ESP MusicCord

[Bob Lee (QSC)]

No, the second sample sounds consistently different, even with variations in his attack. Jimmy is not contesting that they sound different, he's simply attributing it to "playing harder".

Did you watch the vid? Are you unable to detect any difference?

Jimmy admits there is a different sound, somehow better sound. He's suggesting that Michael is intentionally playing differently.

But he is playing differently, maybe unintentionally, and the change in tone is really all due to the power cord.

Got it.

 

[seamonkey]

We aren't discussing validity. I was establishing reliability, which is necessary but not sufficient for validity.

Yes, my own testing was not double blind and has major validity threats, but I don't think it's probable that my assessment would be as reliable if psychological expectancy was the main reason I was hearing a difference. We would have seen my ability to distinguish between the two cables diminish over time, assuming that whatever psychological state that previous posters were attributing to my "mishearing" was not sustainable. That's the point of test/rest- eliminating variables that could be influencing the the outcome due to situational factors, such as my arousal level during the test.

Jimmy would need to to his test again over time to establish that he had the same results (no discernible difference); reliability.

I'm not disagreeing with you that there are some validity issues. That being said, my test has some degree of validity, even w/o it being double blind. Just because it's not double blind does not mean it has no validity.

Sorry - but now you're into special pleading. Do the test over and over until you hear a difference.

Dowser, and physics can't win Randi's million because when ever they're tested there's always some special circumstance that prevents them from performing. The cameras are upsetting the vibe, the test itself is interfering .... thousands of excuses. A dowser or physic may get lucky once in a 100 tries. But they can't reliable repeat their results.

The Amazing Power Balance Bracelet - the orthodontic shoe inserts that improve balance - all scams. Watch the infomercials and see People thinking their balance has improved or their flexibility increased. They don't work, and it's been scientifically proven they don't work. Power cords are never going to fall under the watch of medical devices, but these cords just don't do what you think.

I see high end cable companies selling cat5 and cat6 cables for home networks - or expensive hdmi for home theater - it's nuts.

I don't mean to harp on you man. I really think you're intelligent here. Other's it not worth discussion with. They often plead ignorance "I don't know the science - but it works for me." I think you can objectively look at the science here.

 

[Febs]

The cable continues to make a similar tonal difference when plugged into an extension cord or any crap outlet on stage.

cybersnyder seems to feel that the cable does not make a difference when used with an extension cord. Perhaps that is the difference between his standard cable and your pro version.

 

[Bob Lee (QSC)]

I will bet anyone on here $50 that they can't pick out the ESP cord with any reliability. Of course, your standard of proof that the results are legit will be mighty high for me to pony up but I would absolutely pay if you met that burden of proof.

I'll add to your $50, Jimmy, and make it $100.

 

[superbassman2000]

Just for fun I'd like to see someone dissect the cable too, to see what exactly they are doing differently

 

[stingraysvt]

Wow this cord is getting a beating. I heard the difference, I've heard as discernible of a difference changing pickups as well, albeit, my Lane Poor MM was the bomb-diggity, I heard a huge difference there.

Price wise the pickups were as much as the cord so it would not be a huge stretch to have every possible advantage working for you.

I just don't gig to the degree I used to and now the purchase seems frivolous at best.

 

[JimmyM]

I think you're way off on this. I paid $119 for the cable and even if there are no sonic differences the build quality alone is worth it.

Got zero problem with the build quality, Rich. It's absolutely solid and looks like it would last through nuclear war. So sell it for $120 based on the idea that it is the most solid power cord you will ever see in your life. That wouldn't be lying, and he'd probably still have right around the same amount of customers. I just have a problem with the supernatural claims in the face of so much evidence that it's bunk.

 

[Robin Ruscio]

Maybe not no validity--at the very least, it points out how susceptible one is to suggestion. But as a comparison, it's pretty worthless.

The validity of my not blind test is not totally worthless. One of the ways test validity is established is by using expert opinions. I am an expert on bass tone. I report a discernible difference. I have demonstrated consistent reliability in my findings, as have many other professionals. Our entire experience cannot be discounted as "suggestion".

 

[willgroove2]

Jimmy M took the time to check it out and didn't hear the difference;Valid first hand observation

I checked it out and hear the difference;Valid first hand observation


The endorsers are not paid to use the product,people will lie if you give them money sometimes

There are pro bassist who will only use High end audio cable,string's,straps etc

there are others who will tell you that none of that stuff matters and that great playing and sound has come from basic inexpensive gear,both true point's.

most of the people with first-hand, hands on experiences with the product like it and would buy another one

good discussion, make up your mind for yourself

 

[Bob Lee (QSC)]

The validity of my not blind test is not totally worthless. One of the ways test validity is established is by using expert opinions. I am an expert on bass tone. I report a discernible difference. I have demonstrated consistent reliability in my findings, as have many other professionals. Our entire experience cannot be discounted as "suggestion".

Sorry, but as a comparison, it is indeed worthless because of the poor rigor of the test. A poor test done by an expert is still a poor test.

 

[seamonkey]

The validity of my not blind test is not totally worthless. One of the ways test validity is established is by using expert opinions. I am an expert on bass tone. I report a discernible difference. I have demonstrated consistent reliability in my findings, as have many other professionals. Our entire experience cannot be discounted as "suggestion".

Yes it can.

The majority isn't right because it's the majority. The science is right or wrong. Science is set up to self correct. It does.

At a point in history the majority of people smoked and doctors even recommended it to some patients. Science corrected the majority opinion on this.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Just for fun I'd like to see someone dissect the cable too, to see what exactly they are doing differently

I'm not going to cut mine, but here is a diagram:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[Selta]

Kind of curious... does this company hold any patents or anything?

 

[JAUQO III-X]

Kind of curious... does this company hold any patents?

Yes the company does.

 

[Spencer!]

I'll add to your $50, Jimmy, and make it $100.

How about $150?

This is a case of your brain tricking your ears. If you know the ESP cord is being used, your brain will tell you it sounds better.

 

[Bob Lee (QSC)]

Kind of curious... does this company hold any patents or anything?

Design patents.

I don't see any technology patents.

 

[Robin Ruscio]

Sorry - but now you're into special pleading. Do the test over and over until you hear a difference.

I don't mean to harp on you man. I really think you're intelligent here. Other's it not worth discussion with. They often plead ignorance "I don't know the science - but it works for me." I think you can objectively look at the science here.

I'm actually not claiming any knowledge of electrical engineering; my professional background is in psychology. And evaluating bass tone for twenty years.

Test/retest is a method for establishing reliability in psych testing. I'm demonstrating that my subjective evaluation of the cable is not due to some psychological artifact. Those people with the ortho things, ask them a year later and they likely will admit they could not detect the benefit over time. I

I actually have not seen any explanation of why improving a power cable could not effect the performance of an amplifier, unless I missed it previously in this thread, there seems to be some assumption that this is true. Care to share a link?

 

[Bob Lee (QSC)]

I'm demonstrating that my subjective evaluation of the cable is not due to some psychological artifact.

You would have to do a double-blind test to actually demonstrate that.

I actually have not seen any explanation of why improving a power cable could not effect the performance of an amplifier, unless I missed it previously in this thread, there seems to be some assumption that this is true. Care to share a link?

There have been several explanatory posts. The extraordinary claim, though, is that a certain power cord can improve the performance of an amp over the amp being used with another non-defective cord. No proof to support the extraordinary claim has been offered, only anecdotal evidence.

 

[JimmyM]

How about $150?

Wow, $150 and all you have to do is prove that you can reliably pick out the ESP from a cheapo every time and be able to prove you didn't falsify the results? Why, you could buy another ESP cable if you could do that!



Listen, I know some of you guys wouldn't wipe your butts with $150, but for most of us, that would be a great incentive to do a legit test with it. Why do I get the feeling that nobody will?

 

[Infidelity]

All I know is I can't afford it..