What annoys me today in marketing and media that too often today then talking on hi-fi, science is replaced by bizarre belief structures and marketing fluff, leading to a decades-long stagnation of the audiophile domain. Science makes progress, pseudo-science doesn’t. Hi-fi world is filled by pseudoscience, dogma and fruitloopery to the extent that it resembles a fundamentalist religion. Loudspeaker performance hasn’t tangibly improved in forty years and vast sums are spent addressing the wrong problems.
Business for Engineers: Marketers Lie article points tout that marketing tells lies — falsehoods — things that serve to convey a false impression. Marketing’s purpose is to determining how the product will be branded, positioned, and sold. It seems that there too many snake oil rubbish products marketed in the name of hifi. It is irritating to watch the stupid people in the world be fooled.
In EEVblog #29 – Audiophile Audiophoolery video David L. Jones (from EEVBlog) cuts loose on the Golden Ear Audiophiles and all their Audiophoolery snake oil rubbish. The information presented in Dave’s unique non-scripted overly enthusiastic style! He’s an enthusiastic chap, but couldn’t agree more with many of the opinions he expressed: Directional cables, thousand dollar IEC power cables, and all that rubbish. Monster Cable gets mostered. Note what he says right at the end: “If you pay ridiculous money for these cable you will hear a difference, but don’t expect your friends to”. If you want to believe, you will.
My points on hifi-nonsense:
One of the tenets of audiophile systems is that they are assembled from components, allegedly so that the user can “choose” the best combination. This is pretty largely a myth. The main advantage of component systems is that the dealer can sell ridiculously expensive cables, hand-knitted by Peruvian virgins and soaked in snake oil, to connect it all up. Say goodbye to the noughties: Yesterday’s hi-fi biz is BUSTED, bro article asks are the days of floorstanders and separates numbered? If traditional two-channel audio does have a future, then it could be as the preserve of high resolution audio. Sony has taken the industry lead in High-Res Audio.
HIFI Cable Humbug and Snake oil etc. blog posting rightly points out that there is too much emphasis placed on spending huge sums of money on HIFI cables. Most of what is written about this subject is complete tripe. HIFI magazines promote myths about the benefits of all sorts of equipment. I am as amazed as the writer that that so called audiophiles and HIFI journalists can be fooled into thinking that very expensive speaker cables etc. improve performance. I generally agree – most of this expensive interconnect cable stuff is just plain overpriced.
I can agree that in analogue interconnect cables there are few cases where better cables can really result in cleaner sound, but usually getting any noticeable difference needs that the one you compare with was very bad yo start with (clearly too thin speaker wires with resistance, interconnect that picks interference etc..) or the equipment in the systems are so that they are overly-sensitive to cable characteristics (generally bad equipment designs can make for example cable capacitance affect 100 times or more than it should). Definitely too much snake oil. Good solid engineering is all that is required (like keep LCR low, Teflon or other good insulation, shielding if required, proper gauge for application and the distance traveled). Geometry is a factor but not in the same sense these yahoos preach and deceive.
In digital interconnect cables story is different than on those analogue interconnect cables. Generally in digital interconnect cables the communication either works, does not work or sometimes work unreliably. The digital cable either gets the bits to the other end or not, it does not magically alter the sound that goes through the cable. You need to have active electronics like digital signal processor to change the tone of the audio signal traveling on the digital cable, cable will just not do that.
But this digital interconnect cables characteristics has not stopped hifi marketers to make very expensive cable products that are marketed with unbelievable claims. Ethernet has come to audio world, so there are hifi Ethernet cables. How about 500 dollar Ethernet cable? That’s ridiculous. And it’s only 1.5 meters. Then how about $10,000 audiophile ethernet cable? Bias your dielectrics with the Dielectric-Bias ethernet cable from AudioQuest: “When insulation is unbiased, it slows down parts of the signal differently, a big problem for very time-sensitive multi-octave audio.” I see this as complete marketing crap speak. It seems that they’re made for gullible idiots. No professional would EVER waste money on those cables. Audioquest even produces iPhone sync cables in similar price ranges.
HIFI Cable insulators/supports (expensive blocks that keep cables few centimeters off the floor) are a product category I don’t get. They typically claim to offer incredible performance as well as appealing appearance. Conventional cable isolation theory holds that optimal cable performance can be achieved by elevating cables from the floor in an attempt to control vibrations and manage static fields. Typical cable elevators are made from electrically insulating materials such as wood, glass, plastic or ceramics. Most of these products claim superior performance based upon the materials or methods of elevation. I don’t get those claims.
Along with green magic markers on CDs and audio bricks is another item called the wire conditioner. The claim is that unused wires do not sound the same as wires that have been used for a period of time. I don’t get this product category. And I don’t believe claims in the line like “Natural Quartz crystals along with proprietary materials cause a molecular restructuring of the media, which reduces stress, and significantly improves its mechanical, acoustic, electric, and optical characteristics.” All sounds like just pure marketing with no real benefits.
CD no evil, hear no evil. But the key thing about the CD was that it represented an obvious leap from earlier recording media that simply weren’t good enough for delivery of post-produced material to the consumer to one that was. Once you have made that leap, there is no requirement to go further. The 16 bits of CD were effectively extended to 18 bits by the development of noise shaping, which allows over 100dB signal to noise ratio. That falls a bit short of the 140dB maximum range of human hearing, but that has never been a real goal. If you improve the digital media, the sound quality limiting problem became the transducers; the headphones and the speakers.
We need to talk about SPEAKERS: Soz, ‘audiophiles’, only IT will break the sound barrier article says that today’s loudspeakers are nowhere near as good as they could be, due in no small measure to the presence of “traditional” audiophile products. that today’s loudspeakers are nowhere near as good as they could be, due in no small measure to the presence of “traditional” audiophile products. I can agree with this. Loudspeaker performance hasn’t tangibly improved in forty years and vast sums are spent addressing the wrong problems.
We need to talk about SPEAKERS: Soz, ‘audiophiles’, only IT will break the sound barrier article makes good points on design, DSPs and the debunking of traditional hi-fi. Science makes progress, pseudo-science doesn’t. Legacy loudspeakers are omni-directional at low frequencies, but as frequency rises, the radiation becomes more directional until at the highest frequencies the sound only emerges directly forwards. Thus to enjoy the full frequency range, the listener has to sit in the so-called sweet spot. As a result legacy loudspeakers with sweet spots need extensive room treatment to soak up the deficient off-axis sound. New tools that can change speaker system designs in the future are omni-directional speakers and DSP-based room correction. It’s a scenario ripe for “disruption”.
Computers have become an integrated part of many audio setups. Back in the day integrated audio solutions in PCs had trouble earning respect. Ode To Sound Blaster: Are Discrete Audio Cards Still Worth the Investment? posting tells that it’s been 25 years since the first Sound Blaster card was introduced (a pretty remarkable feat considering the diminished reliance on discrete audio in PCs) and many enthusiasts still consider a sound card an essential piece to the PC building puzzle. It seems that in general onboard sound is finally “Good Enough”, and has been “Good Enough” for a long time now. For most users it is hard to justify the high price of special sound card on PC anymore. There are still some PCs with bad sound hardware on motherboard and buttload of cheap USB adapters with very poor performance. However, what if you want the best sound possible, the lowest noise possible, and don’t really game or use the various audio enhancements? You just want a plain-vanilla sound card, but with the highest quality audio (products typically made for music makers). You can find some really good USB solutions that will blow on-board audio out of the water for about $100 or so.
Although solid-state technology overwhelmingly dominates today’s world of electronics, vacuum tubes are holding out in two small but vibrant areas. Some people like the sound of tubes. The Cool Sound of Tubes article says that a commercially viable number of people find that they prefer the sound produced by tubed equipment in three areas: musical-instrument (MI) amplifiers (mainly guitar amps), some processing devices used in recording studios, and a small but growing percentage of high-fidelity equipment at the high end of the audiophile market. Keep those filaments lit, Design your own Vacuum Tube Audio Equipment article claims that vacuum tubes do sound better than transistors (before you hate in the comments check out this scholarly article on the topic). The difficulty is cost; tube gear is very expensive because it uses lots of copper, iron, often point-to-point wired by hand, and requires a heavy metal chassis to support all of these parts. With this high cost and relative simplicity of circuitry (compared to modern electronics) comes good justification for building your own gear. Maybe this is one of the last frontiers of do-it-yourself that is actually worth doing.
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Tomi Engdahl says:
Audio cable insulation affects sound by influencing signal speed, capacitance, and high-frequency response; materials like polyethylene and Teflon offer lower capacitance for clearer, brighter high-frequency reproduction than lower-quality PVC, which can cause signal loss and a duller sound. Good insulation also prevents oxidation and damage, ensuring signal integrity and durability, while the primary role of the insulation is to prevent short circuits.
Impact on Signal Integrity
Signal Speed:
The dielectric constant of the insulation material affects how fast the electrical audio signal travels through the cable. Materials with a low dielectric quality, such as common PVC, can slow the signal, causing high-frequency information to be lost or delayed, resulting in an unbalanced sound with a loss of clarity.
Capacitance:
The two conductors and the insulation form a capacitor. Materials with lower dielectric constants, like polyethylene, result in lower capacitance, helping to preserve high frequencies and maintain a clear, detailed sound.
Signal Loss:
Poor-quality insulation can contribute to signal loss, especially over longer cable runs, where the resistance increases and the signal’s integrity degrades, impacting the accuracy and quality of the audio.
Material-Specific Effects
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride):
Often found in cheaper cables, PVC is an inferior insulation material that can cause high signal loss and slow down the signal, leading to a reduced speed and a dull, less vibrant sound.
Polyethylene & Teflon:
These materials are often used in high-quality cables and offer better performance. Their lower capacitance helps maintain higher frequencies, resulting in a clearer, more detailed, and brighter sound.
Primary Functions of Insulation
Preventing Short Circuits:
The main purpose of insulation is to prevent the conductive wires from touching each other or other components, which would cause a short circuit and disrupt the signal.
Protecting the Conductor:
Insulation provides a protective layer against external factors like moisture, temperature changes, and physical damage, which can oxidize the conductor and weaken the connection.
When Insulation Matters Most
Long Cable Runs:
The effects of insulation quality and cable resistance become more pronounced over longer cable lengths, where signal degradation is more likely.
High-Fidelity Systems:
For audiophiles seeking the most accurate and immersive listening experience, investing in cables with high-quality insulation materials is essential for preserving sound quality
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://www.audioresurgence.com/frequently-asked-questions-audio-cables-and-how-they-sound
Air dielectrics, as the name suggests, use air as the insulating material between the conductors.
Foam dielectrics are made of a foam material
Solid dielectrics, such as polyethylene and Teflon, are the most commonly used dielectric materials in audio cables. They offer low capacitance and inductance
Q – Is silver a good conductor for audio cables and how does it differ to copper
A – Silver and copper are two of the most commonly used materials for audio cable conductors, and each has its own unique properties that can affect the Purist Audio Dominus Reviewperformance of the audio signal and the resultant sound from your system. When it comes to choosing between silver and copper conductors, there are several factors to consider, including conductivity, cost, and sound quality.
In terms of conductivity, silver is a better conductor than copper, with a higher electrical conductivity rating. This means that silver can transmit an audio signal with less resistance, resulting in improved signal transmission and less signal loss. Silver also has a lower impedance than copper, which can help to reduce distortion and improve the overall sound quality of the audio signal.
Despite its advantages, silver is a more expensive material than copper
Copper, on the other hand, is a more affordable and widely available material, hence it’s a popular choice for consumer audio applications. While copper is a good conductor, and high-quality copper cables can deliver a transparent and accurate audio signal, copper has a higher impedance than silver, which can result in increased distortion and decreased signal purity and sound quality.
The choice between silver and copper conductors will depend on the specific requirements of the audio system, budget, and personal preferences.
Tomi Engdahl says:
https://plungeaudio.com/blogs/news/the-impact-of-cable-quality-on-audio-performance?srsltid=AfmBOopqHiQQ9F4e7xeOZU3j7bHiHRZ0wRMU9vamGLExUvS5HvxIHBK0
1. Conductor:
A cable’s conductor transmits the power and signals in the cable. Adequately sized and constructed conductors maintain the integrity of the electrical signal since it needs to travel effectively to the cable from its source. If the conductor is made from compromised materials, the audio signal may experience increased resistance and change overall sound quality.
Some of the common conductors include:
Copper:
Due to its cost-effectiveness and high electrical conductivity, manufacturers often use copper. Investing in premium copper cables can improve sound quality and less signal distortion.
Silver:
Silver is a renowned conductor material like copper due to its higher electrical conductivity. As a result, these cables provide a clearer and more detailed sound.
Silver-Plated:
Copper cables with silver plating combine the benefits of copper and silver. The silver coating enhances the signal’s precision and clarity, while the copper core offers outstanding sound conductivity, improving the overall sound experience.
2. Insulation:
IEM cables are incomplete without insulation, which shields the conductor from external disruptions and physical harm. The insulation material affects both the length of a cable and its sound quality.
PVC is one of the common insulation materials used in IEM cables. It provides outstanding flexibility and durability in the long run. In addition to having good electrical insulating characteristics, it is reasonably priced, making the IEM cable affordable.
3. Shielding:
Reducing or eliminating background noise that the conductor takes up from various sources is an essential aspect of high-quality audio. Shielding plays a pivotal role by protecting the audio signal from radio frequency interference and electromagnetic interference. With proper shielding, you can ensure that you enjoy audio without any noise or external distortion.
4. Connector:
Connectors are an essential part of an IEM cable. They connect your IEMs to your audio source physically and electrically. High-quality connectors avoid signal loss and achieve the best possible sound quality, elevating the overall listening experience.
Tomi Engdahl says:
They already exist: https://www.goldnote.it/cables/speakers-cables/
“The conductors are arranged in our proprietary geometry and individually sealer in Elastollan tubes with a special thick mineral oil as a dielectric medium to control temperature and dampen any vibration.”
Tomi Engdahl says:
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Conversation I have every day as a luthier and music store owner.
The only thing that makes PIO caps special is how shit they are when they inevitably get high ESR and leakage and instead of it being a 47n cap, it’s now more like a 27n cap, or a 67n cap. They’re out of spec, useless and hygrophilic.
There’s a reason the dielectric isn’t a factor in calculating the 3dB point in a passive, high impedance audio frequency filter. Not like we’re talking 5ghz at 600v or some shit.
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Tomi Engdahl says:
Dave Hitt Audiophools will go beyond HDMI cables and buy things like gold-plated TOSLINK cables that make zero sense. The problem with HDMI is that differences between cables do exist (HDMI cables are speed-rated), so there is a kernel of truth to “getting a good HDMI cable”, and salesmen will take advantage of this to sell you a $100 Monster cable, when you only need an HDMI cable good for the Gbps rating you need.