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Who thinks $5K speaker cable really better than generic 14AWG cable?

I recently ordered high end speaker, power amp, and preamp to be installed in couple more weeks. So the next search are interconnect and speaker cable. After challenging the dealer and 3 of my so called audiophile friends, I think the only reason I would buy expensive cable is for its appearance to match with the high end gears but not for sound performance. I personally found out that $5K cable vs $10 cable are no difference, at least not to our ears. Prior to this, I was totally believe that cable makes a difference but not after this and reading few articles online.

Here is how I found out.

After the purchase of my system, I went to another dealer to ask for cable opinion (because the original dealer doesn't carry the brand I want) and once I told him my gears, he suggested me the high end expensive cable ranging from $5 - 10K pair, depending on length. He also suggested the minimum length must be 8-12ft. If longer than 12ft, I should upgrade to even more expensive series. So I challenged him that if he can show me the difference, I would purchase all 7 AQ Redwood cables from him.

It's a blind test and I would connect 3 different cables - 1 is the Audioquest Redwood, 1 is Cardas Audio Clear, and 1 my own generic 14AWG about 7ft. Same gears, same source, same song..... he started saying the first cable sound much better, wide, deep, bla...bla...bla......and second is decently good...bla...bla...bla.. and the last one sounded crappy and bla...bla...bla... BUT THE REALITY, I NEVER CHANGED THE CABLE, its the same 14AWG cable. I didn't disclosed and move on to second test. I told him I connected audioquest redwood but actually 14AWG and he started to praise the sound quality and next one I am connected the 14awg but actually is Redwood and he started to give negative comment. WOW!!!! Just blew me right off.

I did the same test with 3 of my audiophile friends and they all have difference inputs but no one really got it right. Especially the part where I use same generic 14awg cable and they all start to give different feedback!!!

SO WHAT DO YOU ALL THINK? OR I AM THE LAST PERSON TO FIND OUT THAT EXPENSIVE CABLE JUST A RIP OFF?
sautan904

Showing 5 responses by asvjerry

asvjerry's avatar
asvjerry
4,344 posts
 
*Yawn*  Hasn't this topic been 'discussed' to death yet?

Here's the stake and the hammer.  Put this vampire down once and for all.

Y'know, just for grins and the 'ell of it....I'd like to see a truly 'blind' A/B/C comp between a 'high end' cable (pick one...you're 'fav', why not), a decent 12AWG copper line with tinned ends ('horrors!'), and a good Bluetooth link  'twixt amps and the speakers.  Pick the speakers and other equipment by a lottery...although that'll probably please nobody.  But that's democracy for you....;)

I'll bet that if it's done Correctly, Truly Blind, that the opinions that would come out of it would be all over the board.  There would be no agreement as to what was best.  Again, MHO....and everything I know is wrong...

Until then...I'm going to ignore cable forums.  Reminds me of how many angels can be on the head of a pin.
asvjerry's avatar
asvjerry
4,344 posts
 
Dave....proving that vampires are Really Hard to Kill...*LOL*

But I really like the 'coat hanger' idea...but only if they're solid copper, like buss bars, tinned from end to end, wrapped in the flesh of some environmentally 'non-sensitive' creature that we eat anyway...

I can see it now....Chicken WireZ.  Or, perhaps, KowKable..

(Note: Do Not show up at my doorstep with torches and pitchforks.  I am armed with neon transformers.  I will stop y'all in your tracks and gaily decorate y'all with lipstick while you twitch.  Rubber boots won't save you from looking like a Keith Harding painting gone bad.  You have been warned..)

*Evil laughter, fading into the Echoplex thumping bass line*
asvjerry's avatar
asvjerry
4,344 posts
 
...late feedback to dlcockrum's comment 12/29 "What drugs are you on?"...

None, frankly....quite sober, perhaps unfortunately.  Anyone who can't tolerate some humour with regard to the subject's extremism does get my apologies for my admittedly extreme response and attempt at poking the 'funnybone'.  If I missed and you felt poked in the eyes, well gee whiz.

Speaking of drugs, it all seems to edge into the 'placebo effect'.  "If I do this, it's bound to make it better."  Magnets?  Propping the cables off the floor with stands?  Exotic materials, combined in esoteric ways?  Really?!

There's similar products that come and go out there.  Ultrasonic insect repellers....products that promise amazing mileage if attached to your car....copper infused socks that'll make you feel light on your feet...

I just watch it all come 'n go, and remember P.T. Barnum's dictum.  And Robin William's reprise of it....

If you think it makes it better, well, OK.  Just not in my experience.  I can hear the difference between speakers....cables, no.  Maybe I'm just tone deaf or have some serious defect in my hearing.  Or maybe I just haven't had enough of the Kool-Aid yet....

What ever makes you happy is cool.  Have at it....
I'm happy with my basic 'junk'.  I thought that was the point...being happy, listening to the music as opposed to the equipment.  I guess I'm just a simpleton in the midst of the anointed.

Ignorance is bliss.  The last election cycle just proved that.  And it seems to be epidemic as to how divided we're becoming, and the lamentable lack of tolerance on differences in one's opinions vs. another's is becoming the new standard.  "My way or the highway."  You want a friend?  Get a pet. 
asvjerry's avatar
asvjerry
4,344 posts
 
"You can't believe everything you read."

Good words to live by.  I've always tried to take everything I've read with a 'grain of salt', as we were admonished by the older wizened ones.

It's since grown to the size of a salt lick, but it's a great place to prop up my weary feet whilst perusing the 'net's nooks 'n crannies....;)

"Sifting sand, sifting sand, lookin' for some trace of you...."
asvjerry's avatar
asvjerry
4,344 posts
 
Those who can afford them, swear by them.
Those who can't, do without.
Those who can, swear they can hear the differences.
Those who can't, can't really care.

And hasn't this issue been beat to a pulp enough?  It really starts taking on the appearance of an addiction to an odd form of conflict, a variant of 'he said/she said' with no end in sight or mind....

MHO...enjoy yourselves, I guess...;)
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