Posted by Malcolm Steward on 8/20/10 • Categorized as Audio

I have withdrawn the article that appears to have upset so many computer enthusiasts.

I realise that the opinion I expressed in it was contentious but the reaction from some individuals was way too extreme. I think that wishing death upon someone because they wrote how they witnessed a change in the way their hi-fi sounded when they swapped a cable in a NAS is a bit of an over-reaction. Anyone in my office, including my wife and children, can read my email and they were not impressed by this and the volume of similarly aggressive correspondance.

I know full well that it is ‘scientifically’ not possible for a data cable to exert such influence but I know what we heard and hoped that maybe someone might be able to throw some light on what might be going on. While a couple of people kindly wrote and did just that most people simply said “It’s just ones and noughts, you stupid (expletive),” which wasn’t especially helpful.

Haaaaaaaaaaaaaahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa. That last sentence is A-MA-ZING!

An acquaintance says" how can anything that small be any good " denying the capacity and fidelity of my ipod. his collection of upto 35 year old vinyl and cd's is the pinnacle of audio fidelity in his view. Some just won't be told.

And before anyone starts on the fidelity issue his speakers date from the late 70's too

if he knew it wasnt possible, then why make the post? as an audiophile, he should be aware of the placebo effect. this smells of publicity stunt

So let me get this "straight" - what he's saying is that with a "normal" cable, a "1" goes in one end and comes out "different" at the other? What happens? Does it get a bit chipped as it passes down the cable? Do the zeros flow easier because they're rounder off and can get around the bends easier?