Manley SKIPJACK - Manual (Page 10)

COMPARING CABLES PT.2
What can be done? First, try to use the best and shortest interconnect you can get between the Skipjack and preamp.
Or for interconnect comparisons just use 2 of the preamp channels, avoiding the Skipjack and third interconnect to
the preamp. One could use two Skipjacks and switch the source ends as well so that each interconnect is isolated &
completely disconnected. Or use one Skipjack using the Left side for the source end, and the Right side for
destination (preamp) end, then monitor in mono. In fact, you could combine those methods, use 1 side of
interconnect A between the source and Skipjack, the other side from the Skipjack to one preamp input, and do the
same thing with the other interconnects, Skipjack output 2 and preamp input 2. That compares in isolation, 2
lengths of each interconnect, in mono so that one is less fooled by the effect of stereo.
Or you can do it the good old fashioned way, plug in one set of interconnects, listen, shut audio down, disconnect,
connect the second set of cables, get back to your listening position, turn audio back on, listen and try to remember
what the first set sounded like, of course while listening to the second set. Most people have pretty limited short
term audio memory, and though people with amazing audio memory exist (especially amongst reviewers and some
mixing engineers), audio memory is easily fooled by small differences. So maybe there is no perfect way to compare
audiophile cables in an audiophile system, and maybe the best way if it needs to be done is to try at least two or
three of the methods outlined, making notes along the way.
All of the above is written to just illustrate a few points:
1) The more similar two items are sonically, the more difficult they are to compare.
2) To truly and qualitatively compare two items, one should be aware of the issues and strive to eliminate the
variables. These issues are often little understood too.
3) The time between comparisons should be minimized.
4) Multiple and alternative methods (and source material) should be attempted and encouraged. The easy way
is not the only way or often the best way.
And we can add:
5) Levels need to be matched within 0.1 dB. Otherwise, generally the loudest sounds best. Just using 1kHz to
calibrate might not be enough if the frequency responses are potentially different.
6) Beware that favoritism is often influenced by unrelated factors like price, cosmetics, advertising,
distractions, clues and even moods.
7) Blind A/B and A/B/X comparisons tend to eliminate bias and are the recognized scientific procedure for
serious comparisons and testing.
8) Listening skills are very important. When in doubt choose the one that is most natural, life-like and
realistic. One’s ears are usually the best in the first 5 or 10 minutes then one gets accustomed to the sound
making comparisons hard. On the other hand, some qualities may take longer times to gain appreciation or
irritation.
9) What works in one system and may be the opposite of what works in another so beware of over-
generalizations. We should be aware that both matching and complementary qualities within a system can
skew simple observations.
10) Taste and personal preferences might also be remembered before suggesting that everybody should prefer
‘X’ instead of ‘Y’, blue instead of red. The exception to that rule is my taste and my opinion that
everybody should agree with me. ;>)
Please direct any other more involved questions regarding
the guts or operation of the SKIPJACK to
MANLEY LABS Tech Support for further assistance.
Taking advantage of the amazing technology of email: [email protected]
is the best way to reach us, because we might be eating lunch or something.
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