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 6 responses by crazyeddy

A cable debate? WOW, how fresh and exciting!!

@dlcockrum  So Dave, about that ocean front property in Arizona, can you PM me some pics, and name your price? I'm interested for sure, but am curious as to the average summer snow levels. Will a shovel suffice, or will I need a plow truck?? Will you toss in some of that awesome Radio Shack 12 ga. if we close the deal?

Eagerly anticipating your price!!!!!

@dlcockrum 

Opps, sorry Dave. My bad! Still want that RS 12Ga. though

@miketuason , so about that property..........


Have a great New Years all  :)

@shadorne  In regards to your last post on this thread about the cable for the Boulder amp I have a theory. It is  much broader in scope than just Boulder. I suspect that from a manufacturers point of view, any product that they are selling, regardless of price point, will be purchased by a very diverse clientele, that have vastly differing opinions as to which cable is "best" for them (this thread is proof of that). The customer will quite probably want a cable of their own preference, especially in higher end gear, for the product being purchased, and will quite possibly discard the generic cable supplied from the product manufacturer. So the device is sold with a cable that is, in a manner of speaking, inexpensive to manufacture, and "disposable" This is my take on the matter. I'm just guessing, but it seems sound to me. No pun intended :)

@shadorne  Funny you should bring up the Bryston viewpoint. I was chatting with Mike Pickett from Bryston a while back about this exact topic. You are absolutely correct about their stand on this matter.

@geoffkait  you brought up the option of investigating cable/IC options via The Cable Co. I would like to say that those of you in the USA have an extremely valuable resource at your disposal. How I wish that we here in Canada had such an option. In order for us to evaluate any of these products, it's an outright purchase, and that's that. Yes, I'm jealous !! :)

@dlcockrum  By the way Dave, I still have not heard back from you on that Radio Shack 12 ga. speaker wire.   LOL