To my ears USB cables do make a difference.

[abacus]

Interesting video just popped up

Bill

 

[Adam W.]

Guys, I’m going to give my ISP a ring to ask if they’re using audiophile grade cable.

I will let you know what they have to say!

UPDATE:

They lady from customer service told me she didn’t understand the question. I recommended AudioQuest anyway.

 

[Al ears]

Guys, I’m going to give my ISP a ring to ask if they’re using audiophile grade cable.

I will let you know what they have to say!

They'll probably say they don't own the said cables.
Anyway, it has nothing whatever to do with this thread......

 

[Adam W.]

They'll probably say they don't own the said cables.
Anyway, it has nothing whatever to do with this thread......

I was just kidding!

Regardless of what people think about cables, it’s always a good idea to buy well-made ones.

 

[Al ears]

I was just kidding!

Regardless of what people think about cables, it’s always a good idea to buy well-made ones.

Thanks.

 

[DCarmi]

Interesting video just popped up

I dipped into a few of his videos las night. He is somewhat engaging but (probably wrongly) I took away:

1. Cassettes bad
2. Vinyl bad
3. CD bad - largely due to...
4. Modern mastering bad
5. Ultra HD streaming pointless (and streaming is not "fun")

 

[Jasonovich]

I was just kidding!

Regardless of what people think about cables, it’s always a good idea to buy well-made ones.

On my last comment, did I not say the cows are coming home? Ah what the heck, in for a penny, in for a....

While, the sonic qualities of USB cables are hotly contested, I also trust my ears, unless someone can prove to me I'm suffering from some high expectation syndrome, the reverse is also true.

Anyway; it's true, investing in quality cables will ensure longevity and I accept, not everyone is materialistic but it does add something to the 'Pride of Ownership'.

I think we need to be honest, sonic considerations may be the main impetus but there's also the convenience and; how it looks. I know when I purchased my piano polished black Monitor Audio speakers, I was thinking more than the sound, will my wife kick up a fuss because it was taking over the room?

The first thing she said, "these are not as boxy and big as the other speakers, (the Wharfedale's)"
Phew!
My criticism of British Hi-Fi in the past was yeah it sounds great but look how tardy it looks. Not true any more. We've really come a long way, just look at KEF, Cambridge, Monitor Audio and et' al. People also buy the kit because it looks good. So why wouldn't they buy cables that are well made?

Sorry not really relevant to the thread I started, maybe I should start another one (!) but I just want to extend the point you made, albeit you were talking about well made cables. This speaking of the obvious, applies to everything Hi-Fi.

If we don't have the pride of ownership, we wouldn't care, we wouldn't pick up a What HiFi magazine or remotely be interested in the development of new technologies, possibly those that would enhance our enjoyment of music?

 

[Jasonovich]

I dipped into a few of his videos las night. He is somewhat engaging but (probably wrongly) I took away:

1. Cassettes bad
2. Vinyl bad
3. CD bad - largely due to...
4. Modern mastering bad
5. Ultra HD streaming pointless (and streaming is not "fun")

I actually subscribed to his videos, he is very different to Martin Huff, Hi-Fi Guy, Passion for Sound, Darko Audio and Jay. etc I haven't actually fathomed his angle but he uses dated equipment to play his music, he's stuck in some vacuum, no bad thing, always nice to have a different perspective.

I do enjoy Darko, he's probably closest to What Hi-Fi in terms of ethos - you may disagree, check below

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUiFcU9lpm4

 

[npxavar]

Darko makes WHF look inoccent. The whole video production is that of a promo video, he does not hesitate from telling people what to do (i.e. buy), he used to not allow comments on videos (now he uses professional - he calls it that way - moderation so that nothing more negative than respectful disagreement comes up) and yet many consider him authentic.

I'd rather buy expensive USB cables than follow Darko.

 

[Al ears]

Darko makes WHF look inoccent. The whole video production is that of a promo video, he does not hesitate from telling people what to do (i.e. buy), he used to not allow comments on videos (now he uses professional - he calls it that way - moderation so that nothing more negative than respectful disagreement comes up) and yet many consider him authentic.

I'd rather buy expensive USB cables than follow Darko.

Just one guy with an opinion, like every reviewer.
The trick is finding one who's opinion echoes yours

 

[Adam W.]

On my last comment, did I not say the cows are coming home? Ah what the heck, in for a penny, in for a....

While, the sonic qualities of USB cables are hotly contested, I also trust my ears, unless someone can prove to me I'm suffering from some high expectation syndrome, the reverse is also true.

Anyway; it's true, investing in quality cables will ensure longevity and I accept, not everyone is materialistic but it does add something to the 'Pride of Ownership'.

I think we need to be honest, sonic considerations may be the main impetus but there's also the convenience and; how it looks. I know when I purchased my piano polished black Monitor Audio speakers, I was thinking more than the sound, will my wife kick up a fuss because it was taking over the room?

The first thing she said, "these are not as boxy and big as the other speakers, (the Wharfedale's)"
Phew!
My criticism of British Hi-Fi in the past was yeah it sounds great but look how tardy it looks. Not true any more. We've really come a long way, just look at KEF, Cambridge, Monitor Audio and et' al. People also buy the kit because it looks good. So why wouldn't they buy cables that are well made?

Sorry not really relevant to the thread I started, maybe I should start another one (!) but I just want to extend the point you made, albeit you were talking about well made cables. This speaking of the obvious, applies to everything Hi-Fi.

If we don't have the pride of ownership, we wouldn't care, we wouldn't pick up a What HiFi magazine or remotely be interested in the development of new technologies, possibly those that would enhance our enjoyment of music?

I agree with you. You should trust your own ears and buy what makes you happy.

The Darko video above shows the back panel of a Denafrips Ares II. I’m sure most people are familiar with it at this point. It’s an R2R DAC made in China.

People who base their opinion of audio equipment, specifically DACs, on scientific measurements will claim the Ares II will not sound any different to a cheap chip DAC with similar or superior measurements. They could not be more wrong.

I was skeptical of the measurements and praise the Ares II received but went ahead and bought one anyway.

I do not care what anyone says about how the Ares II or any other R2R DAC might measure or sound. To my ears it sounds amazing and so, so much better than any chip-based DAC I’ve used. It brings digital music to life and sounds much more natural and analogue-like.

 

[Jasonovich]

Darko makes WHF look inoccent. The whole video production is that of a promo video, he does not hesitate from telling people what to do (i.e. buy), he used to not allow comments on videos (now he uses professional - he calls it that way - moderation so that nothing more negative than respectful disagreement comes up) and yet many consider him authentic.

I'd rather buy expensive USB cables than follow Darko.

You can't be partisan if you want to peer above the parapet. It is like the moderator said, it's one mans view.
If I'm interested in a product, I probably have listen to more than one reviewer to be convinced or make an informed choice if I should buy or pass over.
These guys were right about the Eversolo and Singxer.

 

[Jasonovich]

I agree with you. You should trust your own ears and buy what makes you happy.

The Darko video above shows the back panel of a Denafrips Ares II. I’m sure most people are familiar with it at this point. It’s an R2R DAC made in China.

People who base their opinion of audio equipment, specifically DACs, on scientific measurements will claim the Ares II will not sound any different to a cheap chip DAC with similar or superior measurements. They could not be more wrong.

I was skeptical of the measurements and praise the Ares II received but went ahead and bought one anyway.

I do not care what anyone says about how the Ares II or any other R2R DAC might measure or sound. To my ears it sounds amazing and so, so much better than any chip-based DAC I’ve used. It brings digital music to life and sounds much more natural and analogue-like.

I heard so many positive things about the Denafrips Ares II.
I could be misinformed but isn't this a ladder based circuitry the same as R2R, no oversampling, more direct design?
Its a different approach to DAC design, I would love to listen to Denafrips. Your ears can't be wrong 😀👍

 

[Dom]

I am currently using this : Audioquest Tower cable.

 

[Deleted member 201267]

I'd like to ask a question. I wasn't sure where to post this, so I apologize if this is off topic. Can anyone advise on what would be a good pair of RCA or phono leads to run from a fairly decent CD player into a fairly decent amplifier. Does it make a difference what one uses? And what should I get, how much should I spend to get the best possible sound from the CD player to the amplifier?
Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated and as I said, sorry if this is the wrong place to ask.
Thanks in advance.

Consider these :-

Essentials 5m Dual RCA to Dual RCA Cable

5 metre dual RCA to Dual RCA audio cable.

www.kennysmusic.co.uk

Or if you can stretch the budget a bit these :-

Nordost Odin Gold Analogue Interconnects

Nordost Odin Gold Analogue Interconnects now available at Analogue Seduction.

www.analogueseduction.net

 

[npxavar]

@JDL, the correct place for RCA cable recommedations is WHF proper:

Best audio cables 2023

 

[npxavar]

@JDL, the correct place for RCA cable recommedations is WHF proper:

Best audio cables 2023

 

[JDL]

Thank you yes. I realised that after reading some old threads on here, which incidentally, didn't show up when I searched, they only showed up after I posted my now deleted question. That discussion here descended into well...enough said. In future I'll do my own research, that usually works well enough for me.

 

[Al ears]

Thank you yes. I realised that after reading some old threads on here, which incidentally, didn't show up when I searched, they only showed up after I posted my now deleted question. That discussion here descended into well...enough said. In future I'll do my own research, that usually works well enough for me.

As you have seen cable threads all go the same way, those that are adamant they can make a difference and those that say that it's not possible.
Your own research and auditioning is the only way to determine what's right for you.

 

[JDL]

Just for interest here's a small quote from the owners manual for my CD player; "You should either use a twin screened audio cable or a pair of single-screened audio cables. These cables can have a considerable effect on the quality of the sound, and you are advised to seek your dealer's advice on the best types of cables for your system."

 

[Gray]

@JDL, the correct place for RCA cable recommedations is WHF proper:

Best audio cables 2023

A few Freebie type cables chucked into a blind test of theirs would be interesting.
(Ask yourselves why that will not happen).

 

[JDL]

Perhaps 'WHF proper's' advice is at least worth considering. After all, they have a reference system made up from some of the finest components available, set up in a listening space that's acoustically as good as can be. Therefore, I'll at least take note of their findings and spend between £50 and £100. Definitely no more than that. Anyway thanks for your considerations and toleration of this contentious and probably tired out debate. Apologies for resurecting it. Over and Out. Definitely. I promise.😂

 

[Deleted member 201267]

Perhaps 'WHF proper's' advice is at least worth considering. After all, they have a reference system made up from some of the finest components available, set up in a listening space that's acoustically as good as can be. Therefore, I'll at least take note of their findings and spend between £50 and £100. Definitely no more than that. Anyway thanks for your considerations and toleration of this contentious and probably tired out debate. Apologies for resurecting it. Over and Out. Definitely. I promise.😂

Ask away the forum is quiet enough as it is !

 

[JDL]

Ask away the forum is quiet enough as it is !

Cheers.

 

[Gray]

Perhaps 'WHF proper's' advice is at least worth considering.

Only if and when they genuinely do not know which cable they are listening to - then they cannot be biased, nor have any incentive to hype their usual favourites - no agenda.

Otherwise, their opinion is no more valid than anyone else's.