I know this seems like I'm trying to pick another cable fight, but I really am not. I'm really just trying to understand what a "significant improvement" is. On a scale of 1 to 100 how do you rate the improvement? How would you rate things like going from TV speakers to an HT set up, or from a clock radio to a nice 2 channel system? Ipod ear buds to real headphones? I ask this because very few changes I have made to my system would rate as "significant" to me. Mostly subtle, though still important to be sure.
Hi droht,
I've found that "some" gear is very insensitive to cables and other gear is not. With some gear, a change in cables can make the difference between it being enjoyable, or even listenable and at the other end of the scale.... will make you evacuate the room.... and sometimes it just sounds different.... not better or worse, and it then simply becomes a personal preference? I've heard extremely expensive and highly rated gear sound awful with a poor choice of cables. As you go up the scale in equipment ability and purity (not necessarily price wise), the importance of good cables becomes more obvious.
I find it impossible to place a graduated scale on these things.... two different cables may sound tonally identical, but one may image well and sound 3 dimensional and much more "real" and the other create a flat and 2 dimensional presentation? In my system, I have have heard changes that someone else may rate as a 1% improvement.... but to me, are absolutely critical to a satisfying presentation and I couldn't live without it...?
I have sometimes found that folks that can't hear much of a difference between cables may have issues with dirty AC and the grunge is stopping them from appreciating the difference? At the end of the day.... everything comes down to component and system synergy and matching gear that creates harmony and not conflict. I truly believe that its not possible to extract the best performance from any major component unless its fed with top quality AC and uses great cables (not necessarily very expensive cables). Some folks may do better improving their AC and cables rather than constantly upgrading their amps etc and looking for the elusive nirvana...?
The fact that you even ask this question makes me think that you haven't heard much of a difference between cables in the past...? My suggestion would be to try a pair of Grovers cables and see what you think..... he offers a 60 day money back return if they don't work for you or don't see value...? The Grovers are one of the most transparent cables I've yet heard and the latest incarnation are quite neutral.... so just be aware that if you have it in your system, you may hear more of the bad stuff as well as more of the good stuff with a clearer pathway.... but you won't know unless you try...?
Anyway.... just my 2cents worth.... I'm sure there are a million other opinions out there...?
