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I thing there are a very few off-the-shelf switching supplies that are really clean. Most are designed very cheaply. Likewise, linear supplies have their flaws - most of them regulate too slowly so they are not great for digital sources.The explanations that Benchmark gives are pretty lame IMO. Magnetics causing hum etc...Even if you use a custom optimized switcher, you probably have to follow it with a fast linear regulator to get the best results (this is what I do). Noise floor will be affected by a switcher usually and sometimes they even put crap on the line voltage.For the most part, switchers inherently regulate fast and linears inherently have low noise. You can certainly eliminate these deficiencies for both types of supplies if the designs are optimized.Steve N.
I think that there is disagreement about the digital waveform. This link provides a different point of view from some posted on this thread. http://www.realhd-audio.com/?p=6405Here is the key point: " The important thing to understand about the diagrams above is that the smooth analog waveform above each set of lines/blocks is the same. In reality, a 320 kbps MP3 is virtually indistinguishable from a CD, which is also indistinguishable from a real high-resolution audio file — if you could find one."
Indistinguishable in 95% of systems, I would agree. I can easily hear the difference between 16/44.1 and 256K MP3 in my system.Steve N.
Benchmark is a proprietary design. And look what it costs.
Fair enough, but look at what some folks pay for wire, which has zero engineering to back up the cost.
Some cable companies do the engineering, others don't. I did computer simulations and empirical testing on all of my cables when I built them. Patented technology for both IC's and speaker cables. The cost is also due to labor-intensive assembly and parts costs.Steve N.
“If you can’t hear differences between power cords, then be glad because you’re saving a lot of money” or “Your system isn’t good enough — it doesn’t resolve with sufficient clarity — to allow you to detect the very real differences”.
At audio frequencies a 6 ft analog interconnect still acts like a wire. It is not a distributed transmission line. I don’t have to think of reflections. A wavelength of say 100 kHz sine in a 80% velocity cable (pretty typical of modern 75ohm coaxial cables, e.g. Belden 8241F) is 3.7 kilometers. Even a 1000ft cable can’t possibly act like a transmission line, even as we talk ultrasonic. So manufacturers tagging audio cables as some kind of superior transmission line cables should check their facts – unless you are planning to run your analog audio straight across the country!
The myths are all based on what we want to believe versus science. Very easy to let our hearing fool us, in fact it's so embarrassing that I rarely admit to being one outside of the community. Amazing how many variations of high fidelity exist in the minds of audiophiles. After 50+ years at this I have several opinions:1.) Nearly all of us lack a decent musical background to appreciate what we're hearing.2.) Very few have an understanding of how the room affects what we experience.3.) Most tweaks are pure snake oil.4.) We're largely trophy hunters, constantly seeking the next great prize.
Cables/wires is one area that I doubt will ever come to a consensus. I've TRIED to believe that cables can make a difference. My experience is that for analog, a moderate XLR cable is better than any mega dollar RCA. Spending years with DIY tube audio has honed perceptions regarding what makes differences regarding sound quality. Parts quality, such as non-inductive resistors, Mundorf Silver/Gold caps, use of high quality tubes, tried and true designs, etc. DO make a difference. Cables, not so much. High quality internal wiring helps, but one does not have to spend big $ to get good wire. I've posted this before, but believe this is as close to the truth regarding cables:http://www.realhd-audio.com/?p=6440
The biggest myth is that there are audio myths that have been conclusively debunked. I'd rather people just be honest and just say IMO or in my experience etc. Because there ain't no audiophile research section at the public library and last I checked Science magazine didn't have TUBES : ARE THEY JUST DISTORTION GENERATORS? on the cover.
Personally, in my lab, I have found ics make a difference for sure. But then I am in a "lab" type condition. My test speakers have a small resistor across the full range driver. Been working on them for some 5 1/2 years.Adjusting this small ohmage resistor by a millionth of an ohm is perceived by others who have been helping me with setting the speakers up, working with the crossover etc. That is how open, lacking in sonic signature the setup is. Nice little "hobby" for someone retired from engineering research and designing etc.cheers steve
Here is a link regarding balanced (XLR) vs. unbalanced (RCA) cables. https://benchmarkmedia.com/blogs/application_notes/balanced-vs-unbalanced-analog-interfacesThis helps explain why big $ RCA IC cables don't make a lot of engineering sense.
IMO all myths are a matter of opinion.