I am a fairly knowledgeable consumer. I built (from a kit) my own 2a3 tube based amps, 12au7 (tube) based pre, and speakers. I definitely understand how changing various components can impact sound.
I think change and improve can both be accurate statements.
I've heard cables that basically served as a tone control. Add or subtract a little treble or bass. To me that is a simple change.
The first time I bought "audiophile" cables it was a definite improvement. I tried Dark Side of the Moon. Suddenly I was making out the subtlest whispers and details. Marked improvement. ....
Yes, change and 'improve' can both be accurate statements. I meant that if it didn't come across.
I won't 'argue' about what someone says they hear. That is perception, and I can't get in their head.
I'm an amateur musician, and I have been amazed at what I can hear in an instrument that I didn't hear at first, and I'm certain the vast majority of people would not hear. Perception can be amazingly sensitive.
That said, I'm also an engineer, and a cable is made up of R,L, and C. You could talk about coupling as well, but with the low impedance and low efficiency of speakers, I don't expect reasonable differences would make a difference. And for there to be a real difference to hear, there has to be a real difference (that is, if the perception has an actual physical basis)! The engineer in me, who is also listening to the musician in me says, most of these difference don't qualify as being great enough to expect someone to actually perceive. Color me skeptical.
Very few double blind test are done by audio companies concerning cable audio effects. ...
Although blind listening test would seem to settle the issue, I think it can be difficult. I have a hard time picking out a low bit rate mp3 from a higher bit rate in a side-side test. However, it seems to me that I 'tire' and get bored with the low bit rate after 10 minutes or so. I suspect that the stuff that is missing, while not immediately obvious, does take a toll over some time.
I compare it to a car seat - two different seats might seem fine for a 5 minute test drive, but maybe one becomes unbearable to sit in for five hours. But hey, you tested them side-by-side!
Distortion vs enhancement is in the ear of the listener. Tube listeners like certain distortion and I admit that I like the sound of some tube amps better than the more accurate reproduction of the recording. But accept that for what it is--you are changing the sound from what was recorded. ...
Yep. I have no doubt that his system sounds fantastic. But that can be because of the distortion. Heck, it's all an illusion anyway, it's ALL distortion in a sense. Nothing wrong in picking the distortion you like. But I agree, it is best to recognize it for what it is.
-ERD50