Ah, but it can be measured and shown. Perhaps not on a simple 'scope,
but it can easily be shown.
But, here is the problem:
I can show how 2 cables measure differently. I can even show you how
reversing the direction of the cable will measure differently. What I
can not tell you is which one will sound better. Only different.
Back to optimum length:
Probably the only safe bet would be to say "Anything under this length
probably won't sound very good. Beyond that length, it may or may not
make any appreciable difference."
The rationale for all of this has to do with the round-trip delay for
the first reflection off of the receiver input. Along with the rise
time of the associated electronics. Yep, really nothing more than a
delay line. Although some cables may have some other very minor
effects.
The basic parameters one would measure on any cable would be its
impedance and attenuation vs frequency. I have personally measured some
very expensive cables that were 50R, as opposed to 75R. Despite the
adamant claims from its manufacturer. ("I had some guys that I know who
work for Motorola, and they measured it for me and swear it is 75R." All
he had to do was look up the p/n in the catalogue of the company that
made the cable itself and he would not have needed to waste his money
or my time.)
BTW, try making a really cheap cable and see if it will sell. We had
one that cost us $20 or so to make, and 80% of that was the cost of the
BNC connectors. We ended up literally giving them away with every
purchase of a D/A box. Despite the fact that it sounded better than
anything on the market under $200, and was widely used at CES that
year, no dealer would touch it.
Not enough profit in something inexpensive. Plus, who would spend $400
if you could get something that beat it for 1/5 the price?
Pat
--
ar-t
http://www.analogresearch-technology.net
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