2. cables
  3. 127600-2130

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
ayonsinha
11 posts
 
When comparing cheap vs expensive cable you cannot change the physical characteristics of the conductor. The gauge and length and number of separated conductors must remain the same (single vs bi-wire).
Monoprice has Nimbus or Access series 12 awg bi-wire awesome cables
bobson_0
1 posts
 
sautan904, 
What you did was essentially a scientific experiment.  I applaud you for your action, determination, and tact.  I'm sure many people here have spent $$$ on expensive cable and will express an opinion that will justify thier expense.  Let me assure you that what matters is RESULTS.  Measurable results.  If a $5,000 cable doesn't produce 100x better results than a $50 cable, can you really justify its 100x price?  The sad fact is that in this blind test and probably any other blind test, no destinguishable difference was observable to a series of well trained ears.  We audiophiles must begin to demand measurable results to justify these extreme prices for simple fabrications of polymers and copper.  We must stop using emotional bias to make purchases and demand measurable results.  I am thankful that you made this experiment and shared your results with us.  Please continue your quest for the truth in the audiophile world.  
cchang
6 posts
 
It is a pity one can't hear difference. And it is a pity one stops at "price tag" paradigm.

1) cabling is mix & match game. Not price tag game. No effort spent no gain.
2) given my loudspeakers is full range single driver high efficiency, my 3M pair DIY silver OCC speaker cable cost me $150. BUT a pair of boutique brand interconnect costs me $1700.

just my 2 cents

ehtoo's avatar
ehtoo
20 posts
 
Me. I wouldn't trade my Actinote Arias for anything. I've tried 14 guage following an Absolute Sound comment and it was just OK. The better cables give inkier backgrounds and firmer, more dynamic presentation. And if you're really lucking, greater sense of scale, vividness, and 3-D imaging.
spentwatts's avatar
spentwatts
9 posts
 
You know it's, what all intelligent people should know, that the only time cable becomes an issue is when you have a very high end & quality amp, to use cable less than 12 awg will constrain the current flow to your speakers, thereby causing a less than full reproduction of the audio frequency spectrum.  As far as the 5k cable performing better than stranded 12 awg, good luck!  But if you need bragging rights and money to burn, then this item is for you...
More to discover