2. cables
  3. 124435-12318

Hype, Hyperbole and high price!

Okay, I understand that this site has to make money by having advertisers, but cheese and crackers, the claims that are made are just laughable if not down right criminal!  Before I attended an engineering university I too was duped into buying expensive wires and such.  Now, armed with an engineering and physics background, I can see through the BS claims made.  I try and not let it get in the way of my enjoyment of good quality stereo equipment, but when a salesman tries to sell me something based on testimonials, hype and hyperbole, I tell him politely my background and then ask him a series of questions which leaves him dumbfounded. 

Such crap as directional wires - (I used to work for both Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman) and trust me, if we had to test the miles of wires for directionality in every piece of equipment built...well you get the gist.

I have friends that are audio snobs and although they argue with me (Basically buyer's remorse) they know that what I say is true and end the conversation.  Oh well, I suppose I will continue to get a headache when I read said claims.

Sigh!
128x128kenny928
Post removed 
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
Ihor wrote,

"... that just roll their eyes about investing in quality audio systems after browsing ads, magazines, and websites and seeing $1,000+ cables, $2,000 plus cartridges, $3,000K DACs and other such costly items."

Actually you are underestimating the high end prices enormously. If they just rolled their eyes at your prices one imagines their eyes would pop out of their heads entirely if they saw what the high offers the well heeled audiophile today: $24,000 interconnects, $15,000 cartridges, $30,000 DACs and $100,000 turntables.

cheers

geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
 
viridian
3,663 posts
05-07-2016 2:41pm
"Ihor, if you wish to buy $100.00 Scotch tap you will need to contact Peter Belt not Geoff."

I knew audiophiles were fond of Scotch but having expensive Scotch on tap is new to even these ears.

cheers

facten
2,890 posts
 
People will spend money on what they want to spend it on, and if they choose not to spend it on audiophile equipment so be it.  

I really like to listen to music so over time I have repeatedly changed out equipment to try to improve my listening experience and will likely continue to do so to whatever limit I choose.  By the same token, I am satisifed with having a 5 year old LCD TV and dvd player; I could switch them out to the latest curved screen tv and blu-ray player, but getting that "extra' from video isn't important to me. Freeedom of choice for me; as it is for how others spend their hard earned cash. 
sunrayjack12's avatar
sunrayjack12
33 posts
 
Their is no such thing as sound in a audio cable, it's just voltage,.
Voltage makes everything happen, how it is manipulated from the source to the speaker is what determines sound.
The final product in the line that determines great sound is the speaker, crossover and cabinet itself, after that it's up to the room and your ears.
You can argue the point until the cows come home and will always come back to your opinion is the right answer and everyone else is wrong that just can't see it your way.
I would think the only thing that matters in a audio cable, is to have one that has as little resistance as possible, and a good tight electrical connection on both ends.
Add in cable length only as long , straight and of the proper gage for the length of run to the speaker as necessary.
Just my two cents, you sound like you are on the money Kenny.

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