Ludicrous concepts

37 replies
CA
Offline
Calvin
Bronze
Posted July 17, 2012 at 22:57 GMT
#1973839

Ok, here's a topic inspired by something Hardwriter wrote: "Most of these gains seem to be unsupported by any hard measurements and even where it is possible to measure a difference it is questionable"

I thought it would be good to hear some crazy ideas being used to mis-sell hifi to fools with too much money. I'm hoping more for bad science or silly sales pitches, rather than just ugly systems which I think is a topic we've covered before a few times.

I'll kick off with HDMI cables - not the regular ones though. I mean the $100 gold ones that mean better analogue transfer along what is a 1m long digital cable that works the same as a $2 one out a catologue.

JL
Offline
jldmelb
Bronze
Posted July 17, 2012 at 23:10 GMT
#1973840

My favourite has to be burn in on power cables.

T(
Offline
Tonker (archived2)
Bronze
Posted July 18, 2012 at 06:23 GMT
#1973841
We have a relative who spends lots of money on "black pasta bags" that he puts his amplifier on. Supposedly insulates it from external interferences! He also buys record player nibs made from rare woods, and even tries them out individually before buying.
TO
Offline
tournedos
Bronze
Posted July 18, 2012 at 07:28 GMT
#1973842

Jonathan wrote:

My favourite has to be burn in on power cables.

...once you install them on those small towers that keep them isolated from... something.

DI
Offline
Dillen
BronzeModeratorFounder
Posted July 18, 2012 at 07:59 GMT
#1973843

Demagnetizers for copper cables and CD / DVD discs ?

H(
Offline
Hardwriter (archived2)
Bronze
Posted July 18, 2012 at 08:25 GMT
#1973844

Great post, Calvin,

I've always been taken by the amount people spend on power cables. Here's an example: http://www.hdconnectivity.com/hdmi-to-component-converter.html

I used to work for a cable manufacturer and I can assure you none of our engineering team would change from the standard connector cables. Then I don't think any could have afforded to at these prices! From GBP 450!!!

P(
Offline
Puncher (archived2)
Bronze
Posted July 18, 2012 at 08:34 GMT
#1973845

So - what's the correct way to improve an interconnect cable - freeze it in a cryogenic process or heat it up in a cable cooker???

Both can give audible improvements apparently!😮

L(
Offline
langleyav (archived2)
Bronze
Posted July 18, 2012 at 08:55 GMT
#1973846

Many thanks Martin for this link, it's the best laugh I've had this year!!

Ron

BE
Offline
BeoIce
BronzeFounder
Posted July 18, 2012 at 10:56 GMT
#1973847

Jonathan wrote:

My favourite has to be burn in on power cables.

Is this what the youngsters in India do on waste sides to earn money ? 😉

AN
Offline
ans5000
Bronze
Posted July 18, 2012 at 11:11 GMT
#1973848

You could also get the Denon Link Cable from Amazon - some of the reviews are worth looking.

http://www.amazon.com/Denon-AKDL1-Dedicated-Link-Cable/dp/B000I1X6PM/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1342605774&sr=1-1&keywords=Denon+AKDL1+Dedicated+Link+Cable

 

BW

ANS

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