SSI 2010

Always with the gushing reviews of silly cables and gadgets that do NOTHING. Any acoustic measurements showing these things work? Thought not. Wasn't Nordost the company that had this "revolutionary" new measurement last year that was going to show why cables and such make a difference? yeah they dropped that idea pretty fast I see.

I also attended a Lars demo. None of the changes, not the absurdly expensive power cables, not the cones and definitely not the "Quantum" boxes made the slightest bit of difference to the sound. Not least the sound was nasty to begin with and not one that I'd want in my music room.

Such a waste of money. Have to shill for valued advertisers.

poor you... pretend to be audiophile and dont ear any differences !!

Any Tice Clocks available there?

Wow - you are all entitled to your opinion - but what an odd opinion.. Where is your critical thinking and curiosity? All of you are on Stereophile's website and so it is safe to assume that you all are invested in the concept of better engineering leading to a perceived 'truer' sound, or at least more enjoyable, hence different. This means that you accept there is a notable change brought about when an amplifier, it's own microcosm of design choices, is switched out for another amp. Why not concede that the signal would be altered by many complex interactions and environmental inputs based on choice of metal, method of termination, level of oxidation and other factors.Flatly, do a one on one, blindfolded demo at your local high-end shop, with 16 gauge copper wire and, let's say Nordost Red Dawn. Only allow them to swap, no commenting. If you hear a difference then there you go. Preferences aside, you have explored a neat concept and that's what this is all about.. Not, y'know, being close-minded.

@Chris, my curiosity lead me to the Nordost demo at the show. My ears lead me away with my wallet still closed.Of course, practically anything in a hifi system (including the mental state of the listener) can make things sound different. However, those differences may not be audible, and even audible differences don't mean more accurate and certainly don't always mean "better".My critical thinking lead me to search about the Quantum QRT products. The word "quantum" is seriously abused and almost never used with any degree of scientific accuracy. The QRT literature reads very poorly for anyone with even the merest hint of understanding of physics. From what little I can find out about their measurements, the methodology has serious flaws in it. My critical thinking says that my ears are right.

I only use rare Albanian single threaded silver with $2200 banana plugs. To me, the sound is fuller, more life-like, and exhibits dynamic range. Of course, single threaded silver requires 2-3000 hours of break in. I use a test disc consisting only of Keith Emerson outtakes played in minor keys.

@Walla Walla - Sarcasm, even with cleverly appropriate details ( heh, Keith... ) is just snarky. It's the comedic equivalent of a tantrum. Whee. Fun.@Natt - I appreciate the very even-handed reply and don't disagree with anything you had to say. I have personally heard the demo and one's like it, literally hundreds of times - I'm a dealer and before that I worked for a great Bay Area shop. I'm not a 'fan' of tweaks, or overpriced under-performing junk. I don't take pleasure in making unfair profits by talking some guy into a purchase. I run a 'A/B/A' demonstration based store, as that is the only way to compare and educate our rather subjective hobby and I don't push any one brand's product as they are all differing approaches with differing results. People like what they like but in 8 years of being involved on this end of things I've not had a lot of demos, though some, where the interested party just couldn't hear a difference. I don't 'prime' my clients, I just say this is 'A', this is 'B', here we go.

I do recall that the magazine was going to test the previous absurd claims of this outfit on claims of finding a NEW method of why wires matter, or something along them lines. How's that coming? always a "breakthrough" always an improvement. It's sure seemingly nonsense. Didn't Bybee quantum stuff better? Why wasn't this listened to without knowing what is what, never seem to do that on these claims, could that maybe make teh writer look foolish, unable to hear anything?

I do recall that the magazine was going to test the previous absurd claims of this outfit on claims of finding a NEW method of why wires matter, or something along them lines. How's that coming? always a "breakthrough" always an improvement. It's sure seemingly nonsense. Didn't Bybee quantum stuff better? Why wasn't this listened to without knowing what is what, never seem to do that on these claims, could that maybe make the writer look foolish, unable to hear anything?

Why not just call Nordost and ask them to explain the process - I've had a sit down with Lars and the guys I used to work with and their explanation was very simple and made perfect sense - although, to Natt's credit, there seemed to be nothing 'Quantum' about it in the intention of the branding at least.What there was - was a clearly defined positive change, in my subjective opinion.

I think when you sit too close, they hypnotize you into believing, that it all makes a difference. And that THEY have the reason, at least until the next ad cycle comes to be, then it's another approach to the magic of it all. High prices, not high performance.

My first time on the blog.I cannot help but comment on these posts.I am an Engineer and a realist (or so I think!) and over my 35 year hobby of audio system upgrading I have seen this debate many times.Anyone remember Zerostat Pistol, or RATA record cleaners, exotic speaker cables or any other (now)commonly accepted tweaks & accessories?I was there for Linn demos when most said "it will make no difference...".All I can say is if you hear a difference, and it sounds better TO YOU, then it is an improvement.If this is due to the Quantum unit or some other box of tricks; it is reproduceable and you think the price is worth it, then voila! It is a worthwhile spend and upgrade. If Pete down the pub cannot hear it then who cares?The enthusiast/expert who publicises the matter is simply helping others by bringing possibilities to their attention - For this, thanks are in order. Don't shoot the messenger...Final note - Those that fear the "con" are just unsure of their own ability to decide!