So.. How to test cables scientifically.

So if we are saying that there should be more scientific results on a cables performance. What methods are we prepared to accept from which to draw conclusions?

I'm quite interested as I work in an electronics lab and would like to take my own cables into work and slug it out for an afternoon or so.

 

surely the only method that proves audible differneces is playing the same piece of music, recordign the playback from the speakers and analysing the sounds.

tough job, any digital recording/processing may mask the differences.

anyone got a ocilo' that can store 5 seconds of waveform.....

 

I was thinking more along the lines of using signal generators and oscilloscopes to be honest. Frequency sweeps and the like.

 

Since 1% distortion is pretty much impossible to see on an oscilloscope, I think you'd be wasting your time. You won't see any major frequency response issues.

If you're going to do this, the very least you'd need would be something like an Audio Precision analyser.

 

To borrow a line from subjectivist dogma, all you need is your ears. And means to control confounding factors.

There’s little point measuring the dimensions of a chimney to see if a rotund man wearing red and white and carrying a sack of presents can fit down a chimney before finding out if there really is a rotund fellow who comes down the chimney (or not).*



*yes, of course there is.

 

I'll go along with that .....

Right or wrong ....this is the method I use

take the output of a cdp [quad 99cdp2] using both output [one fixed one variable....when both are connected with the identical cables there is no perceptible difference with the variable set to max] connect both output to a pre amp [quad77] using the remote I can switch between inputs whilst the cdp is playing to get an instant comparison of what each cable sounds like.

I've had a number of people listening to pairs of kit ie AA5 and AA5z or various cables all have been able to hear small differences and of course large ones with ease.

This week I've built two identical ic with a platinum alloy one with silver plated oyiades rca plugs and the other with silver bullets ....and yes you can hear the difference....as to which is better thats an entirely different matter.

 

You should normalise so both the cables have the same LCR.

 

Assuming that identical cable are identical should do the trick....the fact that I've made both from the same wire further reinforces there sameness.


come on lets have a few more ideas ....

 

Maybe so but its good practice to verify.

 

I'm not being funny, but if one output is fixed, the other variable doesn't this invalidate the comparison?

 

I think I said that there is no difference in sound at full output as there is no attenuation ie no components in the varriable output signal path.

invalidations an odd word to use ?
it may compromise the test if the outputs sounded different but as they don't .........why is it an issue ?

I can't see anyone else putting forward ideas on how to test cables ......someone must have some ideas ever rehashing some old ones ....didn't hafler do some tests ?

 

Has anyone tried an impedance analyser? That will give you a clear measure of resistance, capacitance and inductance.

 

No. But this was the kind of response I was after. I don't see the point of demanding scientific results if we are not clear on what is expected from them. All that will do is unsteady the ground on which the results stand.

Anymore for anymore?

I had a quick look at impedance analysers. Had to chuckle childishly at the name of this supplier.

http://www.waynekerrtest.com/global/html/products/impedancetest.htm

It sounds suitable, no?

 

Hit the nail on the head there, Snoo

 

http://www.goertzaudio.com/serpent.html

 

surely this cheaper item would fit the bill

no scope.... but VU's should do?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/HP-4800-A-vec...2QQihZ017QQcategoryZ97198QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem