If the manufacturers convince us that someone is actually buying this stuff then they can convince the average consumer that $500 to $1000 for speaker cables is inexpensive. I have to say that their marketing is working. I have spent more on my system in the last couple years than i ever believed would happen. I haven't bought in on most of the tweaks though.
I think many audio manufacturers make cost-no-object products. I think for them, they like to see what they can make with no restrictions. BUT they would be the first to tell you the products they make that are more modest in price are what keeps them in business. If Wilson only made their WAMM loudspeaker(650k), I wonder how long they would stay in business? Just my opinion....
I think it's fair to say that there IS a market for such uber expensive cables, whether I agree or not isn't the issue. If we use the previously mentioned Lambo references, I will share my own experience. I had the good fortune of being able to have a guided tour of the Bologna maufacuring facilty this past June. One section of the plant was dedicated to the Lamborghini Centenario, and only 20 hard tops, and 20 soft tops were to be built. The base price, before options was a stunning 1.7 million Euros. The lady guiding us through the plant informed us that all 40 units were pre-sold!! So, the point is, if you can build such extravagantly high priced products, there are people out there that have the means to buy, and will do so. Would we begrudge anyone who has the ability to by a Centenario? I think not, so why would we do so in audio gear. If you can afford it, go for it! It aint my hard earned your spending, so what do I care.
And what's with all this negativity towards rich people (not necessarily you OP)?
Why assume that just because you're rich, you have no shot at audio nirvana or that you have no idea what you're buying? I don't understand all this negative views on those with more money than us. Are we just trying to pat ourselves on the back?
Because these rich guys are really no different than you or I... Thiugh I bet the difference is that they don't have time to be perusing audiogon because their time is spent earning money on top of money. To peruse audiogon and the forums would cost them more than just buying the best gear available... So why not?
noromance OP Some points for snark Mr. Geoff. One reason people buy these cables is because the dealer advises them that they need them. I knew a dealer who would roll around in a pile of cables moaning. He said it made them sound better. The people I feel sorry for however, if I may lower the financial bar, are low and middle tier buyers who buy cables that make up 25% of the system price.
Fake news. Be happy, don’t feel sorry! Don’t follow leaders, watch the parking meters.
Some points for snark Mr. Geoff. One reason people buy these cables is because the dealer advises them that they need them. I knew a dealer who would roll around in a pile of cables moaning. He said it made them sound better. The people I feel sorry for however, if I may lower the financial bar, are low and middle tier buyers who buy cables that make up 25% of the system price.
Rehashed OEM wire? You mean like refried beans or corned beef hash? Fancy jackets? White sport coat and pink carnation? All this cable talk is making me hungry! 🍔 🍟
I am the OP. This is mothing to do with hating rich people, or even assuming rich people have no discrimination. I am pointing out that there are companies making short pieces of cable - often no more than rehashed OEM wire and covering it with fancy jackets- and charging insane prices for them. And the fact they get buyers is beyond me. True voodoo economics!
that link to the stereophile page with Patrick82 commenting is the same guy who was found to be over the deep end on headfi. He used to cover his listening area with aluminum foil to prevent radio interference.
A man came into an audio salon I used to know. He bought tens of thousands of dollars of gear and speakers from this place. While I was in that store looking at the much more modest stuff I could afford, that salon owner looked at me and said, "Now that guy knows what he wants in stereo equipment!!!" Needless to say I never went back to that store. Moral of story. Fat wallets don't necessarily make golden ears.
You will be surprise how many audiophile can afford expensive cables...For me if you can afford it, go for it...after all we have to enjoy the fruit of our labor...I know someone bought 28k siltech speaker cables yrs ago, his system is 500k...this guy is worth $200 million.
There is a watch maker who made 10 prototypes that went for over $400K apiece. He went to a harbor populated by the kind of yachts one would see at a Formula 1 race and went from boat to boat to gauge reaction to his newest line. When he left, he had sold all 10 and had orders for 20 more.
There is wealth out there that most here simply can't wrap their minds around, myself included.
How do Nordost prices compare to the Von Schweikert ULTRA Speaker internal wiring mod? How much was that? $35K or thereabouts, no? In fact, the Von Schweikert ULTRA 11 speakers are $300K. That's almost a Lamborghini Aventador. Hel-loo! Nordost cables are starting to look like a bargain. Everything is relative. - Einstein
I recommend Canare Star Quad wire with XLR interconnects.
It is not widely understood but all the supposed wire problems/effects are actually because of poor equipment design, poor setup, incompatibility and malfunctioning gear. Properly designed and well built and correctly configured audio equipment does not need any special wires to sound perfect.
If you find audio cables are making improvements then it is time to change components to something that works without band aids or additional filters. Buying a good active EQ makes more sense than trying to change your sound with unusual wires that are intentionally designed to act as a filter to the signal.
If one is on the position to buy "price no object" equipment, why not?
Personally, I’m restricted to "value for your buck" gear and use Heimdall II for everything from the wall. Great stuff which gives you a sample of what the ridiculous ODIN is all about.
Nordost fans are like quality Chinese gear fans. There are either haters or believers.
If I had a $200k rig, I won’t be plumbing it with Blue Jean cable which by the way, is fine cable. I would be whipping out my Amex Black without reservation.
@joecasey The problem is that very little of that stuff is actually sold, and what is, at nowhere near the asking price. It's not indicative of a functional marketplace. Those cables serve other purposes for the manufacturer than to satisfy market demand. That's all from me for now.
Because they have the highest profit margin in all of audio and lead the
way in untethering price from value. This wouldn't be so unusual if
audio could be classified as true luxury goods, but just try impressing
your friends with your Vacheron, Murcielago, and, oh yeah, your $70K
speaker cables.
Purchasing decisions are personal whether to impress, SQ ... not a factor to survival of an industry. I counter high prices are a major indication industry is healthier than ever.
AGAIN, companies prices are driven by consumers demand. As long as there are demand to support a price, companies will oblige. Simple econ 101.
Because they have the highest profit margin in all of audio and lead the way in untethering price from value. This wouldn't be so unusual if audio could be classified as true luxury goods, but just try impressing your friends with your Vacheron, Murcielago, and, oh yeah, your $70K speaker cables.
Awhile back I had a discussion with the editor of a leading audio print
magazine who privately maintains that manufacturers of hyper-expensive
cables have led the way toward ruin of the high end industry. I tend to
agree.
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