Do expensive cables/wires REALLY make a difference

07-21-13: Arcticmonkey
Cwby.

If you have the resources and inclination, you can easily win money from the people who so vociferously defend buying expensive cable by setting up blind tests.

Even people who design speaker cable can't consistently pick the "better" cable.

I've heard tests of cheap wire vs. expensive (same gauge and length, both properly insulated) many times with the same result. No discernible improvement.

Can you give details?
Have you won money from people?
Have you done these blind tests yourself or did you just read or hear about them?
Descriptions, links, anything?
I ask because I've read a lot about these tests but when pushed for details the details never come.
TIA

Cable facts:
When deciding on cables, don't trust your ears.
A:B testing doesn't work.
The cable that makes no difference is the best one.
Buy the best one that you can afford.

"I my self have run countless test with many, many folks in audio stores and my home, never have I seen where someone picked the cheaper cable!"

Never is a bold word to use here, Audiolabyrinth, are you sure you want to use it?

I do hope the "tests" you've seen are blind and not like the experiments that folks who want to sell you something create.

Going to any major audio show is an eye opening experience. Nordost, for example, loves to swap their Blue Heaven (BH) power chords with the main that comes with the amp. They will play 50 seconds of a song with the amp's AC chord, replace it with the BH and play the same 50 seconds over. "Did everyone hear the difference? The level of detail, more open.... amazing right?". Of course everyone shakes their heads yes and moves on to the next room.

I've never (see there's that word again) seen anyone who can consistently pick any type of cable,interconnect, or AC chord. A true test should be blind, swapping (or sometimes pretending to swap) the two cables (same gauge and length for speaker wire) many times and listening to the same part of a piece of music. Under these conditions no one I've seen can pick the "better" (more expensive) wire, a statistically significant number of times.

Sebrof, I have won drinks from people and no I did not just read about these tests. In fact, when I started my own personal inquiries, I had no idea which side of this debate I would fall. A Google search of "Speaker wire double blind test" will give you many tests to read about. I do encourage you to not just read about it but actually participate in such a test obviously.

I highly encourage you to read this presentation: http://www.andreconsulting.com/Audio%20Equipment%20Snake%20Oil.pdf

Instead of asking me for proof, ask for proof from the cable companies who use ridiculous claims and flowery language to sell their wares. Where is their proof? Nonexistent, because when the difference between cheap "zipchord" and expensive wire is actually measured. That difference is inaudible to the human ear.

Put your money into better hardware (speakers, source). That is where you will get your upgrade.

For the rest of you, I hope MIT, Nordost and the other cable companies are sending you nice Xmas presents for helping them to propagate this myth.

Arcticmonkey wrote,

"Instead of asking me for proof, ask for proof from the cable companies who use ridiculous claims and flowery language to sell their wares. Where is their proof? Nonexistent, because when the difference between cheap "zipchord" and expensive wire is actually measured. That difference is inaudible to the human ear."

That's precious. Now I see why the cable debate has been going on for 35 years.

@ Arcticmonkey,, Hi, I appreciate your passion here!, However, I will stand by my post and my word never!,, You must have not read clearly into my post,I said brands and models make a difference on all test, etc.., please read again, I also said that I agree with you pending what exspesive cables you are useing, If you use something like Taralabs omega gold 4 gauge that has a run per neg and pos speaker cables,, against any thing else period, I would gladly take money from you on a bet, likly, I would be a good samartin and give it back!, I have the omega gold speaker cable,, really, I can use the Taralabs the one cables to do the test and still win that I also own,, like Geoffkait said, the debate is endless, I wanted to put my two cents worth in, I will not debate, there is no way you can convince me cables do not make a difference, goodluck to you sir, and Happy listening to you as well.