make my life easier.....

[galyons]

But what are we really buying? ...

I buy mil spec from reputable dealers.  Not an "iron clad" guarantee of construction veracity, but likely as close as one can get.

Cheers,
Geary

 

[earwaxxer]

When it comes to wire discussions, I take the view that everyone is right! That comes from the basic audio belief that 'everything makes a difference'.

Now, as to what separates good vs. bad differences is debatable, and often system dependent.

One thing for sure, is that any audiophile, except for the 'flat earth' types, will admit that differences in wire exist. Its irrelevant whether the differences are in 'our head', or something that can actually be measured. Either way, we live in our head!

 

[proud indian]

Yes we do. But we also read and  feel that the problem that we have ( may not actually) might have a solution in what  someone else is talking about.
That person does not even know that you have a problem!!!

shreekant

 

[Grainger49]

Shreekant,

For a relatively painless way to breakin capacitors look at reply #1, second post, in this thread:

http://www.bottlehead.com/smf/index.php/topic,80.msg286.html#msg286

For breaking in a cable I would put barrel connectors and RCA plugs with a 5k ohm resistor from hot to shield.  That gives CD players a 5k ohm load to play into and draws as much current as safely possible.  Just producing a voltage between the hot and shield is not as effective.

Although it is no longer in my signature, I used to have this quote, "You are the only one who needs to be satisfied with the sound of your system."

 

[proud indian]

Although it is no longer in my signature, I used to have this quote, "You are the only one who needs to be satisfied with the sound of your system."

well said.

shreekant

 

[earwaxxer]

Yes we do. But we also read and  feel that the problem that we have ( may not actually) might have a solution in what  someone else is talking about.
That person does not even know that you have a problem!!!

shreekant

Very true! I find it much easier to understand a persons problem when they describe what it is about the sound that they dont like. I think most, if not all of us 'audiophiles' understand descriptions like 'harsh, fatiguing highs', 'muddy bass', 'uninvolved sound', 'toe tapping prat', 'skinny shallow sound', 'narrow soundstage' etc. Some of these descriptions become cliche though, such as 'analog sound'.

Sharing our problems is what makes this hobby fun and challenging. Humility is important, or we tend to turn each other off!

 

[Grainger49]

My suggestion on warm sounding good soundstage capacitors is the Obbligato (Black) Film/Oil capacitors.  The smallest value available is 2.0uF.

 

[earwaxxer]

I was wondering how those black ones sound! - I might have to grab a few!

 

[Grainger49]

They are insanely cheap for the sound.  A poster on the old board turned me on to them when I needed a 10uF 600V cap for the Parafeed cap in my Paramours.  I was about to upgrade the iron.

One day I will remember the guy who told me about them.

 

[Chris]

"When it comes to wire discussions, I take the view that everyone is right! That comes from the basic audio belief that 'everything makes a difference".

Well said along with Graingers statement.... Both seem to be this forums creed.. and that is why this forum is the best out there.....

 

[Grainger49]

Thanks!

 

[4krow]

I am much less worried about wire, cable, and electrons holding hands and smiling. There ARE differences, and the biggest one for me now is dealing with what I know is a bit of hearing loss. In spite of that however, this hobby remains my mainstay, and for any mods that I make to other people's equipment is now intended for their pleasure and to further this great interest of all things audio. My hearing, for most of my life, has been fascinating, almost miraculous to me. The fact that I have lost even a little bit still gives me the satisfaction of all the successful 'experiments' of the past.

 

[earwaxxer]

I am much less worried about wire, cable, and electrons holding hands and smiling. There ARE differences, and the biggest one for me now is dealing with what I know is a bit of hearing loss.

Yep - having the near constant ringing in the ears now. It doesnt bother me. I take it easy on the db's most of the time. Stay away from the head phones/ear buds. What are you going to do? At least I'm not Areosmith. I mean crap, those guys are cranking it most of the time, and they still can hear!

 

[proud indian]

I get that ringing now and then. But then since I feel that the system needs improvement, and can sound better, I guess it does not matter  ;D

shreekant

 

[4krow]

Aerosmith...god, one of my favorite bands. Started listening in high school, and still, they rock. After that, it's time for Copland.