The Audio Cable Fraud (With Ethan Winer)

[Freddy58]

It’s good to see a lot more scepticism (realism?) regarding cables. I can remember a time when some were offering advice to others on how to fine tune their systems using cables.

 

[Gray]

I can remember a time when some were offering advice to others on how to fine tune their systems using cables.

People still offer such advice, often based on the type of conductor used.

 

[ToppingSMSL]

People still offer such advice, often based on the type of conductor used.

 

[Jasonovich]

People still offer such advice, often based on the type of conductor used.

What are you talking about Gray?
I've used several different Conductors, and I've not had one bit of sound advice from anyone? 🤣

 

[Alicelii]

As someone who's spent decades in this hobby, I've heard Ethan's arguments many times. While I respect his technical knowledge, he misses something fundamental - this hobby isn't just about measurements. I've personally experienced sonic improvements with premium cables that transformed my system in ways oscilloscopes can't capture.

Sure, not every expensive speaker cable is worth it, but dismissing all high-end speaker cables as "snake oil" is just as close-minded as believing they all make night-and-day differences. Our hearing is incredibly nuanced, and what matters is what YOU experience in YOUR system.

I'd suggest trying before buying and trusting your ears. If you don't hear a difference, save your money! But for those of us who do perceive improvements, it's not "fraud" - it's pursuing the emotional connection to music that drew us to this hobby in the first place.

 

[abacus]

As someone who's spent decades in this hobby, I've heard Ethan's arguments many times. While I respect his technical knowledge, he misses something fundamental - this hobby isn't just about measurements. I've personally experienced sonic improvements with premium cables that transformed my system in ways oscilloscopes can't capture.

Sure, not every expensive speaker cable is worth it, but dismissing all high-end speaker cables as "snake oil" is just as close-minded as believing they all make night-and-day differences. Our hearing is incredibly nuanced, and what matters is what YOU experience in YOUR system.

I'd suggest trying before buying and trusting your ears. If you don't hear a difference, save your money! But for those of us who do perceive improvements, it's not "fraud" - it's pursuing the emotional connection to music that drew us to this hobby in the first place.

No one is saying that, however believing you hear a difference (Biological life forms senses are easily fooled) and presenting this as fact without providing verifiable evidence is.
If something makes you happy (Even if it is just placebo) then go for it, as otherwise you will always be wondering in the back of your mind as to whether you did the right thing.

Bill

 

[Jasonovich]

As someone who's spent decades in this hobby, I've heard Ethan's arguments many times. While I respect his technical knowledge, he misses something fundamental - this hobby isn't just about measurements. I've personally experienced sonic improvements with premium cables that transformed my system in ways oscilloscopes can't capture.

Sure, not every expensive speaker cable is worth it, but dismissing all high-end speaker cables as "snake oil" is just as close-minded as believing they all make night-and-day differences. Our hearing is incredibly nuanced, and what matters is what YOU experience in YOUR system.

I'd suggest trying before buying and trusting your ears. If you don't hear a difference, save your money! But for those of us who do perceive improvements, it's not "fraud" - it's pursuing the emotional connection to music that drew us to this hobby in the first place.

Absolutely.
I have recently started up my photography, HiFi is too controversial ha ha ha!
There is an analogy I can draw upon, there is the emotional aspect of both hobbies that elevate you to another plane.
When I'm taking shots, on my camera display, I can look at the oscillator to manipulate the darks and lights, I can do this by adjusting the shutter speed and aperture.
I am a hobbyist but I do understand professional photographers are not looking for perfection, they want to capture the emotion.
I sometimes add a little darkness or exposure to reinforce the essence of the subject.
I'm using scientific measurements that works for me.
I think in the Hifi arena, we're looking at it wrong. In some quarters they're weaponising it, all audiophiles are daft because my measurements are defacto.
It's a shame we cannot take a leaf out of photography and use this data constructively.

Photography isn't painting by numbers and by the same token, there are many layers to HiFi.
Binary logic is no substitute for passion despite the shortfalls.

 

[davidf]

I wonder who enjoys their systems more - those who take measurements as gospel and buys a relatively budget system based on a SINAD figure, or "audiophiles" - the dirty word used by the opposition, even though the definition is someone with an interest in music reproduction, NOT necessarily the music, which would be a "musicphile".

Technically, aren't they themselves the very thing they're ridiculing?

 

[abacus]

Specifications are measurements, which you always have to take into account when choosing products to audition, to make sure you have a balanced system.
Reviews and opinions are next to narrow things down further.
Will if fit in your room and does it look good (Vitaly important to get it past your other half), also good for the long term, as there is nothing worse than being subconsciously irritated by the looks causing upgradeitis to set in.
You will now be able to select a selection of components to audition at your dealer, so as to be able to make the final decision.
Ignore cables, as any dealer worth their salt will supply suitable one's for you.
If you do not do the above in that order, then the chances of you getting a system that you are happy with long term, is next to none.
You can always tell those that did not follow the advice above, as there constant ly looking at upgrades, rather than just sitting back and enjoying the music.

Bill