Audiophile Cables: Opinions on value. Myth?
search
close
Sort by: Newest
keyboard_arrow_down
ElectronicVices
2880
Apr 21, 2017
If the included cable was poor to begin with... maybe
If the included cable was properly made and doesn't add greatly to the impedance of the headphone... no
Value... eh... yeah I'm not touching this one!
wkhanna
3
Apr 20, 2017
been in the hobby for 30+ years.
cables will change the sound of a system given there is enough accuracy & resolution, to begin with in that system, to discern the differences.
the vast majority of the cause is noise.
noise comes from EMI ( electromagnetic interference) in the radio frequency spectrum.
cables act like antenna, pulling in unwanted frequencies that will effect the sound.
this can also be generated by any external source that affects an electrical circuit by way of induction, electrostatic coupling, or conduction.
transformers (like the typical torroidal commonly found in audio equipment) are known to generate this type of noise.
there is also noise in the the power line.
a good cable can filter some of this noise (common mode rejection).
this why some good quality power cables can make a system sound different, even when nothing in done to treat the mains power from the service panel of the building.
Juka
183
Apr 17, 2017
Well as an engineer, why not check the cable properties and compare with the stock cable? Then you could have a better guess as to why you are hearing a difference.
MXRC
250
Apr 18, 2017
I don't have the tools available to me anymore. I work in the graphics industry now. *shrugs* -- Also, there have already been independent studies in the cable properties I didn't feel necessary to repeat even if I could. For me, the only remaining curiosity is in whether I myself would be able to perceive any differences that others have claimed. I'm just sharing my personal experience in my own trials.
Related Posts
ShutterBozo
Headband HD 58X opened up
Feels like my head is in a vice. Can the headband of a HD 58X be "unbent" ? Will the plastic on the top of the headband crack ?
May 6, 2022
BenPaulT
How do i use the PC37x with laptops?
Laptops only have a single port. I bought the adapter cable but when I connect the headset to the laptop through the cable, I can only hear the audio. I can't use the mic. Any idea why?
Apr 30, 2022
Tonberryprince
How many days after shipping notification does it take to ship?
How many days after you get the shipment email does the item ship on average? I got an email notification that my orders has shipped but there is no movement on the item as it still shows to be picked up.
Apr 28, 2022
N.H._Brown
Are the Audio-Technica ATH-R70X headphones better than the ATX-AD900X?
I have gotten a little bit into audiophile stuff after watching some dankpods videos, and I want to step up my game with a better pair of open-back headphones for around 300 USD, but I do not really know what to get. I have looked at Sennheiser and other companies, but what I am mostly looking for is a pair of high ohm headphones with big drivers in them (about 50mm) because I am a huge bass junkie. I came across Audio-Technica and they have exactly what I am looking for in my budget, and the products they make look good too. I have not tried the headphones myself but they seem like the best option because everything else I find is more expensive than I would like. The main question here is if the two headphones mentioned in the title are good, which one is better than the other, or if I should just stay away from this company in general. As a newbie, am very open to suggestions about other headphones I could get and things I should look for and stay away from, so any constructive...
Apr 27, 2022
Inkntunes713
Someone please explain to me in laymen's terms when or what types of headphones amps I should get? Like when I should get one, what types.i listen to music primarily on my phone. Any advice will be greatly appreciated 🤘🤘🖕🖕🤘🤘😁
Headphones amps and music players. When I should invest in one, which one, why's? All advice . please! Thanks my fellow audiophiles far & abroad
Apr 26, 2022
Trending Posts in Audiophile
MrChiSox
The IEM trek continues.
Nothing fancy here but I have purchased a few more under $100 pairs. After the purchase of the Moondrop Aria I have since purchased the TIN T2, TIN T3 Plus, BLON BL03 and the final E3000. As a newbie to IEM's I have found some to be more comfortable than others, as is the case with different tips. I have really been impressed by the amount of sound that these little things can generate, and probably even more given how inexpensive these are. Sure, I know that they get to being much more costly. I'm not sure I wish to venture too far down the rabbit hole on IEM's. I like them for portability. And the cheaper ones won't hurt so much if they break or get lost. How much better does it get at the $300 price point? $500? $1000? I'd rather dump $500 or a grand on a pair of over ear headphones, personally.
May 14, 2022
rbivgq1734
Photos
Got a pair of R9Ds and man I look goofy but they sound great even using the R2R.
May 13, 2022
mikessi
Photos
Got the ETYMOTIC RESEARCH ER2SE IEM a couple days ago. Experimented with different tips: for me, the foam ones are the only ones that provide adequate bass. And adequate is the right word: decent...
May 12, 2022
JSracer
Looking for a 2 pin recessed cable, no memory wire, love 90degree 3.5mm jack
Hello, say looking for a 2 pin recessed cable, in a 3.5mm jack. I'm in need of one without a formed loop or memory wire. My custom alclair studio3 have the cable out the bottom to fit under my motorcycle full fCe helmet. The rigid wire can cause issues with the seal and let in wind noise... My current cable is the standard black 3.5mm with memory wire... (I could do a balanced 2.5 from my dac/amp, but my phone usb C to 3.5mm for backup would be an issue if I ever used it) Any thoughts, ideas, suggestions?? Thanks for your time.
May 11, 2022
Have you gone down this rabbit hole? Do you hear a difference? Is it worth it? I'm curious what your experiences are.
My experience: I studied audio engineering in university. The science side of my brain constantly tries to remind me that the differences I may perceive, if any is negligible, or placebo. Nevertheless, I had a custom set made that terminates to a 3.5mm TRS on both ends so that I can try it with all the heaphones I own that have detachable cables. As a caveat, the last time I went to an audiologist to get my hearing tested, I was able to discern up to 18khz. So... not perfect hearing. That was 3 years ago. I don't know where my hearing is now.
With that said and with all my logic telling me I shouldn't really hear any difference, my experience says otherwise. Immediately there was an undeniable difference in amplitude. This made A/B testing a bit difficult to get the volume leveled. Once I figured out the matched volumes, I proceeded to analyze the sounds coming through my headphones. There is a discernible change in sonic properties. It's slight, but unmistakenly there. Since this is my first and only audiophile cable, I can only speculate what other cable designs do to the signal.
The thing is, when changes in sound properties is slight like in this scenario, the more those subtle differences are subject to be increasingly affected by the listener's physiology. The unique pinna of our ears affects how we discern positioning and the space that we're in. A slight change in the mid frequencies may make a sound perceptually really close for one person while the same sound might feel not as close to someone else.
What I heard with my cable is a slight boost in the mid-high frequencies. It didn't affect anything else. Soundstage stayed the same. Stereo separation is the same. However, to someone else, the same change in the mid-high frequencies may open the sound stage because that increase in mid-high matches how their pinna filters sound waves that are far away before it enters their ear drum.
Perhaps this must be why some people hear great differences when they switch to different cables. (Small changes in signal / huge perceptual effect).
What it's worth: To me, personally, the gains in signal clarity is nice, but that's achievable with a modertely well built cable specially for short runs from a desk amp to your chair or the floor if you enjoy your music laying down. If the desire is to get those subtle differences in sonic properties, a well implemented EQ works much better for that I think. I won't be selling my cable. I actually like the boost that it gives, but now that my curiosity is satisfied, these will be the first and last audiophile cable I'll be purchasing.
Of course I say that now, but I guess I can never say never.