Me and a mate decided to do a blind test on various interconnects and mains cables. The interconnects were hooked up in parallel so we could easily switch between them for comparison. We did blind testing of 4 different interconnects Van Den Hul D102 III (£125) , VDH First Ultimate (£225), Chord Chorus 2 (£250)and Russ Andrews Crystal H (£280). - We found no difference whatsoever between the VDH and Chord cables. The Russ Andrews has a harsh top end. - CONCLUSION 1 – for a £2-£3000 system spend about £125 a decent interconnects and leave it there. I had the Chord interconnects on demo (brand new). Despite being used continuously for 7 days there was no difference in sound. - CONCLUSION 2 – burn-in with interconnects is a myth. It does not make any difference. We then compared mains leads – cheapo kettle cable, Russ Andrews and Clearer Audio. There was a marked improvement with the branded cables – Clearer Audio being the better of the two. This was the biggest surprise in the whole of the test. Burn in with these cables does make a difference – they improve with use. - Never thought that spending money on mains cables would make any difference. - CONCLUSION 3 – don’t waste money buying expensive interconnects. Put your scepticism to one side and try a mains cable upgrade. - These were blind tests – we did not try to convince ourselves that we had spent the money so they must sound better.
-
When should you upgrade your hi-fi? How to control ‘upgradeitis’
Interconnect and Mains Cable Comparison - Blind Test Results Are Here
- Thread starter admin_exported
- Start date
Thanks for an interesting contribution to the debate, heystak.
And a classic case of our try-before-you-buy mantra in action, too.
And a classic case of our try-before-you-buy mantra in action, too.
[quote user="heystak"]Me and a mate decided to do a blind test on various interconnects and mains cables. The interconnects were hooked up in parallel so we could easily switch between them for comparison.
We did blind testing of 4 different interconnects Van Den Hul D102 III (£125) , VDH First Ultimate (£225), Chord Chorus 2 (£250)and Russ Andrews Crystal H (£280).
- We found no difference whatsoever between the VDH and Chord cables. The Russ Andrews has a harsh top end.
- CONCLUSION 1 - for a £2-£3000 system spend about £125 a decent interconnects and leave it there.
I had the Chord interconnects on demo (brand new). Despite being used continuously for 7 days there was no difference in sound.
- CONCLUSION 2 - burn-in with interconnects is a myth. It does not make any difference.
We then compared mains leads - cheapo kettle cable, Russ Andrews and Clearer Audio.
There was a marked improvement with the branded cables - Clearer Audio being the better of the two. This was the biggest surprise in the whole of the test. Burn in with these cables does make a difference - they improve with use.
- Never thought that spending money on mains cables would make any difference.
- CONCLUSION 3 - don't waste money buying expensive interconnects. Put your scepticism to one side and try a mains cable upgrade.
- These were blind tests - we did not try to convince ourselves that we had spent the money so they must sound better.[/quote]
Keith. Where are you?
We did blind testing of 4 different interconnects Van Den Hul D102 III (£125) , VDH First Ultimate (£225), Chord Chorus 2 (£250)and Russ Andrews Crystal H (£280).
- We found no difference whatsoever between the VDH and Chord cables. The Russ Andrews has a harsh top end.
- CONCLUSION 1 - for a £2-£3000 system spend about £125 a decent interconnects and leave it there.
I had the Chord interconnects on demo (brand new). Despite being used continuously for 7 days there was no difference in sound.
- CONCLUSION 2 - burn-in with interconnects is a myth. It does not make any difference.
We then compared mains leads - cheapo kettle cable, Russ Andrews and Clearer Audio.
There was a marked improvement with the branded cables - Clearer Audio being the better of the two. This was the biggest surprise in the whole of the test. Burn in with these cables does make a difference - they improve with use.
- Never thought that spending money on mains cables would make any difference.
- CONCLUSION 3 - don't waste money buying expensive interconnects. Put your scepticism to one side and try a mains cable upgrade.
- These were blind tests - we did not try to convince ourselves that we had spent the money so they must sound better.[/quote]
Keith. Where are you?
John Duncan
Well-known member
And now, to ensure scientific rigour, you must carry out the test an infinite number of times, and always get the same result. And the test needs to be carried out by people who believe. Or don't believe, I forget.
I'm off to look for baked confectionery products.
I'm off to look for baked confectionery products.
John Duncan
Well-known member
I went out looking for Hob Nobs, and came back with a pair of Nordost Blue Heaven interconnects, exdem. Just to annoy people.
[quote user="Cablearser"]
You need to have a third person doing the swapping out of sight so you can't know which particular lead is being tested for the result to be valid.
[/quote]
Which is exactly how What Hi-fi? Sound and Vision conducts (no pun intended) all its cable tests.
You need to have a third person doing the swapping out of sight so you can't know which particular lead is being tested for the result to be valid.
[/quote]
Which is exactly how What Hi-fi? Sound and Vision conducts (no pun intended) all its cable tests.
John Duncan
Well-known member
I agree there is no scientific basis in my findings - they were not conducted in a lab with white costs and clip boards - but in my front room listening to Red Hot Chilli Peppers and drinking Stella.
Most people do not get the opportunity of such a comprehensive comparison.
Most people do not get the opportunity of such a comprehensive comparison.
Yup. Heystak, you've done a sterling job mate. I'd even consider looking at mains cables and never would have done before.
Any chance you can do some blind testing of mains conditioners, because really, if you're going to clean up the source current you may as well do a thorough job of it, and I'd love to read your results!
Cheers, Will
Any chance you can do some blind testing of mains conditioners, because really, if you're going to clean up the source current you may as well do a thorough job of it, and I'd love to read your results!
Cheers, Will
[quote user="Will Harris"]Yup. Heystak, you've done a sterling job mate. I'd even consider looking at mains cables and never would have done before.
Any chance you can do some blind testing of mains conditioners, because really, if you're going to clean up the source current you may as well do a thorough job of it, and I'd love to read your results!
Cheers, Will[/quote]
FYI, for anyone going to the Bristol Show, both Isotek and Russ Andrews are doing demos on/offering explanations of mains products.
Any chance you can do some blind testing of mains conditioners, because really, if you're going to clean up the source current you may as well do a thorough job of it, and I'd love to read your results!
Cheers, Will[/quote]
FYI, for anyone going to the Bristol Show, both Isotek and Russ Andrews are doing demos on/offering explanations of mains products.
[quote user="Will Harris"]Yup. Heystak, you've done a sterling job mate. I'd even consider looking at mains cables and never would have done before.
Any chance you can do some blind testing of mains conditioners, because really, if you're going to clean up the source current you may as well do a thorough job of it, and I'd love to read your results!
Cheers, Will[/quote]
Will
I only have a Tacima CS929 conditioner (£25 ebay brand new) but intend to try TCI Constrictor when I get chance.
My Clearer Audio cables are still under 60 day trial so my next step is to try their Silver Line cable to compare with the Copper Line ones.
Mains cable really made a difference.
Any chance you can do some blind testing of mains conditioners, because really, if you're going to clean up the source current you may as well do a thorough job of it, and I'd love to read your results!
Cheers, Will[/quote]
Will
I only have a Tacima CS929 conditioner (£25 ebay brand new) but intend to try TCI Constrictor when I get chance.
My Clearer Audio cables are still under 60 day trial so my next step is to try their Silver Line cable to compare with the Copper Line ones.
Mains cable really made a difference.
[quote user="Cablearser"]
[quote user="heystak"]
Mains cable really made a difference.[/quote]
True. Unplug it and it goes very quiet.
[/quote]
isnt it nice of keithhornphart to keep changing his name just to keep us on our toes. To the OP thanks for your post. i ahve to ask though - if it was a blind test how did you know which cables were which? did you have a third person swapping the cables for you? if so this might add more weight to your results.
[quote user="heystak"]
Mains cable really made a difference.[/quote]
True. Unplug it and it goes very quiet.
[/quote]
isnt it nice of keithhornphart to keep changing his name just to keep us on our toes. To the OP thanks for your post. i ahve to ask though - if it was a blind test how did you know which cables were which? did you have a third person swapping the cables for you? if so this might add more weight to your results.
If you're using a conditioner is there still a benefit in using specialised mains cables to each piece of kit. I'm thinking mainly the amp, power amp and DVD/CD player. But with a mains conditioner between the mains and 6 plug adapter, the original mains cables should be fine, no?
[quote user="ifitsoundsgoodlistentoit"][quote user="Cablearser"]
[quote user="heystak"]
Mains cable really made a difference.[/quote]
True. Unplug it and it goes very quiet.
[/quote]
isnt it nice of keithhornphart to keep changing his name just to keep us on our toes. To the OP thanks for your post. i ahve to ask though - if it was a blind test how did you know which cables were which? did you have a third person swapping the cables for you? if so this might add more weight to your results.[/quote]
The cables were changed out of sight from the listener. The listener didn't know which cables were which only cable 1, cable 2 etc.
We then swopped over - so my mate changed the cables and I listened.
Each time the listener didnt know which cable was being used - in some cases we said we had changed the cable but hadnt.
We've just tried the same experiment on my mates hifi and got the same result - Clearer Audio cables were the biggest improvement. More clarity and bigger soudstage.
[quote user="heystak"]
Mains cable really made a difference.[/quote]
True. Unplug it and it goes very quiet.
[/quote]
isnt it nice of keithhornphart to keep changing his name just to keep us on our toes. To the OP thanks for your post. i ahve to ask though - if it was a blind test how did you know which cables were which? did you have a third person swapping the cables for you? if so this might add more weight to your results.[/quote]
The cables were changed out of sight from the listener. The listener didn't know which cables were which only cable 1, cable 2 etc.
We then swopped over - so my mate changed the cables and I listened.
Each time the listener didnt know which cable was being used - in some cases we said we had changed the cable but hadnt.
We've just tried the same experiment on my mates hifi and got the same result - Clearer Audio cables were the biggest improvement. More clarity and bigger soudstage.
mains cables and mains conditioners arent the same thing - they are designed for similar but still different purposes. you would be short changing yourself if you only had a conditioner and the standard mains leads. i guess it would be like fitting a turbo in your car but not changing the exhaust... though im no car expert...
[quote user="heystak"][quote user="ifitsoundsgoodlistentoit"][quote user="Cablearser"]
[quote user="heystak"]
Mains cable really made a difference.[/quote]
True. Unplug it and it goes very quiet.
[/quote]
isnt it nice of keithhornphart to keep changing his name just to keep us on our toes. To the OP thanks for your post. i ahve to ask though - if it was a blind test how did you know which cables were which? did you have a third person swapping the cables for you? if so this might add more weight to your results.[/quote]
The cables were changed out of sight from the listener. The listener didn't know which cables were which only cable 1, cable 2 etc.
We then swopped over - so my mate changed the cables and I listened.
Each time the listener didnt know which cable was being used - in some cases we said we had changed the cable but hadnt.
We've just tried the same experiment on my mates hifi and got the same result - Clearer Audio cables were the biggest improvement. More clarity and bigger soudstage.[/quote]
thanks for the update - just confirms what i already knew - cables make a difference!
[quote user="heystak"]
Mains cable really made a difference.[/quote]
True. Unplug it and it goes very quiet.
[/quote]
isnt it nice of keithhornphart to keep changing his name just to keep us on our toes. To the OP thanks for your post. i ahve to ask though - if it was a blind test how did you know which cables were which? did you have a third person swapping the cables for you? if so this might add more weight to your results.[/quote]
The cables were changed out of sight from the listener. The listener didn't know which cables were which only cable 1, cable 2 etc.
We then swopped over - so my mate changed the cables and I listened.
Each time the listener didnt know which cable was being used - in some cases we said we had changed the cable but hadnt.
We've just tried the same experiment on my mates hifi and got the same result - Clearer Audio cables were the biggest improvement. More clarity and bigger soudstage.[/quote]
thanks for the update - just confirms what i already knew - cables make a difference!
To be honest with the CD192, Cyrus amp and RS6 speakers it's a system which will pick up the finer details and a unanimous decision on the Clearer Audio cables suggests that there's something in it.
Come to think of it, 100s of Audiophile journalists and developers can't be wrong either. If they didn't think it made a difference then for the sake of professional integrity they would say it was bllocks really.
I personally am a firm believer, and until I can get my girlfriend to buy me an Isotek conditioner I'll have to make do with the Tacima. Mind you, spending a few hundred quid on one of those won't come easy to her. I suppose I could just slip one in when she's out next and she'd never find out...
Hmmm, now there's food for thought. I'll starve the baby and buy value tomato soup for the next month or two and see if she notices (the sound that is...)
Come to think of it, 100s of Audiophile journalists and developers can't be wrong either. If they didn't think it made a difference then for the sake of professional integrity they would say it was bllocks really.
I personally am a firm believer, and until I can get my girlfriend to buy me an Isotek conditioner I'll have to make do with the Tacima. Mind you, spending a few hundred quid on one of those won't come easy to her. I suppose I could just slip one in when she's out next and she'd never find out...
Hmmm, now there's food for thought. I'll starve the baby and buy value tomato soup for the next month or two and see if she notices (the sound that is...)
Well, me and my 2 mates who spent an entire evening demoing chord cables, including the chorus mark 1, against a van den hul integration hybrid ( a superior cable to the 102 MK III), and who all thought the chord was immediately better ,must be imagining things. Admittedly that was a chord chorus 1. I am beginning to think, after reading many things posts on this forum, that some people just genuinely can't hear subtle ( and in many cases not so subtle) differences between cables. I also think a system determines how noticeable the difference is too. I have standmounts that are not especially weighty.The chord made quite a difference on my system adding more weight and a firmer sound to the bass. Maybe thats not too noticeable on a set of already weighty floorstanders as opposed to standmounts.There was a difference in treble too though on my system.
nads
Well-known member
[quote user="heystak"]
- CONCLUSION 1 - for a £2-£3000 system spend about £125 a decent interconnects and leave it there.
[/quote]
Please define a £2-3K system. is this for source amp and speakers? and is that 125 for 2 pairs or one pair? and what do you think about speaker cable?
- CONCLUSION 1 - for a £2-£3000 system spend about £125 a decent interconnects and leave it there.
[/quote]
Please define a £2-3K system. is this for source amp and speakers? and is that 125 for 2 pairs or one pair? and what do you think about speaker cable?
Every system will have cables that complement the various parts, and cables that really don't add to the enjoyment. I noticed a massive difference when I biamped, I also noticed a positive difference when I switched my CD/Preamp interconnect to the vdh d102 III. But the biggest difference was when I placed all of my equipment onto a solid oak stand. The bass was just so so much more prominent and tight. The first CD I put on after installing on the stand was a CD I've owned for 15 years and listened to hundreds of times. I stood in my front room open mouthed, I couldn't believe my ears and basically spent a few hours tossing and turning in bed wondering just how it could be.
That's why I don't understand why people don't believe stuff like this because I've heard it with my own ears.
Every material has different sonic properties, and by dint of that will have an effect on the overall sound of your system, not always good.
It's just like my new speakers, small standmounts whereas my normal speakers are floorstanders. They both sound different. The Dali's are more detailed and mellow, the ProAcs are more foot tapping and forward. I really like them both and they are perfectly suitable for what I need ie mellow in living room for chillout, forward and dancy for the kitchen/diner for when we have people over for dinner, when we're cooking, when we're in the garden etc.
That's why I don't understand why people don't believe stuff like this because I've heard it with my own ears.
Every material has different sonic properties, and by dint of that will have an effect on the overall sound of your system, not always good.
It's just like my new speakers, small standmounts whereas my normal speakers are floorstanders. They both sound different. The Dali's are more detailed and mellow, the ProAcs are more foot tapping and forward. I really like them both and they are perfectly suitable for what I need ie mellow in living room for chillout, forward and dancy for the kitchen/diner for when we have people over for dinner, when we're cooking, when we're in the garden etc.
[quote user="nads"][quote user="heystak"]
- CONCLUSION 1 - for a £2-£3000 system spend about £125 a decent interconnects and leave it there.
[/quote]
Please define a £2-3K system. is this for source amp and speakers? and is that 125 for 2 pairs or one pair? and what do you think about speaker cable?[/quote]
Look at his tag, and he's talking about the vdh cable at £125 each, or less if you buy on eBay.
- CONCLUSION 1 - for a £2-£3000 system spend about £125 a decent interconnects and leave it there.
[/quote]
Please define a £2-3K system. is this for source amp and speakers? and is that 125 for 2 pairs or one pair? and what do you think about speaker cable?[/quote]
Look at his tag, and he's talking about the vdh cable at £125 each, or less if you buy on eBay.
nads
Well-known member
[quote user="JoelSim"][quote user="nads"][quote user="heystak"]
- CONCLUSION 1 - for a £2-£3000 system spend about £125 a decent interconnects and leave it there.
[/quote]
Please define a £2-3K system. is this for source amp and speakers? and is that 125 for 2 pairs or one pair? and what do you think about speaker cable?[/quote]
Look at his tag, and he's talking about the vdh cable at £125 each, or less if you buy on eBay.[/quote]
so what were the other cables in the set up? sorry but if the others were taking more out then the ones they "tested" you would hear naff all? was it tested on his kit? or his mates? does he say. No. sorry i gave up assuming things a long time ago.
- CONCLUSION 1 - for a £2-£3000 system spend about £125 a decent interconnects and leave it there.
[/quote]
Please define a £2-3K system. is this for source amp and speakers? and is that 125 for 2 pairs or one pair? and what do you think about speaker cable?[/quote]
Look at his tag, and he's talking about the vdh cable at £125 each, or less if you buy on eBay.[/quote]
so what were the other cables in the set up? sorry but if the others were taking more out then the ones they "tested" you would hear naff all? was it tested on his kit? or his mates? does he say. No. sorry i gave up assuming things a long time ago.
[quote user="nads"][quote user="JoelSim"][quote user="nads"][quote user="heystak"]
- CONCLUSION 1 - for a £2-£3000 system spend about £125 a decent interconnects and leave it there.
[/quote]
Please define a £2-3K system. is this for source amp and speakers? and is that 125 for 2 pairs or one pair? and what do you think about speaker cable?[/quote]
Look at his tag, and he's talking about the vdh cable at £125 each, or less if you buy on eBay.[/quote]
so what were the other cables in the set up? sorry but if the others were taking more out then the ones they "tested" you would hear naff all? was it tested on his kit? or his mates? does he say. No. sorry i gave up assuming things a long time ago.[/quote]
You had a tough day fella?
- CONCLUSION 1 - for a £2-£3000 system spend about £125 a decent interconnects and leave it there.
[/quote]
Please define a £2-3K system. is this for source amp and speakers? and is that 125 for 2 pairs or one pair? and what do you think about speaker cable?[/quote]
Look at his tag, and he's talking about the vdh cable at £125 each, or less if you buy on eBay.[/quote]
so what were the other cables in the set up? sorry but if the others were taking more out then the ones they "tested" you would hear naff all? was it tested on his kit? or his mates? does he say. No. sorry i gave up assuming things a long time ago.[/quote]
You had a tough day fella?
[quote user="nads"][quote user="JoelSim"][quote user="nads"][quote user="heystak"]
- CONCLUSION 1 - for a £2-£3000 system spend about £125 a decent interconnects and leave it there.
[/quote]
Please define a £2-3K system. is this for source amp and speakers? and is that 125 for 2 pairs or one pair? and what do you think about speaker cable?[/quote]
Look at his tag, and he's talking about the vdh cable at £125 each, or less if you buy on eBay.[/quote]
so what were the other cables in the set up? sorry but if the others were taking more out then the ones they "tested" you would hear naff all? was it tested on his kit? or his mates? does he say. No. sorry i gave up assuming things a long time ago.[/quote]
The first test was done on my system (see details at the bottom of the original post).
The second test was done on my mates system - Roksan Caspian CD and Amp, separate DAC, Rega 5 speakers and Chord Odyssey 4 (bi-wire).
Our conclusion in both tests was the same - don't change interconnects but upgrade the mains cable.
The test conditions were slightly different - this time we were drinking Boddingtons rather than Stella!
- CONCLUSION 1 - for a £2-£3000 system spend about £125 a decent interconnects and leave it there.
[/quote]
Please define a £2-3K system. is this for source amp and speakers? and is that 125 for 2 pairs or one pair? and what do you think about speaker cable?[/quote]
Look at his tag, and he's talking about the vdh cable at £125 each, or less if you buy on eBay.[/quote]
so what were the other cables in the set up? sorry but if the others were taking more out then the ones they "tested" you would hear naff all? was it tested on his kit? or his mates? does he say. No. sorry i gave up assuming things a long time ago.[/quote]
The first test was done on my system (see details at the bottom of the original post).
The second test was done on my mates system - Roksan Caspian CD and Amp, separate DAC, Rega 5 speakers and Chord Odyssey 4 (bi-wire).
Our conclusion in both tests was the same - don't change interconnects but upgrade the mains cable.
The test conditions were slightly different - this time we were drinking Boddingtons rather than Stella!
John Duncan
Well-known member
[quote user="Cablearser"]Anything large placed in the room will affect the sound to some extent. [/quote]
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