BETTER SKIN

The key to a good component or a good audio connection lies in the simultaneous signal transport of all frequencies. In our experience, different cross-sections lead to different throughput speeds due to their different resistance values and thus impair the uniform transport of all frequencies. This is fundamental for a phase-stable, realistic transmission, but can be cleverly used to optimize the transmission for individual frequency ranges. The tonality can even be shifted in the desired direction. In this way, inadequacies can be suppressed and concealed.

Different conductor cross-sections can be used to emphasize the treble range, for example. For a rather inexperienced listener, such a cable will sound more resolving and detailed. In direct comparison with a neutral cable, the latter will sound duller and less open at first glance. This effect is due to the fact that our ears become accustomed to high-pitched sounds very quickly and the re-acclimatization process is much slower. Manufacturers can take advantage of this effect, as comparing and selling a particular product usually involves switching back and forth between several possible products. However, with prolonged listening, this unnatural emphasis is precisely the point that makes the listener dissatisfied, even if only subconsciously. In our experience, the sound quality of a really good playback system is tonally unspectacular but rhythmically captivating. The absence of unnatural emphasis is the best prerequisite for a truly satisfying long-term listening experience.

An important term in this context is the so-called skin effect. This can be explained in very simplified terms as follows: High frequencies flow close to the surface, medium and low frequencies flow more towards the center of the conductor.

In order to transport high frequencies with as little loss as possible, flat wire or foil conductors, waveguides or stranded wires (often several individually insulated wires with very small conductor cross-sections) are often used.

With their large surface areas and low core content, these constructions favor the transmission of high frequencies, but in our experience this makes the desired uniform transmission of low, medium and high frequencies more difficult. Nevertheless, or precisely because of this, as already mentioned, they are often initially perceived as more high-resolution and open. Some of these cable designs also tend to have higher capacitive values, to which certain device combinations unfortunately react with unpredictable sonic effects. As already mentioned, an upwardly shifted sound direction is often initially perceived as more dynamic, more resolving and more spatial, but is responsible, among other things, for an unnatural and overly technical sound in the long term, which tempts the listener to take more and more compensatory measures after a short time.

The SCHNERZINGER approach:

For a time-correct, natural and not artificially emphasized reproduction of the upper frequency spectrum, it is of elementary importance that all frequencies are transmitted holistically and simultaneously.

This goal of the SCHNERZINGER conductor geometry and characteristics is achieved by precisely defined design features not described in detail here and combines the advantages of different designs without accepting their disadvantages.