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 7 responses by chrisr

you mention 7ft....8 ohms speakers I presume?   Hard to beat no matter the price or even the gauge... 
No no with the number of big brains working on the development of those $5k a foot cables, it's actually a bargain believe it or not... the electrical engineers at nasa and space x are taking lessons to make their electronics and machineries more performant.  They too cryo everything to make transmissions crystal clear.
I second this one... There’s not a single audio buyer that do mindlessly throw money at cables. Choosing a cable is very involved - there’s a lot of studying of features and benefits, lots of questions on compatibility with hi-fi components, consultations with the cable makers, etc....
The consultation phase is so crucial to successfully plant the belief that the cable considered represents an improvement, an upgrade, when in fact it’s so far from the truth.
Another crucial element of the cable buying process is the long break-in time necessary, in order to bias the consumer evaluation and trial and to conclude with a successful adoption (no return and next upgrade readiness).
Not simple to sell a $5k illusion!
The only negative with ref 2 is that you don't get as much bass as with the more expensive by a lot models.  With the more expensive by a lot models and their greater bass extension, you won't need the sub you think you are missing, and the money for the sub will be better spent at anticables.  And Their Customer service is great to top it off!

I am a mid fi guy and i hear the difference between two sets of same brand/model cables but assembled by different guys.  So hifi guys, keep it quiet.
I found the low-cost wire you are looking for: canare 4s8, full range config.