Research

Background

Peter Hawkins' design background originated in advanced instrumentation. This was divided into hand held instrumentation and research equipment.

In this youthful, yet knowledgeable culture, the concept of research and the appraisal of ideas was commonplace. The company was involved in 18 sensor technologies. A number of these were involved with heat/ventilation and water quality. Each sensor exhibited some form of varying electronic parameter with a change in its stimulated environment. [Tech note: This could be a change in resistance for a thermometer, change in capacitance for humidity or change in voltage from a pH electrode.]

The approach to research is based on an open mind observing everything that happens whether "desirable" or not. Science and rational reasoning is a good place to start but not at the expense of being able to hold conflicting ideas in tandem (Edward de Bono - Parallel Thinking) until all measurements, investigations and discussions are complete.

Coupled with the classic academic education and early work environment, Hawkins had a long standing passion for audio. This was initiated by his father's hobby interest in electronics dating to the period when valves were the norm. One of the first circuits Hawkins ever built was a mono audio amplifier from parts salvaged form old TVs. This was a far cry from the high end use of valves in offerings of today!

His passion for audio extends from early teens to today. For may years this passion played a complementary role to the technical "day-job". Conflict began to appear as certain cables (later to become Philosophy Cables) were demonstrated to Hawkins in an otherwise well engineered high-end system. The conflict between cognitive science and audiophile appreciation then existed not between two communities but within one mind.

The Problem with (Signal) Cables

The (apparent) conflict between subjective appraisal and objective assessment

In essence cables do a pretty good job of transferring power or signal from source to point of delivery with little in the way of loss (power efficiency) or alteration (changes to signal properties). At this early stage it is important to note that the following discussion concerns itself with signal properties as opposed to raw power.

Intuitively we understand that there is a difference in construction between the power lines seen at a road side and the wires that run to a door bell switch. It is less easy to appreciate the differences between the line to your telephone and the cables behind your computer. The first case is a power issue but when it comes to data or audio transfer, the issues are far more complex.

Some characteristics of signal transfer are well documented and understood [e.g. Transmission Line Theory]. However, other characteristics [e.g. Skin Effect] are not as thoroughly understood, although they are recognised.

In audio circles, cable performance has been topical for many years. The scientific community can find insufficient, plausible data that would suggest audibility in normal applications. The audiophile community base their judgements on listening and point to a raft of accumulated experience that demonstrates that not all that is heard can be measured. (Conversely not all that is measured can be heard...)

The problem is summarised as: "What is the behaviour that satisfies both (scientific and audiophile) communities and yet has been undiscovered for so long?"

Confusion

If there is one thing guaranteed to bring all manner of merchants to a market it must be the prospect of selling unqualified technical product to a non-technical market. With a few exceptions this is notably the case in the (domestic) audio market. Confusion abounds if only because any poor soul wanting to try and understand the subject is met with a mixture of pseudo science and true science. The distinction between them is generally only discernible to those with detailed knowledge of the mechanisms involved.

Some cables are supported by real insight and intelligent investigation. Others are supported by prestigious advertising and claims that may fall short if ever challenged on a truly technical basis.

The sale of highly priced cables to the audio market, clouded by the mystical claims of a few has led to widespread disbelief outside the industry. The prospect of serious investigation is hampered by this state of affairs. The lack of serious investigation probably compounds the whole issue.