bongomania said:
No, that is not the meaning of what I wrote. Nowhere did I say "I tested a 20' and therefore some conclusion about 15'." Those two things are separate.
One thing is that all my tests have been on identical lengths of cable, because length is directly proportional to capacitance, and capacitance is the primary electronic difference between cables.
The other thing is that in practical terms, for non-extreme cases, people cannot hear differences in capacitance until the amount of difference reaches a certain level; and generally/broadly that point is about 15' of cable length, give or take.
Again, the second statement is not based on the first one, except insofar as the apples-apples testing shows credibility.
If you want more data, check the faq linked in my sig.
I appreciate this thread much so now than when I was on a quest for the "best" cable. And I see what you were trying to get to, Livingstone. But bongomania's 3rd paragraph nailed the relevance, and maybe the answer to this thread (not that this was the original topic).
About a year ago, I also did a comparison between the Lava Mini ELC and the EA Monorail after seeing your results. It was expensive but thought it would be worth the investment to self-propheced bass guitar playing audiophiles, including myself. My conclusion was slightly different but in line with your evaluation.
Test was with a Fender P-Lyte with all tone nobs in the middle position to about 12 pedals, heard through a Mesa M-Pulse 600 and Mesa 4x10 cab.
With ELC cable patched between each pedal, deficiencies were slightly noted in the mid to lower mid frequencies. With Monorail patched between each pedal, deficiencies were noted in the mid frequencies.
Both amazingly maintained the integrity of the lower frequencies in an excellent manner. Clarity was much improved when using both brands. Much improvement sound quality over ordinary patch cables picked from the bin at Guitar Center (goes without saying, really.) I was confident in the construction of both (flexibility) and noticeable noise reduction. Both take time to assemble at first but gets easier as you continue.
My conclusion: both are leaps ahead of the general consumer brand of cable in quality, construction, and performance. IMO, as is Bongomania's, the differences in their respected frequency deficiencies were trivial at lower volumes and could barely be noticed at high volumes even to the most critical ear. One could make up for those differences with a turn from a tone nob on you instrument or, if you insist, with an EQ.
Ultimately, I stuck with the Lava Cable Mini ELC cable because of the very thin right angle ELC plug. This allowed me to place my effects closer on a smaller pedalboard with professional aesthetics.
As for other players interested in these cables, I'm convinced that their performance varies from person to person because of various rig variables. Both are well balanced, for lower end boutique cables, and are a DEFINITE upgrade to the next level.
