Ethernet cable extension upgrade

[Fergus]

I do object to the rudeness above, however tongue in cheek it my seem to be.

I don’t think there is anything “tongue in cheek” about it!

Let’s keep it about Lenco and music and these differences can be played out elsewhere.

[aboos]

As said, I do not insist that my try for an explanation is indeed the root cause. What I want to say is that there may be a real difference but the root cause is not yet identified.
And yes, sometimes it is no difference and the perceived difference is pure imagination - I made a knot into the cable and therefore there must be a difference.
But if we assume that there is a difference and people do not have only imagination, there must be a reason. And sometimes, I would wish that people put their brains together and try to identify possible root causes instead of telling each other that they are idiots, completely ignorant or even worse.
Identifying root causes in such cases would really bring us forward. Advances in technology and science only happen if people question the status quo and try to find causes for unexplainable observations.

[Clive]

As said, I do not insist that my try for an explanation is indeed the root cause. What I want to say is that there may be a real difference but the root cause is not yet identified.
And yes, sometimes it is no difference and the perceived difference is pure imagination - I made a knot into the cable and therefore there must be a difference.
But if we assume that there is a difference and people do not have only imagination, there must be a reason. And sometimes, I would wish that people put their brains together and try to identify possible root causes instead of telling each other that they are idiots, completely ignorant or even worse.
Identifying root causes in such cases would really bring us forward. Advances in technology and science only happen if people question the status quo and try to find causes for unexplainable observations.

My hypothesis is that noise is getting into the system, Streamer and DAC (especially when they are integrated), possibly noise travels further down the chain too.  When I’ve spoken with digital designers they’ve told me that galvanic isolation (typically via a very small transformer) sounds like it’s perfect isolation but in reality this is far from the case.

[Johnjc]

I don’t think there is anything “tongue in cheek” about it!

Let’s keep it about Lenco and music and these differences can be played out elsewhere.

You have a good point and perhaps time for me to head to the background.

[willbewill]

I played quite a few tracks from my test playlist using my Auralic Altair streaming DAC.  At first I thought I could hear a difference but as I tried more songs I decided I really couldn't hear any improvement.  Lots of factors in play here of course, different system to Vic's, different room etc.  Auralic, according to reviews, have gone to great lengths to reduce noise so maybe it the Altair doesn't need any extra help in this area or maybe my hearing isn't good enough to hear the difference but it's usually good enough to hear other changes to my system.

So, it was worth a try given I respect Vic's opinions but not for me.

I concur with Ian listened to UHD tracks streamed from Amazon via Wiim Pro Plus into my Marantz PM6007 via optical and listened on Sony MDR-7506 headphones. Spent time plugging in and unplugging the cable in/out of chain over and over with the same tracks, like Ian I thought I could perceive a difference but after many swaps have come to the conclusion that it makes no difference in my system. But for the price of a cheap LP it was worth trying just to decide for myself.

[Johnjc]

Your perspective on psychoacoustics is intriguing and highlights an essential yet often overlooked aspect of sound perception. The discipline of psychoacoustics indeed bridges the gap between the physiological and psychological dimensions of hearing, offering valuable insights into how we perceive sound in various contexts.

It’s important to acknowledge that psychoacoustics does not dismiss the subjective experiences of listeners, even when these experiences cannot be directly correlated with measurable physical or electronic changes. Instead, it opens up a broader field of investigation, considering factors such as environmental conditions (like temperature affecting loudspeaker membranes) and individual differences in auditory perception. These factors underscore that our understanding of sound is not solely rooted in technical specifications but is also deeply influenced by our psychological and physiological makeup.

However, the critique that this field is often misunderstood or misrepresented, especially to non-technical audiences, is valid. The misconception that unexplained auditory effects make listeners appear foolish is a misinterpretation of the field’s findings. Psychoacoustics aims to explore and explain these phenomena, not to undermine the listener’s experience.

Moreover, dismissing anecdotal evidence with non-arguments such as "You need to try first" or "I hear it" without further investigation is indeed counterproductive. It’s crucial to approach these claims with a balance of open-mindedness and scientific rigor. Encouraging blind tests and empirical research rather than outright rejection or uncritical acceptance can foster a more nuanced understanding of sound perception.

In summary, psychoacoustics enriches our comprehension of auditory experiences, acknowledging both the measurable and the subjective elements of sound. It encourages a scientific approach to understanding these experiences while respecting the listener’s perception, paving the way for continued research and discovery in the field.

[Johnjc]

On a more personal front I see perception as part of our neurodiverse experience, one that is unique to the individual.
The trouble with the whole objective Vs subjective experience, is that the understanding of sound is objective and the enjoyment of music is subjective. The two can sometimes clash.
In the end I don't have anything to prove I am happy with my subjective experience of music.