[Peridot]

One of the principle reasons for using good quality cables and connectors on signal and power cables is to achieve a low impedance interface at each connection point.

However that well known purveyor of so called 'quality' cables, Mr Russ Andrews is now selling cables with additional impedance wired in .

Indeed for the lowly sum of £90 you can even buy a pair of male and female phono plugs with a resistor connected between them in order to 'upgrade' your existing interconnects by adding impedance to them.

Clearly understanding that many of us might be confused by this concept, RA has had one of his little elves provide an enlightening explanation in the recent 'Connected' newsletter. I quote :

"The purpose of our attenuated interconnects is to allow you to match the output of your CD player to your amp so that it doesn't overload the circuit. It does this by reducing the output level of your CD player so that in effect it becomes an analogue source (ie. one with a lower output) which will still go as loud as you need it to (you just have to turn your volume control a bit more) yet sounds more relaxed and natural and with a more 3-dimensional soundstage."


There should be a law against this kind of thing

[Chris Muriel]

A resistor across the outputs could be used for correct termination - quite common in some circles.
Depends on both the source and load impedance of the 2 interconnected equipments.

Chris Muriel, Manchester

[England100]

Cost of 2 resistors - 2p.

So is a CD output higher than 'analogue' and amps are overloaded?

So a lower input results in 'sounds more relaxed and natural and with a more 3-dimensional soundstage'.

[Ightenhill]

LOL. Its actually one of the few things in the catalogue thats right I think. Though you could get one cheaper elsewhere.

The problem is in CD players which often have a higher than 2V output. My experience here is that attenuation can help with channel balance and making volume adjustments at low level (as well as matching the levels of other components better). It improves some aspects of the sound but not all and may actually shave some info off.

Would I actually use one.. No..

[CJROSS]

Originally Posted by Peridot

There should be a law against this kind of thing

There is a law against making claims in print that cannot be "substantiated" & were "truthfulness" is questionable, the ASA can act upon complaints :

Power Cables

RA get's it right between the eyes, one would hope a level of sanity may now prevail with some of these wacky claims.