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Can we objectively rate speaker cables?

I'd like to generate discussion to compile some sort of chart that compares cable attributes. I realize that cable attributes will vary by system, but I would think that in the same system, certain generalizations can be made. For example, I think many would agree that copper is generally warmer than silver. That said, I propose the following categories. Feel free to add categories to make this a mutually-exclusive, collectively-exhaustive list and/or offer ratings for cables you've auditioned.

A. analytical/detailed (1) - warm (10)
B. closed soundstage (1) - open soundstage (10)
C. slow (1) - fast (10)
jennyjones

Showing 4 responses by gregm

gregm
3,021 posts
 
Applauding your idea to bring some coherency to the confusing subject of choosing cables, we will be stomped by the variability of our systems. OTOH, your attributes, presented as opposites (warm-analytical) may help simplify things.

I would suggest we stick to characterising "objective" attributes: construction, materials used, shielded/non-shielded etc. For example, single core flat IC cable, copper, has a reasonably neutral-warmish sound (06) and good tonal balance, etc.

BTW, closed sound-stage & slow, both, are often due to restricted upper frequencies.
gregm
3,021 posts
 
Nasaman -- you've got a point about us:)
BUT: What's da system???

Almarg aptly notes
Besides their apparently outlandish markups, what I find to be the biggest turn-off about super-expensive cables is the design rationale which is typically offered in their "white papers" and other literature.
"White-papers" for audiophile consumption are a powerful emetic!
They are up there (but do not quite reach),
"PROPRIETARY design slip-knot, direct-coupled, parallel-serial time /phase/ solar aligned crossover" and, the piece de resistance,
"DISSATISFIED with what the market had to offer, David set about to design his own .... (speakers, amplifiers, tiddly-winks, ball-gags, etc). A friend, musician of world-renown who happened to hear/ use / ? them, instantly ordered (a bundle, 69 containers...)"
Aaaargh!
gregm
3,021 posts
 
Jyle: ???? You lost me completely.
Cable is a passive component
Yup. So is a resistor, capacitor, etc.
gregm
3,021 posts
 
Rova:
If you are interested you can check out the projects
Thanks for the refs... However, why don;t you give a brief approximation of what yr system sounds like with these wires? It would be interesting.
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