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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 4 responses by cd318

cd318
2,636 posts
 
In my experience cables can only ruin the sound. OFC with decent insulation is all you need. The more money you throw at them, the more marginal and skewed the results become. What you might hear with expensive cables is their filter effect. I like the effect produced by silver braid.

Internal cabling is where any gains can possibly be made. However that should be down to the manufacturer of the equipment.


cd318
2,636 posts
 
How about a little bit of perspective?

If there is a difference it is minuscule in comparison with those found in loudspeakers, recordings, rooms etc

Some cables (high cost/ poor design) might alter the tonal balance.

Value for money diminishes rapidly as price goes up in audio. Ten times as fast for cables. At least.

Throwing away money in an effort to get better sound is a sign of desperation.
If we must delude ourselves, perhaps we can learn to enjoy our delusion by first laughing at ourselves.




cd318
2,636 posts
 
Well, what can we say so far with 100% certainty? 

Freud said many things which upset many people. 

He was a genius.

Jung confessed that he was walking a fine line between madness and sanity.

He was a genius.

The wiring tracks in your loudspeakers crossover, CD player, Amplifier, or turntable cartridge leads are tiny or almost invisible.

If you still want to spend $5k on speaker cable then good for you.

cd318
2,636 posts
 
 
< Coldears : The signal passes through so many different types of metals as it passes through your equipment it’s hard to believe that a cable and its content becomes such a debate. I have heard differences but none substantial enough to justify the cost that some charge.>

Difficult to argue with that logic. The one thing that's certain is that some cables can make their dealers a lot more money. Seriously, if you believe the cable myths then you should also consider having your amp/ turntable/ CD player/ source rewired as well.

You can safely assume that they were not wired with $5k cable. Neither are any recording studios.
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