Re: [Harp-L] Re: Cables: Are there really any sonic differences?

[MARK BURNESS <markwjburness@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Joe,

You are assessing cables on 2 perameters only, length & price. 2 different $20 
cables may have nothing in common, but obviously you're not going to get a solid 
silver wire for $20. Plus the same cable can be priced very differently in 
differing markets...here start the stumbling blocks, how to determine & 
structure what is a meaningful test.

So in the UK, I guess if a $50 20ft cable was voted best in the US, I'd go into 
a music shop & simply ask for a £31.11 20 ft cable & be assured of a great 
result?...
Shop "Sorry mate, I've only got a  £20 15ft cable".
Me "..hmmm, I'm really looking for £23.33 for a 15ft, not £20."
Shop "OK then I'll charge you £23.33 for the £20 cable & we're all happy!" :-)

Good luck finding an off the shelf 50ft hi-Z instrument cable.

Judging panel, bizarre selection, wouldn't you start with guys who had recently 
had excellent hearing test results. Some of the best musicians I have met are 
bizarrely superstitious & couldn't be less interested in facts. Professional 
harmonica players (assuming you mean guys who primarily make their living by 
playing), then you're going to have to pay them for their time, their bandmates 
won't be pleased when there are holes in the calender because the harp player is 
at a cable judging contest (not that he would be, likelyhood is he already has 
more than one cable & uses the one he likes best, switching to anything that 
works in an emergency, if that breaks or is mislaid).




________________________________
From: PINTO DIGITAL <pintodigital@xxxxxxx>
To: harp@xxxxxxxxxxx; HARP L HARP L <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Friday, 4 March, 2011 13:46:26
Subject: RE: [Harp-L] Re: Cables: Are there really any sonic differences?


I mentioned it in a previous e-mail. I really like the blind test
(coke/pepsi) idea for cable. Blind tests could also be done with
vintage 50s elements VS more current, various styles of mics, various amps, etc.
This would be pretty interesting at harp festivals. 

FOR EXAMPLE :
- one $10, 20 foot cable
- one $200, 10 foot cable
- two $50 brand 20 foot cable
- one cheap 50 foot cable
- one expensive 50 foot cable

JUDGING PANEL : 4 Professional harmonica players, 6 harmonica music fans

Joe Pinto
Little Joe & the Werewolves 


> Date: Fri, 4 Mar 2011 08:27:22 -0500
> From: harp@xxxxxxxxxxx
> To: harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: Re: [Harp-L] Re: Cables: Are there really any sonic differences?
> 
> On 03/04/2011 06:42 AM, MARK BURNESS wrote:
> > Science - you offer no scientific data, test, results to 
> > prove/disprove your assertions. You claim not to care about the 
> > results of any tests, tests that you have not even conducted. You 
> > offer only perspective based on suggestion & hearsay, yet you clearly 
> > have already adopted a position on the subject. This is not science, 
> > you are not being scientific.
> nonsense. i clearly stated that i don't know if there are sonic 
> differences.
> my complaint was with the notion that science had no place in the 
> discussion.
> 
> > Do you need a mass spectrometer to tell you which flavour ice cream 
> > you prefer, or your preferred brand of beer? When asked how you like 
> > your food, what parameters do you measure & what equipment do you use 
> > & take to a restaurant with you? I guess that you forego the 
> > "scientific proof" and use your senses...like a professional chef, 
> > whisky bender, flavour house, etc.
> i think we're talking past each other. clearly if it is the case that 
> different cables sound different, then your preference or mine is purely 
> a subjective matter. i did not think this case had been made, and was 
> objecting to the fact that it couldn't be. a well constructed double 
> blind test should be able to determine whether or not people can discern 
> sonic differences.
> 
> > I'm not trying to sell you anything,
> i apologize if i implied that. that was not my intent.
> 
> > the main reason I would expect you to give me the benefit of the 
> > doubt is because I have conducted some testing (cables, amps, tubes, 
> > speakers, harps) probably everyday for the last decade...
> 
> which i should have inferred from your single statement "Garry, music is
> assessed with human ears, if you don't trust them, then it's time to
> hang up the harps."?
> 
> > you appear to have just typed a mail & declare no interest in the 
> > subject.
> i have no great interest in whether different cables sound different. i 
> have a great
> deal of interest in the value of evidence vs. testimonial.
> 
> i'll stop pontificating from the sidelines now.
> 
> -- 
> We make a living from what we get,
> but we make a life from what we give.
> - Kathy Moser
> 
>