Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion HiFi & HT Chat The Old Snake Oil topic

Yes, the other thing which seems to happen is that when data is presented, people who believe 'it can't make a difference' carry on as though it hasn't. The Ben Duncan paper has objective measurements. The debate should therefore rationally shift to 'OK, so they do make a difference, but is that difference audible/worthwhile', etc.

I do find it slightly odd that suddenly huge amounts of hard data are required in a hobby where every other analysis of equipment we decide to buy, or live with, comes from our subjective impressions through the protruberances on the side of our heads. Did any of us objectively measure, say, an MS600 against an 818 before we parted with cash? Were we suddenly ridiculed, or almost crucified for not having done this? Almost every thread on this forum is filled with subjective feelings about equipment, totally unsupported by any data at all, yet accepted without any recourse to such. Very strange that cables should produce such a strong emotional reaction, if you ask me - what's so threatening about the idea they can sound different? It's as though one is questioning a religious belief...

Personally, I'd say the same as I say about any other cable - some 'designs' (which are really only using standard geometry, etc., with a fancy sleeve on) won't make much of a difference, but others, which attempt to address specific problems through a radically different design to ordinary twin-core and earth) might well (not neccessarily better though, that's in the ear of the beholder).

In the case of the RA cables, they have a 60 day money back guarantee. I liked the difference I heard in my system, so I kept them. If you don't hear a difference, you can send them back. You can't say fairer than that!

Do remember, while discussing this, there are people out there who swear blind that all amplifiers sound the same...