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
Shadorne - I understand how you feel. I can now see how picking up one of those Denons of yours can make cables become less relevant. I can see how they remove colorations as well. We all learn every day and I guess today is my day to learn. 
Thank you 
Warren Buffet's cables?  I dunno - does he use the ones that are spares for his Bugatti Vayron?  You know, that car with the $25K tires (or $60K tyres, depending upon which link in your Google search you click.  Both apparently still need the $70K mounting process that can only be done in France...).

Sorry, couldn't resist.  So much for $15K tires or lipstick on the proverbial Pigg.  They apparently do exist - who'd a thunk it?

I guess the only question about stuff like speaker cable that I'd still have after all this (or the limited amount of this thread that I could read) is just how old is everyone who's measuring and commenting?  From what I was taught way back when, hearing acuity typically starts to decline after age 50 (but that can start as early as ~30) and by age 60 or so it is likely to be just a fraction of what a teenager can distinguish.  If you can hear the difference then the choice is yours - all that stuff really is everyone's free choice (and budget).  I know that for myself I had to face reality and admit that aging has likely had an impact.  Once I stopped pouting I (finally!) figured that meant I could save on a few such "luxury" expenditures and target more for our community - I still pout occasionally but I can live with that choice.  
Those who can afford them, swear by them.
Those who can't, do without.
Those who can, swear they can hear the differences.
Those who can't, can't really care.

And hasn't this issue been beat to a pulp enough?  It really starts taking on the appearance of an addiction to an odd form of conflict, a variant of 'he said/she said' with no end in sight or mind....

MHO...enjoy yourselves, I guess...;)
andrew9405225 posts12-29-2016 3:59amCable threads, without question, are the most entertaining in the forums.

Dang, I was just about to go on holiday when I discovered another cable thread. Oh well, next year I won't read forums prior to the holidays.