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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 2 responses by initforthemusic

initforthemusic
282 posts
 
Well, never tried 5K Speaker Cable and unlikely to. What I can say is I bought some 14AWG Generic OFC Cable around 3 months ago to hook up a little set of Speakers that were sitting idle.

On seeing this thread I decided to put the Generic Cable into one of my better set-ups to do a comparo. I allowed each cable around 3-4 listening days with approx. 2-4 hours listening each day used.

My findings were: My AU$80 cables allowed a better performance from Speakers than the generic. My US$115 cables provided a much better performance than the generic. My AU$130 cables a much better performance than the generic. My approx. US$200 cables a much better performance than the generic. My approx. US$600 cables a significantly better performance than the generic.
initforthemusic
282 posts
 
Nice try dynaquest 14, but it is impossible for me to compromise. Just have way too much experience with music to allow that to happen.  I judge everything on it's merits. In fact I have many cheaper components I rate higher than more expensive components. Would be great if the generic cable sounded better, sadly it didn't. Bang for buck is what it's all about for me. I recommend you try the US$115 cables and highly recommend them as great bang for buck. I looked at your system, you would really need better source and much, much better speakers to do the cables justice though.
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