Why is it that cable debates almost always degenerate to this level?
Even though I'm sure that a number of fellow AKers are now weary of this thread, I'd like to add a few more comments of my own. As an audio dealer, I am well aware of the amount of pseudo-science and manipulative advertising that is spewed forth by a number of high-end audio cable manufacturers. And as a trained research psychologist, I am continually impressed by just how much our expectations can affect our perception - we often see just what we want to see, hear just what we want to hear, etc.
That being said, I still believe that a number of the "exotic" audio cables to be found nowadays do indeed live up to their promises. So, to all those folks who would like to argue that every claim made by the high-end cable industry is an exaggeration at best, and more often than not an outright lie, let me ask the following questions:
1)
Do you really believe that we know everything there is to be known about the behavior of electrons in different conductive environments?
If so, then there are a number of very active researchers in various physics departments that need to be told to halt their research programs immediately, as there is nothing left to be learned in this area.
2)
Do you really believe that the perceptual systems of humans and other animals are inherently less sensitive than - and therefore inferior to - today's most sophisticated measuring devices?
It is sometimes claimed that if two audio components measure identically on the test bench, then they must sound identical as well. In other words, if a machine cannot detect a difference, then no biological being should be able to, either. But consider this by way of analogy: Several oncologists have recently documented that certain canines can reliably "sniff out" cancer cells in humans. Nevertheless, scientists are unable to describe what olfactory cues the dogs are detecting. Here is a case in which a biological "measuring device" seems to be far more sensive than any artificial "perceptual system" that we have been able to construct.
3)
Do you really believe that if you yourself cannot hear a difference between two audio components, then anybody who claims that they can is simply deluding themselves?
Researchers in the area of psychometrics have documented significant variability among individuals in terms of "just noticeable differences" (or JNDs) along a number of perceptual dimensions, including auditory ones. Much of this variability can be attributed to genetics, age, and damage to receptor cells (which will happen if you attend too many loud rock concerts without hearing protection). But experience also plays a role here - the more expertise you have in a given perceptual domain, the more fine-grained your JNDs will be.
To give an example, I have a friend who is a wine enthusiast, and who regularly attends various wine-tasting events - something that I have never done. And while both he and I like wine, his ability to distinguish among and appreciate various types, brands, and vintages of wine are VASTLY superior to my own. He can detect differences in taste that I cannot - and I don't consider him to be the least bit delusional in this regard! It's simply a matter of experience...
And while we're considering this particular example, let me say one more thing. If my friend decided to spend $150 on a bottle of fine wine, I would be loath to criticize him for doing so. Granted, I would not be able to appreciate the purchase in the same manner as he would - and for this reason I would NEVER spend $150 on a bottle of wine for myself - but I could understand his desire to purchase this bottle of wine.
By the same token, if a seasoned audiophile decides to spend a few hundred dollars on an audio cable that truly sounds better to his or her ears, then why take offense?
Happy listening!
Brian
:hdphones:
