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 tls49

Sorry, but I see too many red flags to believe what the OP says.

"After the purchase of my system, I went to another dealer to ask for cable opinion"

Then a 2 part test where the OP changes all the connections, totally blind and then tell the listner what is connected, but actually lie about it. What high end dealer would allow an unknown potential customer to swap cables in this manner on a display system?

"I did the same test with 3 of my audiophile friends and they all have difference inputs but no one really got it right."

How did this happen, as it implies they were not at the dealer during the original test?

"I was a big believer in high end cable, influenced by my rich friends without really compare or test them out."

To purchase a system with new components listed by the OP in this thread and the rest of them in his other recent thread would take more than an "average Joe" disposable income. Guess I’m curious as to what his "rich friends" have for disposable income.

And finally, the OP profile shows 14 discussions started, with only 2 listed, and 35 responses, with only 12 listed. All of the listed have been done this month, yet a member since 2011. Why has he deleted all the other discussions and responses?

Now it is very true that someone may not hear cable differences if their system is in a cave or under a bridge.



"I just hope your post is true, otherwise you wasted all our time here, even though I laugh at times"

IMHO, it's obvious that the original post is bogus, however, it does prove that audiophiles can't resist talking about cables. I'm sure the OP has gotten quite a chuckle from this.


dlcockrum, ditto to the your last comment.

It has been said, put 10 audiophiles in a room to discuss cables and they will emerge with at least 11 different theories. Now I'm thinking they will never leave the room!!



dlcockrum, thanks Dave, and best to you as well.

mtrot, agree, and I also thank Al, almarg for his wisdom, always a good dose of soundness (pun intended)

Now for those who still think the OP wasn’t bogus, I have some land, possibly future commercial/industrial, in Florida for sale at a fraction of potential value. Just needs a little fill in low areas to help with drainage. That being done, will likely cause the alligators to leave.

@dlcockrum  Dave, I find it quite ironic that grubbs joined the forum the next day after this thread started and this is his first response. Coming up out of the earth seems to cause an unusual odor.

@213runnin "Another thread where a cable hater tricks somebody and then goes online to brag about it."

The OP has tricked everyone that responded to take a position for either side, believers and non-believers. It’s obvious that the OP and his responses are bogus. I still find it hard to believe so many fell into his trap.


Well over 400 responses to an original post that was bogus!!

Definitely proves a comment I made early in the thread.

"It has been said, put 10 audiophiles in a room to discuss cables and they will emerge with at least 11 different theories. Now I’m thinking they will never leave the room!!"

It’s OK with me, if you’re having fun go for a 1000!!