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 14 responses by dave_b

Results will vary but I have heard relatively cheap wires that beat most high end cables.  I had $20k cables and they sounded great but currently I have some $159 speaker cables that pretty much blow away my previous $18k set:()
Only over time, with familiar material that exploits the musical spectrum to its fullest, can a decision be made properly.  That decision is personal.  Everyone also hears differently and has unique auditory biases.  Perhaps counterintuitive to those claiming “snake oil” is being sold to the eager masses, I rely purposefully on the cable companies who have invested decades in design and experimentation to develop real world solutions to improve the listening experience to those who savor music as if it were a panacea to the everyday grist mill that wears at our psyches.  Great music is a tonic for our souls.  For me, some expensive cables offer an entirely elevated plain of auditory bliss when used properly.  As for the universe of wires that simply try to re-package wires with questionable innovation, there in lies the fools pursuit.  
Not true geoffkait....I’m awful close to the sound I hear in the PSO!  In some respects, I have a better seat :)
Good for you doofear9....don’t let the high end creep into your soul!  Once it’s in there your hooked for life:()
All I can say is, if you have heard Transparent cable on a good system and could not hear the vast improvements it offered over regular cable, then you are clinically deaf AFAIC!
Just a general response to those who think there is a “Free Lunch” when it comes to cables.  I have owned a lot of various cable designs (brands) and have found the “Box” cables to offer a vastly superior result!
Let’s try this again for those with diminished capacity.  Transparent and MIT have been working on signal transmission for quite a while now...since the recent renaissance of modern Hi Fidelity equipment anyway.  They offer actual improvements for those who can hear and who care.  Otherwise, wire is just wire...it may alter the sound somewhat, but does not offer the improvements in reduced noise, low level detail, dynamic contrast, bass quality and  soundstaging.  The difference is not subtle and can make or break a system.  If your ears are functional and you can appreciate live music, then my suggestion will be appreciated and validated upon evaluation.  If you have decided in advance that my beliefs are either unaffordable or simply unbelievable, then continue on your path of self satisfied ignorance.
I was speaking in absolute terms, no attempt to justify pricing was inferred.  Fewer people are willing to venture into the deep end so I suppose the pricing reflects the markets dynamics.  Also, having a patentable idea does demand a premium!
Buy what you like and can afford.  If lamp cord does it for you, then God bless you!  If it takes a $30k cable..go for it while you can.  The Apocalypse is nigh 👀
The OP is a bit challenged I would say.  Also, quite full of horse manure!
Choices are good.  Choose and shut up already.  Go listen to some music 🎶