Why Power Cables Affect Sound

Elizabeth wrote:
I know it is annoying to listen to the drivel they spout.

Again...the emotion. This tendency to insult. Why is this such a feature of those who are so wedded to the most subjective side of the hobby? They just can’t seem to stand the idea they could be wrong.


Jeeze. I have no problem whatsoever with accepting I may be wrong.As I stated early on, I’m open to the possibility AC cables can change the sound of an audio system.


And, btw, if I ever enter a cable thread it is almost exclusively those threads in which the thread invites differing opinions, or which is explicitly concerned with the cable controversies (e.g. threads asking things like "DO CABLES REALLY MATTER?" etc.)

Just scroll through the forum and you will see I have not "barged in" to the endless threads discussing opinions on various power, speaker cables, and all the rest. I’m not looking to do so.

But in the *occasional thread* where the conversation naturally draws different perspectives, I will bring my own perspective, thank you very much.

Now, maybe some would rather circle the wagons around their own narrow point of view: "All cables make a sonic difference, and no other viewpoints will be welcome or tolerated."

Unfortunately, I don’t see how it benefits this hobby to turn forums for hi end in to the equivalent of churches, with their own single and exclusive dogma, which if you don’t tow the line you are excommunicated. How has that ever been a good idea (for anything!).

The audio hobby isn’t just comprised of people with one single viewpoint - there is a spectrum - and it’s not right to try to exclude other audiophile’s opinions as not being worthy of discussion or inclusion...just because you don’t like alternative views, and don’t wish to have your own claims challenged.

Sorry...we are all going to have a voice here. Unless and until Audiogon decides to resort to church-like fiat and dogma and shut down those opinions.

(As to the civility of those opinions...that’s another thing. I welcome moderation in terms of keeping things civil).

Prof,

You never answered a question I asked you quite some time ago. It went something like: What do your co-workers think about cables? If I remember correctly, you work in the recording industry so your peers are just as into audio as the rest of us. Surely, conversations abound on all manner of topics pertaining to audio. How do they feel about cables and what do they use in their systems at home? 

Add to that their views on placebo while your at it.

All the best,
Nonoise

nonoise,

Happy to answer your question.

My coworkers have a variety of viewpoints on audio. Some are what I might characterize as "hard nosed engineer" types and others are audiophiles - and somewhat subjectivist - in their spare time. (E.g. they wouldn’t use a tube amp for their working environment, but enjoy that sound in their home system).

In the pro side, generally speaking, there is little given to the whole audiophile boutique cabling idea. For the most part, "pro grade" cabling is conscripted, along the likes of Canare, Belden etc. (In fact, some studios incorporate their own cable construction...using Canare, Belden as raw material).

When it comes to our off-time, I’ve known sound mixers and fellow sound editors who owned Quads, Apogees, and a variety of other audiophile favorites. Sometimes tube amps, that kind of thing. Usually the cabling may be what they could get from work. But there are also some who have bought some "audiophile grade cables" - though I don’t remember anything "crazy" in terms of really high priced cables in someone’s system who works in the business. (Again, only speaking from those I know).

I’ve worked in and been to various music mixing houses where differing views are to be found - often there is a bit of an attitude that the audiophile market is a bit nuts (in fact, at a work dinner last night, a fellow sound professional was expressing just that sentiment to me). But sometimes there’s a studio where the owner or engineers are more "tweaky." Though, I admit, I can not give you the name of the cables they may have used, if indeed they were beyond the normal pro cables.

So I would say the *general* picture (surely there are exceptions) from those who work in pro sound seems to entail much less worrying about, and desire for, "high end" cabling beyond choosing the right pro cable with the appropriate properties for the job.


My own cables have been all over the map. From those I had made at work. To earlier boutique cables I purchased as a newbie audiophile. To a whole bunch of loaned and borrowed cables from contacts and audiophile friends (e.g. right now I have a pair of Nordost interconnects I’ve borrowed, simply because I need another pair of interconnects for a while).

I hope I’ve answered your question.

Prof,

Yes, you have. They sound like they'd fit in here, and their views would be appreciated.