Unequal Cable Lengths

[thedudeabides]

On the other hand, to prove that something does not exist, you would have to check every combination, search the entire world, and ask everyone. Only then you could claim there is no difference between different cable lengths.

Proof of existence requires only one example. That’s logic.

Like yours contrary to others on this thread? Logic? Maybe it's arrogance.

 

[DonH50]

Uncontrolled testing is subject to perceptual bias that is impossible for humans to remove.

 

[ssfas]

On the other hand, to prove that something does not exist, you would have to check every combination, search the entire world, and ask everyone.

Sigh ... I'd rather just enjoy listening to music.

If it makes a difference, why do you ever listen to an audio system with cables of unequal length? I was going to ask what difference you hear, but I'm not really interested.

 

[mtemur]

I heard it, and I cannot unhear it. Cable length is another variable that affects a cable’s sound. A 10 cm difference may not be noticeable on a 1-meter cable, but a 50 cm difference is definitely noticeable. When different lengths are used for different channels, the balance shifts—both in level and tone.

@thedudeabides, @ssfas, and other members I don’t recall, who claim that cable length doesn’t make a difference (e.g., 1m vs. 2m)—what does, then?

By the way, congratulations—you’ve already discovered a superconductor at STP.

 

[DasguteOhr]

Interesting idea but…

1. Not sure that is best practice from a sound standpoint.

2. Wilson LoKes are not meant to be stacked.

3. We set them up to fire into the corners for sound reasons, so sidewall reflections are less of an issue.

Just for physics' sake, your two main speakers generate maximum sound pressure exactly in the middle between the speakers; otherwise, you wouldn't have centered voices.
If you want to extend the bass sound pressure, the best point is exactly in the middle. This results in a uniform frequency response. Another advantage of stacking subwoofers is that you reduce the initial floor reflection; the bass sounds more precise and has more punch. The only subwoofers where stacking doesn't work well are downfire models (enclosures with increased edge reflection).
Just try it out and see how well it works. You'll be surprised how well it works. Of course, some female partners will freak out. the "waf factor" is not high.

 

[ssfas]

I heard it, and I cannot unhear it. Cable length is another variable that affects a cable’s sound. A 10 cm difference may not be noticeable on a 1-meter cable, but a 50 cm difference is definitely noticeable. When different lengths are used for different channels, the balance shifts—both in level and tone.

@thedudeabides, @ssfas, and other members I don’t recall, who claim that cable length doesn’t make a difference (e.g., 1m vs. 2m)—what does, then?

By the way, congratulations—you’ve already discovered a superconductor at STP.

If 50cm of any cable makes a difference to tone and level, that should apply when using two cables, whether or not the same length.

Do you have a component system with lots of cables? It must sound absolutely terrible with all those cables changing the tone and level. Can I suggest you get an all-in-one system or a pair of Dutch & Dutch 8c, which only require an ethernet cable and some power. Problem solved.

I'm not rich (or stupid) enough to buy superconductor cables. I just use cables of specification and design not to have any noticeable detrimental effects, most of of which are the same length.

p.s. My BJC ethernet cables and the Belden 5T00UP are the non-superconductor versions of the QSAL cables. I find superconductor cables impractical to use because you have to set the air conditioning to -200 celsius.