Headphones

[Evan]

However saying that the "extra special cost" wires are going to be appreciably better than Home Despot wire is just about as suspect. Signal degradation and signal interference are real phenomenons but they are also quantifiable. Until someone shows up with some empirical data for these variables the jury is out.

Of course if you use gold cables with super-shielding you're going to get a better signal, that's not debateable. What is debateable is whether the difference leads to significant and appreciable differences in end product sound quality. Then the next question is whether the difference is worth the price premium.

One important thing to consider when it comes to audio is that any small bit of interference or degredation (any anomoly) is amplified, and makes a big difference in final quality. So while it may not seem that a home depot roll of twisted copper pair is much different, even if it lets in a tiny bit more interference or cross-signal then it is going to come out in the audio.

And as for price difference, this is why the experts recommend your interconnect budget as a percentage of your total budget. NOt a flat out "buy the best shit period"
If you have a $200 sony reciever and dvd player, getting high dollar kimber cables wont make a damn difference.

And dont think that Im just sitting here justifying my purchases to everyone. I dont buy the expensive shit. I use esoteric and AR wires, which are a good deal for the money and better than any monster shit, but still reasonably priced. (I admit, I have some Monster stuff too from when I worked at circuit city. it is silly cheap when gotten at cost)