ESP MusicCord

[Febs]

I just found out they have 2 sets of recordings on their site you can download. They say the only thing changed was the power cords. I have just toggled between the first couple of seconds of each file and I can't make a distinction between the two on either set, but I don't have audiophile grade ears. Maybe others will have better luck.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Yes, those are the clips that I mentioned earlier in the thread and that I suggested to Jauqo as a blind test that involves no tricks. He continues to refuse to answer my question about whether using a computer-based ABX program with those clips would be a fair test.

Here's a link to a Mac-based ABX program that I found through Google: http://emptymusic.com/software/ABXer.html

 

[Mark Reccord]

I had a chance to quickly check the MusicCord out in a fully sighted, totally non-scientific way last night. I ABed it with a regular 18AWG IEC and a heavy duty 14AWG one using my Sterling5, my GK MB200 and my Bergantino HT112. I further tested it with the MB200 and my trusty AKG K-701 headphones. My early conclusion is that the ESP cable works...


Just like any other power cable.


I heard no differences. I thought I did a couple of times early on but on further listening I came to the conclusion that there is no sonic difference. I realize that my expectation bias might indeed be affecting my perception which is why I'm going to do a blind test with a couple of unsuspecting musician friends on top of taking measurements and having my hardcore audiophile former boss try it in his system.

 

[billfitzmaurice]

I'm... having my hardcore audiophile former boss try it in his system.

I know that you know this, but for the benefit of others the only way to get a valid opinion from him is if he doesn't know it's there. Placebo Effect only works if the tester is aware that a test is being made, and if the tester is predisposed to believe in a positive result then that's what you'll get. The only way to get truly accurate test results is when the tester doesn't know that a test is being conducted.

 

[superbassman2000]

I know that you know this, but for the benefit of others the only way to get a valid opinion from him is if he doesn't know it's there. Placebo Effect only works if the tester is aware that a test is being made, and if the tester is predisposed to believe in a positive result then that's what you'll get. The only way to get truly accurate test results is when the tester doesn't know that a test is being conducted.

or if you test the ESP cord first, and then the standard cord second for your friend, it'd be interesting to see how the test goes...usually when people test things like that, there is the expectation that the second one tested is the better one.

 

[billfitzmaurice]

or if you test the ESP cord first, and then the standard cord second for your friend, it'd be interesting to see how the test goes...usually when people test things like that, there is the expectation that the second one tested is the better one.

A variation of that has been conducted a number of times with speaker and interconnect cables. The subject, who has a favorite cable, listens to a few cables and then is asked to identify his favorite from those he heard. In every case the tester was no more accurate in identifying his cable from listening than by the throw of a dice.

 

[Paullee01]

My early conclusion is that the ESP cable works...


Just like any other power cable.

I heard no differences. I thought I did a couple of times early on but on further listening I came to the conclusion that there is no sonic difference.

I like the way you worded this (LOL) had me thinking for a sec.... Thanks for your early preliminary conclusion.

 

[lug]

A variation of that has been conducted a number of times with speaker and interconnect cables. The subject, who has a favorite cable, listens to a few cables and then is asked to identify his favorite from those he heard. In every case the tester was no more accurate in identifying his cable from listening than by the throw of a dice.

Depends on whether is standard low-grade plastic user grade dice or high quality, void-free, hand-carved bone, professional grade dice. I'm sure the casual vacation-style gambler wouldn't notice the difference but the professional gambler will be able to discern the difference immediately. :snob:

 

[Bassflute]

No, I said that I have very good hearing.( And it has been proven many times over by those who have seen it displayed first hand).

And I also mentioned that I can actually hear a tonal change when I use the ESP power cord.

Read my posts a few more times on the matter for more accurate clarification for you personal records

It really is a known fact that every one doesn't hear the same.

are from people who have never heard one, PERIOD.

I won a Power Three cord ($300.00+) cable in an online contest. It DID change the noise floor of my old Eden amp with a bunch of stuff plugged into the effects loop. Huge difference? No, but a slight drop and change in tonality of the noise floor. And many other people heard the same thing when I performed blind A/B tests. But these guys will NEVER believe us, man, you might as well forget it.

A lot of them think tonewoods are a farce, as well. And they continue to play their P Basses with a pick with ancient strings on and wonder why anybody would believe in tonewoods...



Lost cause...might as well forget it. And Victor and Gerald are delusional, as well. Hearing things...minds are shot...

Cheers,
Cameron

 

[Bassflute]

Please just think about that ridiculous water analogy for a second.

Seriously. So irrelevant it's not even funny.

you guys have proven to me I'm an idiot. I'll just go slash my wrists now.

Amazing how you know everything about stuff you haven't even tried yet. Incredible. Must be great to be you.

Cheers,
Cameron

 

[aborgman]

you guys have proven to me I'm an idiot. I'll just go slash my wrists now.

Amazing how you know everything about stuff you haven't even tried yet. Incredible. Must be great to be you.

It is great.

It's a wonderful benefit of a well grounded electrical engineering education. I'm confident the power cord doesn't violate the laws of physics.

 

[Bob C]

I can't believe this thread is still going. Unsubscribed.

 

[Febs]

are from people who have never heard one, PERIOD.

As mentioned just a few posts ago (and in many other places in this thread), ESP provides audio samples on its website that it contends demonstrate the difference that its power cords make. Have you had a chance to listen to those samples? Did you hear a difference?

Lost cause...might as well forget it. And Victor and Gerald are delusional, as well. Hearing things...minds are shot...

Please read the thread. This is not what the rational posters are arguing.

you guys have proven to me I'm an idiot. I'll just go slash my wrists now.

Well, with all due respect, your water filter analogy really was pretty far off point.

 

[Robin Ruscio]

Oh, it's still going on . . .

 

[kuys]

you guys have proven to me I'm an idiot. I'll just go slash my wrists now.

Amazing how you know everything about stuff you haven't even tried yet. Incredible. Must be great to be you.

Cheers,
Cameron

We don't have to try it to know a cable can't violate the basic laws of electrical conductivity. Or are you saying the science doesn't matter? That you hearing something invalidates over a century of scientific study? It could never be that you are simply highly susceptible to marketing and thus your brain makes up the difference between reality and expectation, right? That could never be the case.

Just to be clear: YOUR BRAIN MAKING UP THE DIFFERENCE DOES NOT MEAN YOUR BRAIN IS NOT WORKING. IT MEANS YOUR BRAIN IS WORKING FLAWLESSLY.

 

[billfitzmaurice]

We don't have to try it to know a cable can't violate the basic laws of electrical conductivity. Or are you saying the science doesn't matter? That you hearing something invalidates over a century of scientific study?

+1. If you go by his reasoning you'd have to actually build a Zeppelin out of lead to make sure it couldn't fly, no matter what those know-nothing aeronautical engineers have to say about it.

 

[Bob Lee (QSC)]

It is great.

It's a wonderful benefit of a well grounded electrical engineering education. I'm confident the power cord doesn't violate the laws of physics.

+1

Hell, you don't even need an EE education to recognize the magic cable BS, but it sure helps.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

+1. If you go by his reasoning you'd have to actually build a Zeppelin out of lead to make sure it couldn't fly, no matter what those know-nothing aeronautical engineers have to say about it.

Mythbusters built a lead balloon. Just sayin'.

 

[scotch]

you guys have proven to me I'm an idiot. I'll just go slash my wrists now.

Amazing how you know everything about stuff you haven't even tried yet. Incredible. Must be great to be you.

Cheers,
Cameron

Another, more constructive, way to respond to those of us who question the validity of ESP's claims might be to:

a) take things less personal
b) read more carefully the posts that you dont agree with (I know, it is a long thread...)
c) understand the following critical concepts:

No one is saying anyone here is crazy - in fact it would be expected (and an entirely healthy initial response of the human mind) for selection bias and expectation bias to produce a positive reaction to the product.

If the ESP cable does what the manufacturer claims (as well as their 'break-in' regimen), then it changes the known laws of physics.


Surely you can understand why, given the above facts, many of us are hesitant to accept anecdotal evidence as enough proof to unseat tested, proven and relied-upon physics?

 

[Bob Lee (QSC)]

are from people who have never heard one, PERIOD.

I won a Power Three cord ($300.00+) cable in an online contest. It DID change the noise floor of my old Eden amp with a bunch of stuff plugged into the effects loop. Huge difference? No, but a slight drop and change in tonality of the noise floor. And many other people heard the same thing when I performed blind A/B tests. But these guys will NEVER believe us, man, you might as well forget it.

Surely you could cite some of the "irrational" statements, Cameron.

Are you sure you actually performed blind A/B tests? I'm skeptical that you did.

 

[Buster Brown]

I briefly read through parts of this thread (thinking that it was a lost remnant of a April fools practical joke) when I realized that some actually believe..........:scowl:

My Prayer for the day:

God....Thank you for making me one of the great "unwashed" Musicians who knows absolutely NOTHING about this nonsense and thank you God for giving me the strength to have NOT bought that damn machine that turns water into gold bars.....


AMEN.


*We now return you to Fantasy Island.....