[wilsynet]

If one can't tell the diff between MP3s and straight redbook, can such a person hear the differences between power cords?

Seems unlikely, doesn't it?  My conclusion is usually that the system is not resolving enough to make the differences between the two sufficiently stark.

Can Frank not tell the difference between MP3s and lossless ripped redbook?

[Brown]

So really what is the point of this ? Aren't we confident in our beliefs of what we hear ? Why do we need an opinion from any one to tell us what we believe. From a marketing standpoint it would be a winner if Frank hears a difference and if he doesn't well we are back to square one OPINIONS. Its a fun read, reminds me of "Mikey likes it" Advertisement.
  The original post question results show that many use after market cords. IMO it is the pricing of such that causes the debate. IMO if after market cords were priced reasonably this topic would go away and die. Maybe.

[wilsynet]

Maybe.  Pricing is certainly a big part of it.  And many people haven't had an opportunity to audition an aftermarket power cord.  There are so many different ICs, speaker cables, and power cords out there, you could make auditioning these things a full time job.  And even if they all offered money back guarantees, such a money back guarantee doesn't usually cover the cost of shipping. 

So if, like most people, you have a limited amount of disposable income, and even less time than you have income, then it might actually be useful to have a skeptic like Frank do (double or single) blind trials to see if he and his friends can tell the difference between cable A and cable B.

A few years ago I read an article about how most cola drinkers can easily tell the difference between Coke and Pepsi.  That is, if you give them two cups, one with Coke and one with Pepsi, and you ask them to taste and tell you the difference, then people will often nail this. 

But if you put down 3 colas (with one repeated, or say with RC Cola), and you have them take a sip, one after another, then the whole thing falls apart.  Most people don't have a sufficiently developed memory and vocabulary for the sensation of taste to sip 3 things and tell you which is which.

What is Frank's methodology by the way?  Here are two possible ones:

1. I am going to play the same song using two different cables for you, and you can ask to listen to the first cable or the second cable as often as you like.  If you can consistently identify a certain cable as cable 1 and the other as cable 2, then success!

2. I am going to play music for you and switch (or not switch) between two cables randomly.  You must identify which cable is which after every switch.

If the results of cola testing experiments are to be believed, then it seems like trials that look like 1 more closely emulate the Coke versus Pepsi experience rather than the Coke versus Pepsi versus RC Cola versus Walmart Cola etc.

[Crimson]

Can Frank not tell the difference between MP3s and lossless ripped redbook?

My comment was not directed at Frank.

[satfrat]

If one can't tell the diff between MP3s and straight redbook, can such a person hear the differences between power cords?

Happy New Year!! 

Can Frank not tell the difference between MP3s and lossless ripped redbook?

My comment was not directed at Frank.

IF your snide remark was directed toward me Crimson, i'll tell you 1 more time, I have never compared the 2 dowloading formats, period... so I have no opinion yet. It's ashame you seem to be too dense to understand this but then again maybe you're just looking to pick a fight in which case you never will allow yourself to understand what I've tried to explain to you, both here on the forum many many times and in numerous PM's. In either case, I'm afraid I can't help you here on the internet and your BS is getting a little old.

Cheers,
Robin

[Crimson]

Was my snide remark directed towards you? That's for you to decide. I was just making an observation. A pretty valid one at that if you reread it (less bits = less sonic information, no opinion or golden ears required). Oh, and I'm not the one looking for help, especially yours.

[satfrat]

Oh, and I'm not the one looking for help, especially yours.

Back atsha!

[Double Ugly]

Easy does it, fellas.  Please don't take this thread down that road.

I'm getting way too skilled at creating 2 threads from 1, then sending the "new" thread to the trash.  I'd be very appreciative if you'd give me the opportunity to get rusty again. 

Thanks.

DU

[whubbard]

Moving on from Satfrat and Crimson's silly fighting, I think this is actually going to be very interesting to see Franks results. I have never personally used an AVA product, but I know Frank is very well respected in the industry. I am glad that he is a skeptic of power cords. A lot of people know he has a good ear for designing products, so think he will be able to go at this test with little prejudice. I believe there are two outcomes:

1) Frank says that he was unable to hear the difference between the cords. All those who have found a difference between power cords before can continue changing out power cords, and will be unaffected. All of those who have agreed with Frank that they are yet to find a power cord that makes a difference will know that it is probably not worthwhile to there ears.

2) Frank says he was able to hear a difference between the cords. All those who have found a difference between power cords will now know that this is one special cable. All those who have been skeptical about cords in the past will now know there is a cable worth trying as another skeptic has said it makes a difference.

So I don't really see why there is so much bickering going on. Nobody really has anything to lose here, however, there is a possibility for a lot to be gained.

-West

[satfrat]

Personally i don't think you'll ever see Frank go to an IEC terminal that'll accept aftermarket power cords(my opionion only!). I'd be shocked if that were to happen, mainly cuz of Frank's desire to keep prices down and because the IEC terminal itself. But what wouldn't surprise me if Frank really feels from these comparisons that a better power cord would in fact improve his products would be for him to replace his hardwired power cords. That would seem to make the most sense IF in fact Frank feels it's worth it.

Regardless of what happens in this comparison, I have no doubt Frank will do what's best both for the quality of his product and with his customers in mind (also my opinion!).

Cheers,
Robin

DU, I also apologise for allowing myself to address what should have been ignored.

[Double Ugly]

DU, I also apologise for allowing myself to address what should have been ignored.

Accepted. 

[TheChairGuy]

I'm getting way too skilled at creating 2 threads from 1, then sending the "new" thread to the trash.  I'd be very appreciative if you'd give me the opportunity to get rusty again. 

Thanks.

DU

Check you out, you old smoothie...way to diffuse it (with humor)

John (former barbarian-at-the-gate of Audio Central)

[ratso]

i remember reading one of these threads regarding speaker cables once a long time ago. someone offered to do a double blind test with $1000 being offered. after bickering about the rules of the wager on line for months no cables were ever exchanged and everyone gave up.

[Listens2tubes]

And last and probably least, free up space on the rear panel by not including the two conductor slave AC jacks. Evil, anti-musical electrons can enter the equipment through the openings.

Why not use shorting plugs  ie: rca jacks? LOL

[jhm731]

DU, I also apologise for allowing myself to address what should have been ignored.[/i]

You seem to do a lot of apologizing for this same type of behavior.

You keep pushing the wrong button.

[Marbles]

DU, I also apologise for allowing myself to address what should have been ignored.[/i]

You seem to do a lot of apologizing for this same type of behavior.

You keep pushing the wrong button.

Why do you try to push Robin's buttons?

I don't understand the reasoning for your post at all, especially since DU asked you (fellas) to cut this shit out.

If you want to get personal with him, PM him...

[Double Ugly]

Enough.  This thread is now locked.