A butt-load spent in cables - how much improvemt?

Mothra,

Appreciate the intelligent response, specifically the example of turning up the jitter effect and then returning it to its normal level. These discussions need more elucidation of that sort, and less ad hominem.

While we must consider whether or not the listener knows what he's listening for, I wouldn't say that the phenomenon you describe undermines the credibility of double-blind tests, but rather more clearly defines what they actually achieve. In other words, DBT's never proved that amps sound alike, but only proved that the test's participants couldn't readily identify the difference.

I guess we should always qualify the question of audible difference in terms of whose ear(s) we're considering. The general public wouldn't be expected to differentiate between cables, but those individuals who CLAIM they can tell the difference (like those in your example who've already heard the jitter turned up) should have little trouble discerning reliably in a blind test.

No one hearing my system first can tell me a blind test is necessary for telling for sure the difference of this amp or that amp. I had a two very respected maker amps servicing my speakers, and they both sounded nothing like each other, and neither approached the fidelity of my amps.

Like I said before, wires create distortion. Wires and ribbons cannot be improved on through insulation. They just go through make up and costume.

We tried different digital cables on a fine Audio Note SET system. One was a simple AV triwire we get with cheap video purposes. There was also a Silverline Audio, an Audio Note silver, Audio Quest, and the most expensive, a Virtual Dynamics. We had one blindfolded listener, who is an audio reviewer, and four other honest audiophiles, including me.

Without the blind folded person knowing we exchanged the wires from the cheapest to the most expensive. The AV cable sounded really good on this excellent system. The next three sounded..... No different. I was the cable skeptic of the bunch. At the time I didn't have the system I am enjoying now.
I was feeling quite vindicated.

Then it was the $900 VD's turn. To all of our amazement, It sounded decidedly more vivid. The Blind folded guy was the only one allowed to speak during this test. He too heard a difference only with the VD installed.

Structurally, the VD is very different.

The moral is, science can make a better wire. It's just that most audio wire makers are more interested in creating the most successful lure. That's what sells.

Thanks for the response Jim.

FWIW , unless I inherit cables in gear purchases,I make my own and have been quite happy.

I have some friends who changed all their power and IC cables and really felt it made a huge difference but I have yet to be convinced to go that route.

Slow train coming for me....cabling was the last "upgrade" I took on in the early development of my system. Over the years, I have come to believe that cabling is every bit as important and significant to a system's presentation as speakers...

I currently have a fully Crystal Cable ReferenceConnect wired system, (4) power cords, (2) set of interconnect and speaker wire. MSRP of the lot is iver $22,500.00. Insane? Yes, but this hobby is insane as a whole. I love them and do not anticpate changing ever (?!) again...

John

cables may be the last opportunity to voice a stereo system to suit your taste. most components in current production are relatively "colorless", that is they don't have any serious audible flaws.

cabling and speakers may be the only way to voice a stereo system to one's taste.