Interconnect cable upgrade disapointment


I have recently upgraded my Audioquest Topaz XLR interconnects from my amp to preamp and from my preamp to my CD player with Audioquest Cobra XLRs. I was expecting to hear a substantial difference based on the significant price difference between these cables but I hardly noticed any difference at all. If I need to break in the interconnects to have an apples to apples comparison I would appreciate tips on how to do so. Currently, I have a CD playing on repeat. How long will the break in period take and can I expect to observe a substantial difference? Your help would be greatly appreciated.
papajoe
Shadorne - I try to be modest (and honest) and don't post any definitive opinions about analog gear since I don't have much experience there. I have problem with people who have zero cable experience but can tell for certain that there is no sonic difference.

There is a measurable difference between cables - but if we imagine that all parameters, that we know of, measure exactly same I still wouldn't claim that they cannot sound different.

Nobody said that $5k audio cable is significantly better than $200 cable but it is usually better. Is it worth to spend insane $5k? For some people it is the only way, they know of, to improve already near-perfect system. For others subtle sonic difference will be lost in less then perfect gear. I tend to overinvest in cables treating them as non-perishable goods.

Majority of people with cable experience will tell you that silver cables sound fast and bright compare to copper cables but "scientists" will educate us that metal cannot make difference. And that I call lack of modesty.
Is it worth to spend insane $5k? For some people it is the only way, they know of, to improve already near-perfect system. For others subtle sonic difference will be lost in less then perfect gear. I tend to overinvest in cables...

I see that now - it really is the only way.

I try to be modest (and honest) and don't post any definitive opinions

I see that too.

"scientists" will educate us that metal cannot make difference. And that I call lack of modesty.

Quite right. I find myself agreeing with you and feel I owe you an apology for being so presumptuous. At least I can now go back to my modest and less than perfect gear knowing why subtle cable differencs will be lost on me.
Apology accepted with a small request - if you quote me please quote whole sentences or people might think that you do this on purpose. Example:

"Shadorne - I try to be modest (and honest) and don't post any definitive opinions about analog gear since I don't have much experience there."

"I try to be modest (and honest) and don't post any definitive opinions"

I do have definitive opinions - the issue was having them without any experience with cables.

Irony is not in the best taste and doesn't help in discussion - at least in my book - example:

"Quite right. I find myself agreeing with you and feel I owe you an apology for being so presumptuous. At least I can now go back to my modest and less than perfect gear knowing why subtle cable differencs will be lost on me."

Wouldn't be simpler to say "I cannot hear differences"? Nobody will blame you - believe me.
Wouldn't be simpler to say "I cannot hear differences"? Nobody will blame you - believe me.

Well I'll not be so conceited as to deny that last point - you are probably right again - although I enjoy audio immensely, I make no claims to have "golden ears" if that is what you meant.
Shadorne - you make me feel better. I have never suspected I had "golden ears" especially having very hard time to learn music.

I cannot explain why Audioquest Viper delivers taut short bass while Audioqest Ruby's bass is full and round. Both of them are within $200 that you mentioned. From engineering point of view it doesn't make any sense. You should try both of them - it might be eye oppening experience.

I cannot understand why power cables make difference, but having zero experience with them I don't question they do. Going by "science" and specification is good in engineering but not in Audio (too complex) and if I had to choose very expensive SS amp without listening I would pick one with worse specs.

Open mind instead of calling other people brainwashed (as some do) is always better approach.