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 rodman99999

  • "OTOH, some pretty good systems, will never be great without the right wire, because some cheerleader convinced them that wire was wire. Just buy what you enjoy, pretty simple."
    It's MUCH cheaper to worship at the Altar of Mediocrity(don't even have to tithe)!


So many wasted keystrokes by the Stereo Review/Julian Hirsch/Dunning-Kruger effect crew.    Any wise man should understand that human senses vary greatly in acuity, recognize their own limitations, but- NOT assume everyone else is thus limited.
@glory -  Perhaps the BS was before I became their fan, the Apex being my first encounter with SR.  If you're referring to their passive and active field resonators/room treatments: isn't all that enlightening?   Ever do any studies in Quantum Theory/Mechanics?
@Glory- Perhaps I misunderstood your post, regarding the Apex and it’s MPC being, "BS". I’m rerunning this, since I was too late to edit the first post, correcting the Platinum’s maker(tried a couple Audioquest cables too, pre-Silver Audio): When Wireworld brought out it’s Platinum Eclipse interconnects, I thought I’d upgrade from my(10 year old) Silver Audio Hyacinths and ordered a pair from The Cable Company. To my dismay: while the Platinums(preamp to monoblock main amps/RCA) obviously did pass more inner detail than the Hyacinths, and retained my image focus, the sound stage collapsed to the outer edges of my Magnepans. Cable Co gave me full credit toward a pair of Tesla Apex, which equaled the Platinums in inner musical detail and restored my system’s sound stage(we’re talking a few feet to either side of the speakers). They were the first SR products I tried and have purchased a couple of the their power cords and a pair of Tesla Tricon Analogs since. Unless I win the lottery, these, along with my Kimber KS 1130s and KS 1030s are all permanent system residents. Whatever your particular problem(system compatability/ears/etc) with the Apexes, it’s not because they aren’t an excellent musical signal conduit and most assuredly NOT, "BS"!. Just relating my personal experience(end).
Apparently, the shoe fit!  Last thing I need, Dynaquest, is a deaf mom, telling me what to do, listen to, how to comprehend or spend.  Unlike you, I'm capable of allowing another to their ubiquitous(generally vapid), "Last Word".
It's amazing how much one can type, without saying anything!   What's a, "snarky" anyway?