting with A. For instance, tube vs SS, power considerations like impedance, voltage, current etc, designs (Class A, AB, B, Cmoy, Opamp, push-pull, balance vs SE etc). I don't mean it as a challenge to your statement, I just want more info, that's all.
how is system synergy a generalized term? wide ranging, but not generalized in the slightest, it speaks of something very specific. It speaks of a whole system approach, all the parts contribute and no one variable can dominate enough by itself to make such an extreme difference in sound signature and change an otherwise warm system cold, or vice versa. some elements like the headphones themselves have a profound effect, but do not hold all the power either IMO
Furthermore, I like to state that if you do not believe that cable can make a difference in sound. That is totally fine with me. We have enough discussion in these forums on this subject matter and I don't want to start any discussion at all. We just have to agree to disagree. I specifically started my post saying "This is a question for the cable believer". So we don't need to go there.
I would have thought you have been around here long enough to have a pretty good idea I believe cables have an influence on sound......
Interestingly enough, if what Jamato said above is true and I am not saying it isn't, I think there are less people that believe in that statement than the one about silver vs copper.
yes, because it is a mantra that is repeated Ad nauseam, often by people who have not experimented with cables and audio in general enough to know better. Sometimes simply because they cannot find their own way of describing things, so therefor parrot what has been written before. sometimes it is even spread/repeated by people who have not even heard a portable amp with their ipod yet and have simply read other people make this statement, which itself may or may not have been made from personal experience.
everyone has to start somewhere, but the amount of time I spend explaining the above to customers because they have read a statement such as yours is not small and I do wish people would stop making reductionist statements.
whether my view is, or isnt considered the norm matters nothing to me
But if you say it is the other factors in the system synergy that are more important, than is has nothing to do the the type of cable use. You can do both, it doesn't invalidate that statement. I am very curious to hear your thoughts on the above.
yes i'm afraid it does invalidate it as a general matter of fact statement, framed as such it is incorrect, because it takes far too narrow a view. sometimes its right and many times its wrong, just as a stopped clock tells the right time twice a day. as an opinion formed from personal experience you are of course welcome to it
my intent is not to belittle, please do not take it as such, but the sooner you start exploring on your own terms the better. Our little niche is set up quite well for exploration, items of quality generally have pretty good resale value here, so I suggest living a little, take a few risks to find out what suits you, rather than trying to find out the answers by research alone