My DIY vs audioquest

PerfectCreature
PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
edited May 2010 in The Clubhouse
So friend of mine bought some audioquest rocket 33 off ebay a few months ago and decided that my home made ones were crap (I tried my best...I really did-ha)
I put them head to head and really couldn't tell much of a difference between the two...
I mean the 33s sounded a tad bit more detailed but I mean I really could not make out which were which when I had my my other friend mix up the cables.
Did I do the test wrong or is audioquest cable just like consumer grade power wire (just dressed up)?
Receiver
Harman Kardon HK 3490
Speakers
Polk Audio Monitor 50s
Subwoofer
Klipsch KSW-100
Cables
AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

Alienware X51 R2
PS4
Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
Post edited by PerfectCreature on
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited May 2010
    I just wanted to make sure that we did the testing right because he was a little upset that my homemade wires that cost me about $40 all said and done (with a crummy setback that my receiver does not accept spades) sounded just as good or if not close to his which he paid about 140 for which I suppose is a great deal since they are something around 250 new?
    I was just kind of exited that my DIYs sounded so good :D or rather could compete to higher end brands.
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
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  • reberly
    reberly Posts: 173
    edited May 2010
    This hobby is all about what sounds good to you. I am often amused by people here who claim to here such subtle musical differences in such things as power cords, speaker cables and so forth from ears that are 40,50 and over 60 years of age.

    Ive been reading your posts for what seems like weeks and I am afraid you are not really enjoying whatever setup you currently have. If you are having fun with all the experimentation thats cool, if not give it up and just sit back and enjoy the music.
    Onkyo TX-SR805
    Polk LSi15 , LSiC, LSiFX
    Parasound Halo A52
    Panasonic 42'' Plasma
    Oppo BDP-83
    Sonos
    Panamax 4300
    Audioquest cables
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  • mdaudioguy
    mdaudioguy Posts: 5,165
    edited May 2010
    PerfectCreature wrote: »
    I just wanted to make sure that we did the testing right because he was a little upset that my homemade wires that cost me about $40 all said and done (with a crummy setback that my receiver does not accept spades) sounded just as good or if not close to his which he paid about 140 for which I suppose is a great deal since they are something around 250 new?
    I was just kind of exited that my DIYs sounded so good :D or rather could compete to higher end brands.

    How could you do the "testing" wrong? One person switches the cables, while the other person listens, and presumably doesn't know which set he's listening to... What else are you looking for? Also, while you have nice stuff, you might not be able to tell the difference. Then again, maybe there is no difference. :)
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited May 2010
    Yeah I am content with what I have at the moment. I just thought it amusing that you really can't hear much of any difference between the cable, at least to my ears any way.
    I mean in the beginning I was considering spending money for the "higher cables" But now that I know that I have used consumer grade wire for my DIY (Which are still not dressed up yet...back order sucks) I feel comfortable with the route I went with.
    I mean plus I had fun-up until i realized that spades would not work for the receiver end...and have yet to find a banana plug that is reasonably priced that can accept two 12 gauge wires and two 14 gauge wires in one plug (If anyone has an idea as to what may work please let me know)

    I mean I could see if I had set-ups like the majority of the members do here in taking faith in the the claims that the cables make but since mine is... per se' entry level grade stuff and I am still learning quite a lot about this new found hobby for now my DIY cables will do just fine.
    SO don't get me wrong in thinking that I am unhappy with what I have. I put a lot of though and effort in what I bought and know that I will have it for a few more years since I am still in debt with my college and one more year to go.

    Something tells me that is going to be a HUGE distraction ^^
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited May 2010
    Actually got most of my info from archives on the forum...
    A few people made some really nice looking cables... I tried to match them as best I could with my own spin.
    I just like to double check what I do with people that know more than I about the subject I am asking about.
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
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  • PSOVLSK
    PSOVLSK Posts: 5,194
    edited May 2010
    I saved you a 100 bucks by buying the MIT's from Lazareth;)

    What's wrong with me? All these posts from Keiko and I'm talking about speaker cables.
    Things work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out.-John Wooden
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,953
    edited May 2010
    PC- What we were trying to tell you before, that little difference you heard in the cables, is little because not so much the cables,but the limits of your speakers and/or gear. Eventually you'll move up the chain and the differences will become more obvious.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited May 2010
    Yeah that's what I kind of figured about the cables...
    For now I am all set...
    SHould do a poll on who would trade ALL of thier gear for her. At thier house for one night...
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
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  • seeclear
    seeclear Posts: 1,242
    edited May 2010
    seeclear wrote: »
    NTTAWRT

    HUH? :confused:

    I meant--NTTAWWT
    "Don't forget to change your politician. They are like diapers they need to be changed regularly, and for the same reason."
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,953
    edited May 2010
    Yeah Mike...if thats your piano teacher,whats your exterminator look like?
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited May 2010
    reberly wrote: »
    This hobby is all about what sounds good to you. I am often amused by people here who claim to here such subtle musical differences in such things as power cords, speaker cables and so forth from ears that are 40,50 and over 60 years of age.

    Glad we amuse you. Most people in this hobby that are 40, 50 and over 60 years of age have years of experienced listening to music on all sorts of gear and cabling and hear things that kids just starting out don't. It's called training. It's just like me saying to an experienced wine taster that I am amused that they can taste all the ingrediants to go in to making the wine. Just because I can't taste it with my untrained taste buds doesn't mean the experienced wine taster can't.

    Still amused?:rolleyes:

    Mike, gosh she is gorgeous silicone or not! She takes my breath away.
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited May 2010
    I think Viagra might be the order of the day!:eek::D My ears work just fine but sometimes, well, ya know . . . :p:D
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited May 2010
    Oh dear... someone used the viagra...don't you know cialis (may have spelled it wrong) has replaced viagra.
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited May 2010
    PerfectCreature wrote: »
    Oh dear... someone used the viagra...don't you know cialis (may have spelled it wrong) has replaced viagra.

    Cialis sucks and gives you back aches. Levitra is the best though!
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited May 2010
    I would think if you have to take either that all the work would be giving you the back aches and not the medicine...if anything the side effects should be nothing compared to the results you get....
    Heh... know what I mean?
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited May 2010
    PerfectCreature wrote: »
    I would think if you have to take either that all the work would be giving you the back aches and not the medicine...if anything the side effects should be nothing compared to the results you get....
    Heh... know what I mean?

    How did I know that was coming!
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited May 2010
    I dunno...maybe from experience...
    Odd you seem to know all this stuff...
    Hiding something are we?

    Well class lets review.
    The lesson today is subject change and most of all association.
    What goes well with cables?
    BABES...and what goes with babes?
    BONERS...
    and with boners?
    MEDICATION
    Very good class.
    Class dismissed.
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited May 2010
    Yeah I am hiding Wonder PIE in my basement as we speak.
    ;)
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,212
    edited May 2010
    I am shocked Xcapri79 has not reported this thread as I'm sure this has to be offensive to his morals. I really think he is after Marks job.
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited May 2010
    It has got a bit off the walls considering we went from a complete legit forum topic, to Wonder PIE...to... Viagra and sex enhancers. Then to kidnapping...
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,212
    edited May 2010
    keiko wrote: »
    oh hell no! If that becomes a mod, i'll have my account deleted. Just his presence is offensive to my morals. :mad:


    Lmao! X, a mod? Pffft! :d


    lol!!!
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited May 2010
    Keiko wrote: »
    OH HELL NO! If that becomes a mod,

    Spoken with such a cold heart...I sense quite a bit of distaste.
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited May 2010
    Did not really take much to Star Wars... So no not really.
    I don't even think I watched the movies to be honest....
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited May 2010
    Ugh, all this talk about PIE is making me crave food.
    I wouldn't mine a piece of PIE right now though...
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TECHNOKID
    TECHNOKID Posts: 4,298
    edited May 2010
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    I think Viagra might be the order of the day!:eek::D My ears work just fine but sometimes, well, ya know . . . :p:D
    Ok, hearing good but....

    from experience...
    PerfectCreature wrote: »
    Oh dear... someone used the viagra...don't you know cialis (may have spelled it wrong) has replaced viagra.
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    Cialis sucks and gives you back aches. Levitra is the best though!
    ...as cialis is Lo end while Levitra is High end, right ;)
    PerfectCreature wrote: »
    I would think if you have to take either that all the work would be giving you the back aches and not the medicine...if anything the side effects should be nothing compared to the results you get....
    Heh... know what I mean?
    Hummm, looks like a couple old **** discussing their crutches requirements. A little exercise is hard on your back :confused::rolleyes::D:eek::p
    hearingimpared wrote: »
    How did I know that _ was coming!
    Is NOT knowing one of the side effect?
    PerfectCreature wrote: »
    I dunno...maybe from experience...
    Odd you seem to know all this stuff...
    Hiding something are we?[/I]
    You are definitely NOT ;)

    Anyway, thank you for your enlightment guys as this is good info for when I get old enough to have such requirement :o:p

    Cheers!
    TK
    DARE TO SOAR:
    “Your attitude, almost always determine your altitude in life” ;)
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  • BuckeyeTim
    BuckeyeTim Posts: 483
    edited May 2010
    1234
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  • PerfectCreature
    PerfectCreature Posts: 1,456
    edited May 2010
    How we turned this into a learning experience I have no clue,
    But none the less, we are getting something out of it..
    I wonder how many guests, look at this thinking its about cables and find out what its really about.
    Receiver
    Harman Kardon HK 3490
    Speakers
    Polk Audio Monitor 50s
    Subwoofer
    Klipsch KSW-100
    Cables
    AudioQuest Rocket 33s 10ft
    AudioQuest Optilink1 2m
    AudioQuest Alpha-Snake 25ft Interconnect
    AudioQuest HDMI-1 2m

    Alienware X51 R2
    PS4
    Samsung Smart TV 40" 1080p 3D
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited May 2010
    You need to get your head on straight kid.

    FYI, not every cable will sound different. You probably built a cable with similar specs to the Audioquest you compared it to. Now pick up a pair of Goertz, MIT, or build a pair of all silver cables and you should hear a difference, provided your rig is transparent enough.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited May 2010
    PerfectCreature wrote: »
    How we turned this into a learning experience I have no clue,
    But none the less, we are getting something out of it..
    I wonder how many guests, look at this thinking its about cables and find out what its really about.

    I believe they would be pleasantly surprised!:D;)
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  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,189
    edited May 2010
    Keiko wrote: »
    93529cb9c3.jpg

    I need her number. I'm a Guitar player but I can fool around on the piano. It would be nice to be instructed by a talented teacher.

    Hook me up
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
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This discussion has been closed.