The Empirical Tests

Our objective was to produce data of a consistent nature such that competitive analysis might be performed.  It is important to ensure that the data collected is without bias.  This usually means looking at the phenomena (in this case, a cable's real-world performance) from several different "angles,"  To this end, we have chosen to examine the following electrical characteristics:
 

If we had chosen to use a "static"-perspective approach by simply measuring one output and comparing it to the corresponding input stimulation, we would have received a single value in each test. This kind of static data would be represented in the form of a simple table. The problem is, this static data would not tell us much about the way the cable performs in the "real world".  To make the data collection process more meaningful, we must take another view.  And to do that, we must have more data.

"Dynamic" data results from placing the Unit Under Test in an operating environment and giving it multiple stimulations while mapping the resulting outputs.  Dynamic data is rendered in charts showing the relationships between several variables over some range of stimulation. In our case, that of audio, one major variable is the frequency, and the range chosen was the idealized human audio response range of 20 to 20,000 Hertz.  Typically, our interest is in the difference between the signal entering the cable and the signal that exits.

The test process chosen was to use a device called a Network Analyzer over the range of 5 Hertz to 250,000 Hertz. The Network Analyzer offers up collected data in two formats; those of a Cartesian chart and those of a polar chart (in this case called a Smith Chart). The first is a map of amplitude vs. frequency. The second is a map of the cable's complex impedance (the effects of R, C and L for different frequencies).

Two of our tests were of the type that results in Cartesian graphs. The first of those charts the amount of the signal that is passed by the cable, and the second charts the amount of energy reflected back into the cable from the termination. We do both of these because the cables are measured "in situ;" that is, with connectors attached, just as they are used in the field. Often, cable manufacturers measure and publish data on the cable only, choosing not to reveal variances in impedance caused by the connectors used on their products.