Glenn Richards wrote:

Ok, here's an interesting one for you...

(Ok, first up, I'll admit I was bored.)

System: Arcam AVR-250, Mordaunt-Short Avant 908 speakers, Chord Rumour 4
speaker cable

Didn't you only get the cable yesterday? It hasn't been burned-in yet
and you've probably got it the wrong way round. From the Chord website:

" Most cables are directional, they sound better when connected in one direction
than the other. As yet, we have found no way to establish the direction by
measurement. During development of an interconnect or speaker cable, we
establish direction through blind listening tests carried out by ourselves,
retailers and hi-fi manufacturers. The results are remarkably consistent.

New cables used to connect hi-fi or home cinema components need some time to
burn-in and sound at their best. The reasons for this are the subject of much
debate but it is very easy to hear the difference between a new cable and one
that has been connected for a month or so. A new cable tends to sound slightly
bright and can bring an almost mechanical quality to the bass. As a cable burns
in the tonal qualities become more natural and music becomes more coherent and
enjoyable."

I suggest you repeat the test on May 1st instead of April Fools Day when your
friend isn't playing practical jokes.

--
Eiron

No good deed ever goes unpunished.