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Most Important, Unloved Cable...

Ethernet. I used to say the power cord was the most unloved, but important cable. Now, I update that assessment to the Ethernet cable. Review work forthcoming. 

I can't wait to invite my newer friend who is an engineer who was involved with the construction of Fermilab, the National Accelerator Lab, to hear this! Previously he was an overt mocker; no longer. He decided to try comparing cables and had his mind changed. That's not uncommon, as many of you former skeptics know. :)

I had my biggest doubts about the Ethernet cable. But, I was wrong - SO wrong! I'm so happy I made the decision years ago that I would try things rather than simply flip a coin mentally and decide without experience. It has made all the difference in quality of systems and my enjoyment of them. Reminder; I settled the matter of efficacy of cables years before becoming a reviewer and with my own money, so my enthusiasm for them does not spring from reviewing. Reviewing has allowed me to more fully explore their potential.  

I find fascinating the cognitive dissonance that exists between the skeptical mind in regard to cables and the real world results which can be obtained with them. I'm still shaking my head at this result... profoundly unexpected results way beyond expectation. Anyone who would need an ABX for this should exit the hobby and take up gun shooting, because your hearing would be for crap.  
douglas_schroeder
shadorne's avatar
shadorne
7,333 posts
 
@douglas_schroeder  

So let me get this straight.

Audio gear that is 100% totally sensitive and completely transparent to the audio signal (music) with zero distortion or coloration or any artifacts from power, Ethernet cables or other external non-musical factors is JUNK?

OK. Now I have that straight it is clear we are not pursuing the same high-fidelity hobby, as in the highest fidelity to the music or source signal. I do not understand why  music enthusiasts would want to hear effects from cables, wires and vagaries in power rather than the purest cleanest music as faithful to the source as possible..... but to each his own.
douglas_schroeder OP
1,824 posts
 

Shadorne, you are like a guy who owns a VW Jetta and says, "It doesn't get any better!" :)

tubegroover
2,279 posts
 
These conversations often leave me wondering, what does any of this have to do with enjoying recorded music? On another note, Doug, great response, a classic example of objective vs subjective philosophy. It’s another aspect of what makes this hobby so enjoyable, folks with different perspectives.
schubert
4,867 posts
 
Well , a Jetta will get you to point A to B as well as a Bentley or any other vehicle .
douglas_schroeder OP
1,824 posts
 
schubert, so from your response I take it that the condition of the experience riding from point A to B is immaterial. We here at Audiogon are engaging in what is supposed to be a highly aesthetically pleasing activity. We have too many people attempting to declare that mediocrity is supremely good. I disagree. :) Will a Jetta get you to the location "as well" in terms of the experience? I don't want a luxury auto, but I do want a luxury system and listening experience. :) 

tubegroover, at least for me what it has to do with music is the quality of the sound dictating the perception of reality, and consequently the enjoyment. 
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