acalex said:
I am going through a bit of a crisis as I don't understand anymore what is doing what in the system...I think I will just take a rest, unpuig everything and restart from scratch with basic power cables, basic power strip and rebuild from there based on the material I have available.
Following Rob's advise I will make a small comparative table whenever I do a change to assess the improvement (if existing) it brings to the lot. I would also split into analog/digital .
I will start with the analog by replugging everyhing I have (original power cables) in my original cheap power block. Then I will be swapping one component at the time and evaluate. This is the only way to go ahead and re-gain objectivity a little bit...what do you think?
Alex, I would look at it like this - you are better to go through the crisis
before you spend any money.....so I think this is a good thing, as it will make you step back and do a proper measured assessment.
You have listened to so many outstanding cables ( in a few different systems), that it is enough to put anyone's head in a spin. It is very easy to get caught up in it all, and be swept away on a tide of enthusiasm. This is where you and Rob need to work as a team and keep each other grounded, as it is often easier to keep cool and logical when advising someone else (as the emotive element is removed).
Maybe it would make sense for you to get your head round exactly what you are actually looking for, which is easier now that you have heard what strengths different cables can bring to the table.....or indeed, what you are
not looking for. For me, the over-riding priority is retaining the emotion, naturalness and enjoyment in the music, in such a way that I want to listen more, rather than less (due to an off-putting presentation).
I found this in Cardas over any other brand (hence why I keep bringing it up). It is not an instantly showy cable, but one that takes a while to fully appreciate its talent (a bit like Spendor speakers).
At the very start of this, I suggested keeping a detailed log on each cable (including its price).....make a list of the important areas (bass, detail, soundstage, treble etc etc), and mark each cable against it, along with a few words describing it's strengths and weaknesses.
In each of your systems, find the very best cable (regardless of cost) to become the Reference Standard. Your goal is then to get as close to this and remain in budget - the reference cable will also remain a consistent benchmark, which can be referred back to if necessary.
Don't forget that you can mix and match brands, as well as within brands....often putting a better quality i/c with lesser quality s/c. Also, as you have seen, never use a more expensive power cord than you really need.
This reference cable is given a performance score of 100% (it's VFM rating may be a lot less), and other cables are marked as a percentage of this. There will then be a VFM score based on price vs performance.
IMO. Cables (just like other bits of hifi) that can sound detailed and dramatic in a quick back to back test, can then become wearing after a few months.
You are right to go back to the "original" and see what the sound is like. If you still think there is merit in changing, do your assessment and whittle your selection down to a manageable amount (2 or 3), based on your documented results.
Remember, this should be a fun process and can remain so, up until you spend money..........the only way you can make sense of so many products, is to know exactly what traits you are looking for; rejecting those that are too expensive and don't match up; and being methodical in your approach while keeping detailed records.
Sorry if I am stating the obvious, but when one goes into a tail spin, common sense can take a back seat.
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram