Their RAAL headphones are true ribbon headphones though, which the LCD5s are not, so it's really not the same thing. Also what amp and what outputs were you using for the different cables? If it's different outputs for different connectors, that could also very well impact the results...
@@TheHonestAudiophile ah thanks; yeah intro, around 1:00, so Mytek Liberty THX AAA™ HPA amp. They don't seem to give any specifics for the outputs, that could also factor in whether or not there was any perceived sound difference, as there can be differences just going with RCA vs balanced output. 🤷♂
@literalghost929 Hence the reasons I said what I did about impedance in the video. It could also be a totally different reason. All I know is I hear a difference.
@@TheHonestAudiophile 1/2 "It could also be a totally different reason." So, knowing that it could be placebo or a plethora of different reasons, since the cable could be making 0 audible changes... In the interest of honesty ("1a: adherence to the facts : sincerity"), would you be willing to test your claims that the cables did make audible differences?
I can’t comment on headphone cables. I have tried Cardas cables in my big system (>$100k). They do change the sound noticeably vs other brands, and even vs other cables within Cardas’s line. In particular, I really like Cardas’ phono DIN cables with my turntable. I’ve tried both their Cygnus and Clear phono cables and I get a lot more detail in the upper frequencies with Clear, especially with high end MC cartridges. Does an $1,800 phono cable make sense? In my system, yes. For others, maybe not. The $500 Cygnus is excellent. The $60 Blue Jeans DIN cable I have is well shielded, but sounds mediocre. I’ve also tried their Clear Reflection and Clear Beyond XLRs (all 1m) and there is a difference. I own and use Reflection, and have borrowed Beyond. My favorite cheap cable is probably Wireworld’s entry level RCA’s. Kimber make nice sounding cables too.
Regardless if it "improves" the sound or not... Wire gauges(mass or strands) of copper wire and its insulation(thickness) does change sound comparatively. This is a fact and there is no arguing about it. If you're really interested, go read about Resistance, Capacitance, and Impedance. Whether if you can hear the difference or not, it depends on how different the cables you are testing(how much more copper one has over another), how good your speakers(drivers) reproduce frequencies, and how good your ears are(both physically and neurally).
It was just released to Patreon and TH-cam. Only been out for an hour for them all to view. I had to sleep before releasing it. Goes public at 10am. Cables are controversial for sure. Glad you enjoy the channel content.
I had a similar experience with a Cardas cable and my Focal Utopia, I noticed quite a big jump from the stock and many other custom cables I’ve tried such as LQI. I never really was a believer in the difference of headphone cables until I started using Cardas products. They are amazing, the increase in space, separation, air and detail in quite astounding. 👍
@viderethevaccinatorfromhol7536 Cables random make a difference and it kinda catches you off guard when it happens. Gotta love it when the synergy comes together.
With plannar magnetic headphones being vastly dynamic in their ability to adapt to various inputs/sources (EQ and More.) because of the technology , would you also be willing to give the cables a try on Dynamic Driver headphones? It's believed that a silver (or even good quality copper) cables increase performance by a generous 5%-10% if noticeable, are they still worth the price even if for cheaper headphones of equal value? (Will we get £200 sound out of £100 headphone and a £100 cable, for example?) Thanks for doing the research into this topic. It's good to be able to weed out genuine products against others falsely claiming comparable improvements. 👍
I've heard slight differences with other cables as mentioned in the video, not just planar. The price doesn't really matter in my opinion. It's about the synergy with the impedance and gear. I do believe that quality of cable does give a better possibility for change. As mentioned a cable isn't a magic pill that will enhance the experience on anything. You may or may not hear the difference, it's a slight chance of change. You're welcome for the video, glad you found it useful.
Iam using a pure silver tonearm cable. That is the only cable I would recommend it for . Spending some pure silver euros or dollars on headphone cables.. ? waaaay too expensive. At least, for me. But if money isn't any problem, please try and let us know.
@viderethevaccinatorfromhol7536 The price tag of the Audeze Premium cable is too much for me but the Fog City Cable is more likely but still skeptical. Now that I've heard it that changes my mind a bit that the chance for a change with another headphone might be possible so if funds become available I might consider it. But I totally understand where you are coming from.
Wow , I wouldn't have guessed you would perceive a different a difference other than maybe volume level in thicker lower gauge cables. Hmm something to think about.
Thanks for another honest review of audio/headphone cables, a truly controversial subject in the audiophile space. I would say it is almost as much discussed as cable "burn-in". Cardas has always been in my sights since I got into this hobby way back. What stuck with me is that George Cardas was a visionary and wanted to reach as close to audio nirvana as possible, like some of us audiophiles do, but to also share it with the world so everyone could enjoy it too and not just be about making money. It's been on my list to try his company's (now run by his daughter) cables and after seeing your video I will move this up in my list of things to try out with my system. Also, in closing, when I saw the Fog City cable color I immediately thought that it was a fitting Buffalo Bills colorway. 😁
Let's go Bills! Thanks for the kind words. I'm glad you found the video helpful. Look forward to hearing your impressions if you got the opportunity to hear a Cardas cable.
One rare point in time I had 2 of the same model headphone, but with different aesthetics before I sold the less desirable one, I splurged on a set of Forza AudioWorks Noir hybrid cable. One set of cans with stock, one with the upgraded cables and found I did enjoy the new cable. I finally heard what upgrades cables can do. But I sold it because it was a big investment for a small improvement. One day when i have some extra cash burning a hole in my pocket, I’ll splurge again.
I'm a musician and I have very fine hearing and I can notice small differences. I'll give one example when it comes to cables. It's the KZ ZS10Pro IEM and the TempoTec V6 DAP. The cable that came with it is the usual cable that comes with them and it's nothing especially. No name cable from Aliexpress which cost 25 euros made a big difference when I installed it. The sound became more dynamic and fuller bass solid treble more pronounced and I heard details that I had not noticed before in songs that I have heard many times because I love them and I know them inside out. I've repeated that many times and I know that my ears are not deceiving me. I don't know if there is a difference between the cables of 150 and 500 dollars because I never pay that much for cables but at this primary level the difference is very noticeable even for an untrained ear.
In home audio a heavier gauge conductor to carry the signal over ( a lower AWG# is heavier with 0# being considered a standard power line) along with a durable construction and a quality antioxidation coating definitely helped to improve sound. Probably the same in headphones cables.
Great video. I had made a comment about cables on a previous video and I think your assessments on the feel, quality, flexibility, thickness, color, connection type, etc, of cables are perhaps the greatest reasons people switch cables. Whether they actually make a difference in sound is debatable but in the end, if the cable/iem/headphones synergy works for you, that’s everything. Having said that, I do believe that you heard a difference but it just happen to be with those particular Audeze cans and cables in your possession. In order for someone to try what you did, they would - in theory - have to have the same headphones and cables. Chances are that no noticeable differences would be detected if someone tried what you did with a pair of random iems or headphones and some upgraded cables. I guess my point is that while I do believe cables can make subtle differences (more measurably I believe), in a majority of cases they won’t be audible. You can experience considerably greater differences in sound by tip rolling and pad swapping. And they’re way cheaper! 🙂 I just get quality cables that are robust, flexible, have different terminations, and just look good! Works for me! 👍🏽
You have much courage the make a "cable sound" video 🙂 Like I aspected, the ASR artillery is already here 😂 Well, you are right, cables make a difference. I knew that already for a long time. (so I will not respond to blind, double of triple blind whatever test) Like you already said: the difference was the most on the higher revealing LCD-5. With the right equipment that is revealing you can easely notice that. I have spent a lot of time testing, to find out for myself. (also making my own cables) In that periode, there were cables that costing 3, 4 times more and sounded worse then my cables. In my eyes you are a thrue "Honest Audiophile" It takes time and effort to try this out, but it is rewarding. You did it, and I repect that. It is much easier to stick with : "If you can't measure it, there is no difference" Have a nice day.
My experience with USB cables is that they all sound exactly the same. However, depth of sound stage is what you have to listen for. That's the only difference. A good USB cable has a good, deep, soundstage. A cheaper USB cable sounds exactly the same but the sound stage depth collapses into a flat but eqaully wide sound stage.
Hi! Im new to the audio world i was looking to buy my first iem, i would use them for gaming and music but budget is quite low, 100 USD max 150 USD, do you have any recommendations? Thank you recommendations?
I buy new cables for all my headphones and IEM because I hear immediately a difference. I don't have the original cables because I throw them all away and use new OCC or silver cables. Well I never buy cables as expensive as these.
I’ve been using the balanced premium cable for the Audeze LCD-X and I noticed a big difference from the stock cable. The bass was more impactful and had better extension. And the upper mids and highs were smoother and less harsh.
Ooooohhhhh😮…I’m listening to this on as best described as “cheap ass” buds …but I’M DAMNED INTERESTED 🤔 Rocking the RED on an IFI Go Blue afterwards ☕️🍕👍
well, tbh, if one cannot hear the difference among cables, hifi is probably not a good hobby because its night and day difference for some with sensitive ears.
@@TheHonestAudiophile 1/3 Yes blind test eliminates bias, delusions, user error, etc. If you really want to get to the bottom of the "do cables make a difference", you have to approach it using a method which will eliminate or at at least reduce the chance of user error.
@@TheHonestAudiophile 2/3 Plus, you have to be precise in the question you're asking. In your video title: "Does a Cardas Audio headphone cable make a difference?". Seems like your answer was 'yes'. But this 'yes', is specific to your precise case. And it's important to determine the 'why'. A worse cable will affect frequencies, like at 3:50 of the headphone show's video. Could be a measurably worse cable; defective. So sure, a cable broken by design can do a worse job as a cable, and it can result in a different 'sound'. But that's not the same question is it? Do you want to pay hundreds of dollars for a broken garbage cable, or not? That would likely be a better question...
@@TheHonestAudiophile 3/3 In your specific case, the differences you notice are by your own account very slight, and could very well be imaginary; vanish under blind testing conditions. But yeah, it would be interesting to measure all the cables, and see how the measurements look like. I see none on the Fog City website. No measurements, no specs. It might be possible that using a worse cable; maybe longer cable or some sort of circuit might result in the same effect of the cardas cable, without the silly pricing. Anyway, my personal issue is that most audiophile cables are scams, so I'm quite allergic to supporting these charlatans in any way possible, which many people do so inadvertently when talking like you did about cables.
"Yes blind test eliminates bias, delusions, user error, etc." Um NO, all tests are fallible. A user can lie about what they hear on a blind test just like they can on open sited test. During a blind test, a user can sense a difference coming when gear is being swapped out. A blind headphone test requires pauses while gear is being changed around so that can ultimately cause user error into thinking they hear a difference.
At 19:44 you say the choices are 1 - take my word the cables made a subtle difference, 2 - Daves a whackadoo. I pick door #3, Dave is a human who hears exactly like all other humans. Human hearing is always interpreted by our brains. Brains are hard wired to interpret based in ALL available information. If we know which cable we are listening to, there is no way to eliminate that from our experience. If your experience is improved using Cardas that is a fine reason to own them. That does not prove the cable made ANY difference to the soundwaves reaching your ear. It only means your brain interpreted it as improved. A blind test is one way to eliminate other factors. Valid scientific measurement is another way.
@ggroch Which is why I mentioned impedance, wire quality and synergy as all possible reasons for audible sonic differences. Blind tests aren't the end all be all everyone thinks they are; it is a fallible test and needs to be included with more tests to garner a confirmed/verified result. Thanks for your comment.
If someone gifted me an expensive cable I'm sure I would really appreciate the cable, and your brain is telling you these are pretty expensive, so of course your going to think you hear a difference, give it a couple weeks, see if you feel the same way when you swap out the cables again.
Cables can make a difference in rare cases with headphones. It mostly deals with volume and resistance of the cords. For example there is a guy who showed a measured difference with some insane cables that were more like climbing rope. It provided louder volume and more warmth as it didn’t boost the treble volume as much. He went on to say it’s only on a few headphones as most had no difference even with that insane cable. The one people may see more commonly is just power. For example 300ohm headphones and a 300ohm cable and 1 watt power supply provides 0.5 watts to the headphones and 0.5 to the cable. Change that resistance and it changes that ratio. Keep in mind the resistance of the headphones change at different frequencies so in those rare situations it may make minut differences at higher volumes. If regular high end cords made a real difference then those companies could use a spectrum analyzer to show their data and how it’s better than regular cables. Spectrum analyzers show the actual signal from the cord so there’s nothing to affect it other than the cable and noise generator and FYI my job has signal generators that cost over $10,000. Plus a signal analyzer that cost $86,000. My work involves testing noise control and hearing loss. So companies can reliably show if they have something or since not a single company provides data sheets, you know it’s snake oil beyond the above example. I payed $200 for cables as it had quick disconnects for 4 ends 3.5mm xlr etc. plus I got custom colors in a braid. Because it’s nice looking and I can use any source.
How is it that a reviewer, with so many audio component reviews, previously believed that cables have no impact on audio quality, and had never listened to a Cardas cable? You must be kidding. Another reason not to listen to the opinions of reviewers.
I review products in stock form as much as possible and gear that was provided to the channel for review didn't include Cardas cable to my knowledge. I didn't purchase Cardas cables for my own use because they're expensive and I don't put a lot of stock into cables making a noticeable difference. I've attended various audio shows and heard lots of gear and maybe those had Cardas cables. I have no idea as I didn't pay attention to that detail. I'm an open book and stated the truth about my experiences in the video. On my website and a few other videos there are more discussions about cables that I urge you to watch and read. I have purchased more IEM cables than headphone cables but this was my first experience with my own gear with Cardas cables. Honesty is the best policy, if you think that's a reason not to trust me as a reviewer that's your choice. Thanks for watching and commenting.
For more thoughts on cables, check this video out from Headphone Show.
th-cam.com/video/QWbyF1fMGwY/w-d-xo.html
Their RAAL headphones are true ribbon headphones though, which the LCD5s are not, so it's really not the same thing. Also what amp and what outputs were you using for the different cables? If it's different outputs for different connectors, that could also very well impact the results...
DAC and Amp mentioned in the video.
@@TheHonestAudiophile ah thanks; yeah intro, around 1:00, so Mytek Liberty THX AAA™ HPA amp. They don't seem to give any specifics for the outputs, that could also factor in whether or not there was any perceived sound difference, as there can be differences just going with RCA vs balanced output. 🤷♂
@literalghost929 Hence the reasons I said what I did about impedance in the video. It could also be a totally different reason. All I know is I hear a difference.
@@TheHonestAudiophile 1/2 "It could also be a totally different reason."
So, knowing that it could be placebo or a plethora of different reasons, since the cable could be making 0 audible changes... In the interest of honesty ("1a: adherence to the facts : sincerity"), would you be willing to test your claims that the cables did make audible differences?
I can’t comment on headphone cables. I have tried Cardas cables in my big system (>$100k).
They do change the sound noticeably vs other brands, and even vs other cables within Cardas’s line.
In particular, I really like Cardas’ phono DIN cables with my turntable. I’ve tried both their Cygnus and Clear phono cables and I get a lot more detail in the upper frequencies with Clear, especially with high end MC cartridges.
Does an $1,800 phono cable make sense? In my system, yes. For others, maybe not. The $500 Cygnus is excellent. The $60 Blue Jeans DIN cable I have is well shielded, but sounds mediocre.
I’ve also tried their Clear Reflection and Clear Beyond XLRs (all 1m) and there is a difference. I own and use Reflection, and have borrowed Beyond.
My favorite cheap cable is probably Wireworld’s entry level RCA’s. Kimber make nice sounding cables too.
Awesomeness 😎 Thanks for the impressions.
Regardless if it "improves" the sound or not... Wire gauges(mass or strands) of copper wire and its insulation(thickness) does change sound comparatively.
This is a fact and there is no arguing about it.
If you're really interested, go read about Resistance, Capacitance, and Impedance.
Whether if you can hear the difference or not, it depends on how different the cables you are testing(how much more copper one has over another), how good your speakers(drivers) reproduce frequencies, and how good your ears are(both physically and neurally).
Thanks for the information.
Funny. This video is out for 9.hours. it's always a little tricky to talk about cables. I appreciate it very much.
It was just released to Patreon and TH-cam. Only been out for an hour for them all to view. I had to sleep before releasing it. Goes public at 10am.
Cables are controversial for sure. Glad you enjoy the channel content.
Oh of course. I am in another timezone 😂
Great review. Thank you for taking the time. I’m a believer in cables.
My pleasure, you're welcome.
I had a similar experience with a Cardas cable and my Focal Utopia, I noticed quite a big jump from the stock and many other custom cables I’ve tried such as LQI. I never really was a believer in the difference of headphone cables until I started using Cardas products. They are amazing, the increase in space, separation, air and detail in quite astounding. 👍
Awesome 👍 Thanks for the impressions.
Awesome review Dave. And I am still half way 😂
Totally understand 💯
I spend my money on cables for many reasons. The only one I have to convince is me. Some cables do make a difference.
I am all with you.
@viderethevaccinatorfromhol7536
Cables random make a difference and it kinda catches you off guard when it happens. Gotta love it when the synergy comes together.
With plannar magnetic headphones being vastly dynamic in their ability to adapt to various inputs/sources (EQ and More.) because of the technology , would you also be willing to give the cables a try on Dynamic Driver headphones?
It's believed that a silver (or even good quality copper) cables increase performance by a generous 5%-10% if noticeable, are they still worth the price even if for cheaper headphones of equal value? (Will we get £200 sound out of £100 headphone and a £100 cable, for example?)
Thanks for doing the research into this topic. It's good to be able to weed out genuine products against others falsely claiming comparable improvements. 👍
I've heard slight differences with other cables as mentioned in the video, not just planar.
The price doesn't really matter in my opinion. It's about the synergy with the impedance and gear. I do believe that quality of cable does give a better possibility for change. As mentioned a cable isn't a magic pill that will enhance the experience on anything. You may or may not hear the difference, it's a slight chance of change.
You're welcome for the video, glad you found it useful.
Iam using a pure silver tonearm cable. That is the only cable I would recommend it for . Spending some pure silver euros or dollars on headphone cables.. ? waaaay too expensive. At least, for me. But if money isn't any problem, please try and let us know.
@viderethevaccinatorfromhol7536
The price tag of the Audeze Premium cable is too much for me but the Fog City Cable is more likely but still skeptical. Now that I've heard it that changes my mind a bit that the chance for a change with another headphone might be possible so if funds become available I might consider it. But I totally understand where you are coming from.
Wow , I wouldn't have guessed you would perceive a different a difference other than maybe volume level in thicker lower gauge cables. Hmm something to think about.
Thanks for another honest review of audio/headphone cables, a truly controversial subject in the audiophile space. I would say it is almost as much discussed as cable "burn-in". Cardas has always been in my sights since I got into this hobby way back. What stuck with me is that George Cardas was a visionary and wanted to reach as close to audio nirvana as possible, like some of us audiophiles do, but to also share it with the world so everyone could enjoy it too and not just be about making money. It's been on my list to try his company's (now run by his daughter) cables and after seeing your video I will move this up in my list of things to try out with my system. Also, in closing, when I saw the Fog City cable color I immediately thought that it was a fitting Buffalo Bills colorway. 😁
Let's go Bills!
Thanks for the kind words. I'm glad you found the video helpful. Look forward to hearing your impressions if you got the opportunity to hear a Cardas cable.
One rare point in time I had 2 of the same model headphone, but with different aesthetics before I sold the less desirable one, I splurged on a set of Forza AudioWorks Noir hybrid cable. One set of cans with stock, one with the upgraded cables and found I did enjoy the new cable. I finally heard what upgrades cables can do. But I sold it because it was a big investment for a small improvement. One day when i have some extra cash burning a hole in my pocket, I’ll splurge again.
Awesome 👍 Thanks for sharing your experience.
I'm a musician and I have very fine hearing and I can notice small differences. I'll give one example when it comes to cables. It's the KZ ZS10Pro IEM and the TempoTec V6 DAP. The cable that came with it is the usual cable that comes with them and it's nothing especially. No name cable from Aliexpress which cost 25 euros made a big difference when I installed it. The sound became more dynamic and fuller bass solid treble more pronounced and I heard details that I had not noticed before in songs that I have heard many times because I love them and I know them inside out. I've repeated that many times and I know that my ears are not deceiving me. I don't know if there is a difference between the cables of 150 and 500 dollars because I never pay that much for cables but at this primary level the difference is very noticeable even for an untrained ear.
Awesome 👍 Thanks for the impressions of your cable experience.
In home audio a heavier gauge conductor to carry the signal over ( a lower AWG# is heavier with 0# being considered a standard power line) along with a durable construction and a quality antioxidation coating definitely helped to improve sound. Probably the same in headphones cables.
Great video. I had made a comment about cables on a previous video and I think your assessments on the feel, quality, flexibility, thickness, color, connection type, etc, of cables are perhaps the greatest reasons people switch cables. Whether they actually make a difference in sound is debatable but in the end, if the cable/iem/headphones synergy works for you, that’s everything.
Having said that, I do believe that you heard a difference but it just happen to be with those particular Audeze cans and cables in your possession. In order for someone to try what you did, they would - in theory - have to have the same headphones and cables. Chances are that no noticeable differences would be detected if someone tried what you did with a pair of random iems or headphones and some upgraded cables.
I guess my point is that while I do believe cables can make subtle differences (more measurably I believe), in a majority of cases they won’t be audible. You can experience considerably greater differences in sound by tip rolling and pad swapping. And they’re way cheaper! 🙂
I just get quality cables that are robust, flexible, have different terminations, and just look good! Works for me! 👍🏽
Absolutely 💯
Which is why I said what I said about synergy and the hearing of differences has been very random in my experiences.
the majority have lowfi systems that can’t reveal the highs and lows.
You have much courage the make a "cable sound" video 🙂
Like I aspected, the ASR artillery is already here 😂
Well, you are right, cables make a difference. I knew that already for a long time. (so I will not respond to blind, double of triple blind whatever test)
Like you already said: the difference was the most on the higher revealing LCD-5.
With the right equipment that is revealing you can easely notice that. I have spent a lot of time testing, to find out for myself. (also making my own cables)
In that periode, there were cables that costing 3, 4 times more and sounded worse then my cables.
In my eyes you are a thrue "Honest Audiophile" It takes time and effort to try this out, but it is rewarding. You did it, and I repect that.
It is much easier to stick with : "If you can't measure it, there is no difference"
Have a nice day.
Thank you for the kind words, much appreciated.
Absolutely agree, revealing gear makes a difference. Thanks for the thoughts.
My experience with USB cables is that they all sound exactly the same. However, depth of sound stage is what you have to listen for. That's the only difference. A good USB cable has a good, deep, soundstage. A cheaper USB cable sounds exactly the same but the sound stage depth collapses into a flat but eqaully wide sound stage.
Interesting….
Ymmv as always!
Hi! Im new to the audio world i was looking to buy my first iem, i would use them for gaming and music but budget is quite low, 100 USD max 150 USD, do you have any recommendations? Thank you recommendations?
Moondrop Kato
LetShuoer Galileo
I buy new cables for all my headphones and IEM because I hear immediately a difference. I don't have the original cables because I throw them all away and use new OCC or silver cables. Well I never buy cables as expensive as these.
How do you know you hear a difference if you throw away the original cable?
@@TheHonestAudiophile I would at least sell the originals to offset my expenditure
I would sell original after testing and confirming that the alternative cable is worthy.
I’ve been using the balanced premium cable for the Audeze LCD-X and I noticed a big difference from the stock cable. The bass was more impactful and had better extension. And the upper mids and highs were smoother and less harsh.
Awesome 👍 Thanks for sharing the impressions.
Ooooohhhhh😮…I’m listening to this on as best described as “cheap ass” buds …but I’M DAMNED INTERESTED 🤔
Rocking the RED on an IFI Go Blue afterwards ☕️🍕👍
"cheap 🍑 buds" as in Raycon? 😂
@@TheHonestAudiophile Soundpeats 🤣
well, tbh, if one cannot hear the difference among cables, hifi is probably not a good hobby because its night and day difference for some with sensitive ears.
in other words, you dont get much out of spending a lot of time trying out different things in this hobby lol
HUZZAH!
My ears and my wallet will determine if there’s ENOUGH of a difference ( positively) to say yes.
Enjoy the weekend ☕️🍕👍
Totally understand 💯
👌👍
It's called placebo effect. That's why you need to do such a test blind!
Check this video out th-cam.com/video/QWbyF1fMGwY/w-d-xo.html
Blind test doesn't prove anything more than listening with your eyes open.
@@TheHonestAudiophile 1/3 Yes blind test eliminates bias, delusions, user error, etc. If you really want to get to the bottom of the "do cables make a difference", you have to approach it using a method which will eliminate or at at least reduce the chance of user error.
@@TheHonestAudiophile 2/3 Plus, you have to be precise in the question you're asking. In your video title: "Does a Cardas Audio headphone cable make a difference?". Seems like your answer was 'yes'. But this 'yes', is specific to your precise case. And it's important to determine the 'why'. A worse cable will affect frequencies, like at 3:50 of the headphone show's video. Could be a measurably worse cable; defective. So sure, a cable broken by design can do a worse job as a cable, and it can result in a different 'sound'. But that's not the same question is it? Do you want to pay hundreds of dollars for a broken garbage cable, or not? That would likely be a better question...
@@TheHonestAudiophile 3/3 In your specific case, the differences you notice are by your own account very slight, and could very well be imaginary; vanish under blind testing conditions. But yeah, it would be interesting to measure all the cables, and see how the measurements look like. I see none on the Fog City website. No measurements, no specs. It might be possible that using a worse cable; maybe longer cable or some sort of circuit might result in the same effect of the cardas cable, without the silly pricing. Anyway, my personal issue is that most audiophile cables are scams, so I'm quite allergic to supporting these charlatans in any way possible, which many people do so inadvertently when talking like you did about cables.
"Yes blind test eliminates bias, delusions, user error, etc." Um NO, all tests are fallible. A user can lie about what they hear on a blind test just like they can on open sited test. During a blind test, a user can sense a difference coming when gear is being swapped out. A blind headphone test requires pauses while gear is being changed around so that can ultimately cause user error into thinking they hear a difference.
At 19:44 you say the choices are 1 - take my word the cables made a subtle difference, 2 - Daves a whackadoo. I pick door #3, Dave is a human who hears exactly like all other humans. Human hearing is always interpreted by our brains. Brains are hard wired to interpret based in ALL available information. If we know which cable we are listening to, there is no way to eliminate that from our experience. If your experience is improved using Cardas that is a fine reason to own them. That does not prove the cable made ANY difference to the soundwaves reaching your ear. It only means your brain interpreted it as improved. A blind test is one way to eliminate other factors. Valid scientific measurement is another way.
@ggroch Which is why I mentioned impedance, wire quality and synergy as all possible reasons for audible sonic differences. Blind tests aren't the end all be all everyone thinks they are; it is a fallible test and needs to be included with more tests to garner a confirmed/verified result.
Thanks for your comment.
If someone gifted me an expensive cable I'm sure I would really appreciate the cable, and your brain is telling you these are pretty expensive, so of course your going to think you hear a difference, give it a couple weeks, see if you feel the same way when you swap out the cables again.
Been a few months and I STILL feel the same way. I stand by what I said and I kNOW what I heard! Thanks for watching and commenting.
Of course they don't make any difference. It's scientifically impossible.
Thanks for watching and commenting.
Cables can make a difference in rare cases with headphones. It mostly deals with volume and resistance of the cords. For example there is a guy who showed a measured difference with some insane cables that were more like climbing rope. It provided louder volume and more warmth as it didn’t boost the treble volume as much. He went on to say it’s only on a few headphones as most had no difference even with that insane cable.
The one people may see more commonly is just power. For example 300ohm headphones and a 300ohm cable and 1 watt power supply provides 0.5 watts to the headphones and 0.5 to the cable. Change that resistance and it changes that ratio. Keep in mind the resistance of the headphones change at different frequencies so in those rare situations it may make minut differences at higher volumes.
If regular high end cords made a real difference then those companies could use a spectrum analyzer to show their data and how it’s better than regular cables. Spectrum analyzers show the actual signal from the cord so there’s nothing to affect it other than the cable and noise generator and FYI my job has signal generators that cost over $10,000. Plus a signal analyzer that cost $86,000. My work involves testing noise control and hearing loss. So companies can reliably show if they have something or since not a single company provides data sheets, you know it’s snake oil beyond the above example.
I payed $200 for cables as it had quick disconnects for 4 ends 3.5mm xlr etc. plus I got custom colors in a braid. Because it’s nice looking and I can use any source.
How is it that a reviewer, with so many audio component reviews, previously believed that cables have no impact on audio quality, and had never listened to a Cardas cable? You must be kidding. Another reason not to listen to the opinions of reviewers.
I review products in stock form as much as possible and gear that was provided to the channel for review didn't include Cardas cable to my knowledge.
I didn't purchase Cardas cables for my own use because they're expensive and I don't put a lot of stock into cables making a noticeable difference.
I've attended various audio shows and heard lots of gear and maybe those had Cardas cables. I have no idea as I didn't pay attention to that detail.
I'm an open book and stated the truth about my experiences in the video. On my website and a few other videos there are more discussions about cables that I urge you to watch and read.
I have purchased more IEM cables than headphone cables but this was my first experience with my own gear with Cardas cables.
Honesty is the best policy, if you think that's a reason not to trust me as a reviewer that's your choice.
Thanks for watching and commenting.