How would you ascertain that a certain cable is Transparent/Neutral or adds vivid colors?
Yes, it is a very good question, and the answer is that, within reasonable extents, we probably can't.
Now, as "audiophiles" we suffer a certain self-awarded expertise. We listen to equipment, nod sagely, and deliver our verdicts. There is even a certain arrogance involved, and we are not fond of being told we are wrong or misguided. Let me under-line
We... I do it too. Of course, this is not to say that we are not sometimes, or even often, right!
Of course, it is true to say that the more familiar a person is with the sound of acoustic instruments, the better able they are to score the fidelity of a system or its components for naturalness. It's true, of course, but still it is unlikely that any of us were actually there at any specific recording.
But to get back to Jatt_boy's very pertinent question. We can't tell with any degree of certainty, but the cable companies can, or should be able to, measure, compare and publish honest results. That obviously won't ever happen now, as a whole trade has grown up around vague claims and lack of honesty.
Actually, there is more that we
could do, because a certain amount of not-purely-subjective testing is well within our reach. Many of us that seek to be more objective are really a bit lazy to put such tests together, and those that don't decry such things with a fervour that is as supernatural as the claims made by the cable companies.
Otherwise, Shanmune, I think you are right: cables
can act as filters. Please note, though, that the supernatural camp will accuse me of saying that cables cannot make a difference, even thought I have clearly just said that cables can make a difference!
As to the best electrical characteristics, perhaps we should substitute "most appropriate" for the purpose. I'm happy to let engineers answer that.
<crossposted>
Only thing they are not putting is many persons here post foolishly/ rubbish comments without hearing any cable and for time pass to trig the words war and have fun of it
Well, you didn't accuse me of saying there isn't a difference
--- but let me repeat that I'm not saying that, I'm saying that either there shouldn't be, or, at least, the cable companies should come off the the bullshit and sell honestly. They won't... their selling is geared to the market, and it works.
Let me also repeat my signature. I believe that this is one of the most fascinating aspects of our hobby, but most "audiophiles" are not even willing to explore this. Perhaps they feel somehow threatened by the fact that they
cannot always "trust their ears." Because it is certainly true that we can't!
