Audio Equipment Snake Oil

8/3/2019 Audio Equipment Snake Oil

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Audio Equipment Snake Oil

Quotes from actual audiovendor websites and

literature

"I refuse to prove that I exist," says God, "for proof

denies faith, and without faith, I am nothing."The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas

Adams

Patrick G. AndrAndr Consulting, Inc.


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Acme Audio Labs Without getting into a long, drawn out

argument about the effectiveness ofupgrading various parts of the AC powerchain, let's just say this: we think that thedifferences between any of the "gardenvariety" hospital-grade AC outlets and the

Acme are audible and well worth the simpleeffort and more-than-affordable outlay ofcash.


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Acme Audio Labs When we say "affordable", you know we mean it -

the basic Acme 15 amp/125 Volt duplex receptacleslist for $30.00; the same with Cryogenic treatmentare $40.00. The 20 amp version is available instandard edition at $35.00; the Cryogenic model(shown on the left - our favorite) is just $45.00. Onthese models, a proprietary high-purity silver platingis applied to all the important contact surfaces.

Acme outlets are available in any color you want (aslong as it's Ivory!).


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Cardas Audio

Cardas Audio holds the patent, U.S. Patent Number4,628,151, where the ratio of Phi is applied to anyelectrical conductor.

An infinitely indivisibleprogression known asthe Fibonacci sequenceor golden section is thekey to resonance control.The ratio of Phi, or 1 to

1.6180339887...to infinity,is the Golden Mean,called golden ratio orgolden proportion.


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Cardas AudioIt is said, wire is just wire. In reality, a high-end audiocable must balance resistance, capacitance, inductance,

conductance, velocity of propagation, RF radiation andabsorption, mechanical resonance, strand interaction,hysteresis, high filtering, wavy serial impedance andreflections, electrical resonance, dissipation factors,

envelope delay, phase distortion, harmonic distortion,piezoelectric effects, hall effect, field effect, voltage andcurrent tracking, thermoelectric phenomenon effects,structural return loss, skin effect, corrosion, cross-talk,

bridge-tap and the interaction of these and a hundredother things. As a high-end cable manufacturer, CardasAudio strives to address every detail of cable andconductor construction, no matter how small.


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www.AudioQuest.comAudioQuest FLX 16/2 is a very effective 16

awg (1.23 sq. mm) cable using Long GrainCopper (LGC). Each conductor in FLX 16/2

uses 19 strands of 29 awg, ensuring that63% of the strands will be on the surface allthe time, where they do the most good. The

two conductors are spiraled together toprovide good RF rejection and optimum

signal carrying capability.


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www.AudioQuest.com Important Cable Facts - Running-In: As with

all audio components, audio cables require anadjustment period. (not to be confused withbreak-in)

A cable's performance takes time to optimizebecause of the way a dielectric behaves (the

way the insulating material absorbs andreleases energy), changes in the presence of acharge. Cables will continue to improve in sound

or picture quality over a period of several weeks.


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www.AudioQuest.com Directionality: All cables are directional,

from hardware store electrical cable to thefinest pure silver cables.

Connections: The highest qualityconnections are first made mechanically.Solder is never a good conductor, noteven "silver solder."


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DakiOm203 Series FeedbackStabilizers NEW!

The DakiOm 203 SeriesFeedback Stabilizers are ourlatest second generationtechnology. The 203 Series buildsupon the success of the 103

Series and offers even betterperformance. Music and moviesound effects sound even clearer,less fatiguing, and better thanever. We are serious aboutrevolutionizing audio and givingpeople access to very high endaudiophile sound quality.$100-$170 each


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Opus MM Interconnects

A large mass of electrically neutral epoxy dampingmaterial encapsulates OPUS MM networks to

reduce resonance in the audible range.


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Opus MM Interconnects

Although the network modules on OPUS MMspeaker cables and interconnects are quite largeand heavy, it would take considerably moredamping material to totally eliminate mechanicalresonance.


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EMC Handbook (Kaiser) Skin Depth of Copper at 20 kHz = 18 mils

(dia: 16 ga = 50 mils, 12 ga. = 80 mils) Resistance of 12 ga. wire, 9 = 41 m (for

the signal plus its return path) For 100 W & 8 speaker, I = 3.5 Arms

(although speaker are rarely run at full load,

usually only an impulse)

So the total loss I2R is 0.5 W or 0.022 dB


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Monster Cable What is magnetic flux tube?

This is a specially-designed dielectric tubethat runs down the middle of a group ofdifferent gauge windings. This helps break

up the magnetic field generated from thecurrent flowing through the cablesconductors. We wrap the larger solid-coreconductors (the culprit of this magneticfield) around this dialectric [sic] for

maximum affect.


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Monster Cable What is PEX dielectric?

PEX is a special dielectric or insulationthat insulates each conductor from each

other to help eliminate noise. Does Monster use oxygen-free copper?

Yes. Monster Cable uses extremely high

grade, oxygen-free copper to preventcorrosion and maximize conductivity.


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Monster Cable Why do the cables have directional

arrows?This is done for shielding purposes only, a

design where we do not solder the shieldon the signals destination. This ensuresthat any noise picked up by the shield will

not be transmitted into your signal path.


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www.audioholics.com


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Audioholics.com

St tT i tiR t d C blC bl V d


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DeclinedNAAnyZu Cables

SubmittedCompression Banana11AWGTributaries

DeclinedNAAnyTransparentAudio

SubmittedCompression BananaStarflex ($195)River CableSubmittedCompression BananaFlexygy ($275)River Cable

SubmittedBananaMI-2 VeracityGoertz

SubmittedSpadesClarity 7 ($3,580)Empirical AudioSubmittedBananaSE 9Cardas

SubmittedBananaCrosslink 1SCardas

SubmittedSpadeSpeaker Wire (~$60)Axiom AudioSubmittedBanana10AWGAV Cable

SubmittedBananaSC1100 ($170)AVIC

DeclinedNAAnyAudioquest

SubmittedBananaMaestro ($406)Audience

SubmittedBananaMaster Series 10AWGAcousticResearch

StatusTerminationsRequested CableCable Vendor


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Audioholics Cable Face Off II It is of no surprise that Audioquest and

Transparent Cable and Zu Cables declinedour review request since these companiesappear to sell the most pricey cable productsin the industry, and also make the mostquestionable claims (IE. Skin Effect, Diode

rectification, break-in, audiogenic distortion)about said products and offer no measurableproofs or objective facts.


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Rod Elliot Article -

http://sound.westhost.com/cable-z.htm


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AC Resistance [sic]


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Inductance


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Capacitance


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Total Harmonic Distortion Of a signal, the ratio of (a) the sum of the

powers of all harmonic frequencies above thefundamental frequency to (b) the power of thefundamental frequency. Note 1: The THD isusually expressed in dB. Note 2:Measurements for calculating the THD are

made at the output of a device underspecified conditions.

Less than 1% is considered not audible.


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I find your FAQ section to be misleading and misguiding to those who don't understand

basic electronics. I question your business ethics if you can deliberately make such

ludicrous claims as cables causing distortions, or cables requiring break in, etc. You have no

proof for this, nor do you base your reasoning on any valid science. (Audioholics.com)

We totally understand that is very easy to be skeptical about cables.After all, you can't measure it, so how can you possibly hear it? Infact you can hear it - and it really is very easy to hear the

differences. Far from making bogus claims, the principle of cable"break in" is very real. "Breaking in" a cable has everything to dowith the insulation - not the wire itself. The insulation (ordielectric) will absorb energy from the conductor when a current isflowing (i.e. when music is playing). This energy-absorption causes

the dielectric's molecules to re-arrange themselves from arandom order into a uniform order. When the molecules havebeen rearranged, the dielectric will absorb less energy &consequently cause less distortion. The cable is now said to be"broken in" and sound quality is improved. To prove it, simply take 2

pairs of the same cable - one broken in, one new, and compare in thesame system.As for causing distortion - absolutely! All cables cause distortion.Stranded cables cause the worst type of distortion, which is why

we use solid conductors. (AudioQuest)


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ABX Double Blind Testing In the first test, five specialty interconnects from

AudioQuest, MIT, Monster Cable, H.E.A.R., plusBelden cable with Vampire connectors werecompared to a $2.50 blister pack RCA phonointerconnect. Listeners used Etymotic Research

ER4 in-ear phones driven by the headphone jack ofa Bryston 2B power amplifier.

The next three tests are the data from Tom

Nousaine's "Wired Wisdom: The Great ChicagoCable Caper", listed on the ABX periodicals page.


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ABX Double Blind Testing The Type "T1" cables were compared on a

system including an Sumo Andromeda poweramp and JS Engineering Infinite Slopespeakers, by the system's owner. He chose

his own program material and had no timelimit.

The Type "Z" cables were tested on the

system of a high end audio shop employeeincluding: Snell type B-Minor speakers; ForteModel 6 Power Amp; and an outboard DAC.He used his own program material selectedto show the differneces [sic] he expected.


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ABX Double Blind Testing The Type "T2" cables were compared on a

system including a Denon DCD-1290 CDplayer, and Accuphase P-300 poweramplifier, and Snell KII speakers.


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216 / 32 = 50%$990 "T2" SpeakerCable vs. 16 Gauge ZipCord

770 / 139 = 50%Type "Z" BiwiredSpeaker Cable vs. 16

Gauge Zip Cord

14 / 10 = 40%$418 Type "T1" Biwirevs. 16 Gauge Zip Cord

770 / 139 = 50%$2.50 blister pack phonocable vs. PSACS Best

ListenersCorrectResultInterconnects and

Speaker Wires

ABX Double Blind Testing


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Genesis Loudspeaker 1.1


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Genesis Loudspeaker 1.1

92dB 1 watt 1 meterSensitivity

16Hz to 36kHz (+/-1dB)Frequency Response

1250 lbs per sideWeight

Mid-tweetH 90" x W 41.5" x D 5"Woofer tower

H 90" x W 17.5" x D19"

Dimensions

Technical Specifications

Price: $145,000 a pair


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Apogee AFI-4


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Apogee AFI-4 Engineering Data AFI-4/4W Passive/Two-way AFI-4B/4WB Active/Bi-

amped/Two-way Dispersion: AFI-4/4B H: 60 x V: 45,

(rotatable)

AFI-4W/4WB H: 90 x V: 45,(rotatable) Frequency Response (1m on

axis): 58 Hz to 20 kHz 3 dB Max. SPL (@1m):

AFI-4B 122 dB cont./128 dBpeak

PTML (peak transientmechanical limit): AFI-4B 139dB

Sensitivity (1W @ 1m):AFI-4B LF: 99 dB spl/100 Hzto 1.4 kHzHF: 103 dB spl/1.4 kHz to 5kHz

Nominal Impedance:8 ohms, each driver

Max. Power Handling

AFI-4B LF: 200 W cont./800 WpeakHF: 75 W cont./300 W peak

Dimensions:front: 15.3"(389mm) W x

28.2"(716mm) Hrear: 9.9"(252mm) W x28.2"(716mm) Hdepth: 12.1"(307mm)

Weight: 53 lb. (24 kg)

About $900 list price


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Edge NL Signature 1.1


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Edge NL Signature 1.1


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NL Signature 1.1 Amp Chassis: 2

Transformers: 4 Number of Channels: 1

per chassisTransformer

Rating: 4 x 1500 va Total Capacitance:

320,000 uF

Power Rating into 8Ohms: 400watts/channel

Output Impedance: .013ohm

Constant CurrentCapacity: 83.32 amps

Number of Lasers: 2

Input Type: RCA

Approximate Weight: 115pounds x 2

Dimensions: 19"d x 15"wx 9"h

Retail Price: $35,900/pair

The NL Signature One amplifiers use a separate power supply foreach half of the sine wave, two power supplies per chassis.


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KrellFull Power Balance 750 Mcx

(Class A, 750 W, Mono(!), 140 lbs., ~$25k)


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QSC


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QSC


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QSC


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QSC


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Other Statements Short unused RCA connectors

Can damage output connectors by driving a shortcircuit

The sound of polyester capacitors is not asgood as polystyrene

True at RF, not noticeable at 20 kHz

Power supplies must be fast Signal paths must be short


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Things to AvoidTop Ten Signs an Audio Cable Vendor is Selling You Snake OilBy: Gene DellaSala Date: 10/08/03 - www.audioholics.com

Watch out if a:

Cable vendor claims revolutionarybreakthrough in cable technology bypolarizing or biasing the dielectric using abattery.

2

Cable vendor promotes that their productallegedly eliminates audio related Skin Effect

and "Strand Jumping" problems.

1


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Here is an example of the dielectric biasing schemecourtesy of Audioquest. The battery does not make a

complete electrical connection. Thus it is consideredan open circuit.See:http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/audioprinciples/

interconnects/Audioquest_DBS.html

C bl d t th t th i d t


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Cable vendor claims vast improvements in sound by

inserting "Cable Elevators" to raise the cables off thefloor and minimize electron misfiring or static energyfields.

Cable vendor claims that cryogenically freezingcables (or outlets) improves fidelity or measurablychanges electrical properties after the cable isrestored to room temperature.

Cable vendor physically places (+) and (-) wire leads

in separate dielectrics not closely spaced in acommon jacket.

Cable vendor promotes that their productseliminate "Audiogenic", "Diode Rectification"

or any type of non linear distortions.


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Cable vendor claims audible differences existbetween stranded and non-stranded wires ofsame gauge rating, geometry and conductor

spacing.

Cable vendor claims that measurements cannotquantify why their designs are superior and

often misapply engineering principles in theirreasoning but abandon the associatedgoverning laws and metrics that establish them.

Cable vendor claims that their cables require a

"Break In" period.

More Things to Avoid


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Claims of Speaker Cable Resonance at AudioFrequencies

Cable vendor claims wire is directional.

The Speaker cables or interconnects cost more than

a Plasma TV or a lease on a new Infinity G35 sportscoupe.

Cable vendor claims audible differences between

silver and copper cables of equal design geometryand gauge.

Still More Things to Avoid


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Comments from my friendsYes, these guys are very serious. That's what makes themso annoying.

".....we think that the differences between any of the"garden variety" hospital-grade AC outlets and the Acmeare audible....."

Audible. They actually used the word to describe an ACwall outlet.

These guys won't be happy until their entire house is wiredin 6 gauge, platinum, shielded, oxygen free......

Romex.


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Comments from my friendsYou're not still using power off the grid for

audio, are you? Ick. You don't know where it'sbeen.

Wood-fired thermopiles and free range

electrons are the only way.They're fresh and perky, not tired and brittle likegrid electrons.

Don't use too high a voltage when collectingthem or they will bruise.

Put your money into the transducers - me

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Audio Equipment Snake Oil