why do people feel the need to buy expensive cable

I'm off that particular merry go round. My system has only the very thin wires connecting the lightweight earphones to the portable player. I eschew all other cables, interconnects, power cords, digital cable, what have you.

If the question is about why people have a need to buy expensive cables, then why not ask a more general question? Why the need to buy expensive audio equipment? I don't think there's an actual need, but there is a desire. It may say something about themselves to others, but more importantly it's a self-affirming message to themselves. I deserve it, I can afford it and the world is good! Effectively it's comfort food for the soul.

I'll never understand why some people can put every person and system into one group just because they are unable to hear a difference. If you're unable to hear a difference, so be it. But don't put us all in your group. The OP has an opinion which is fine, probably true to a point, but I think not so many as he thinks.
Abucktwoeighty (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread)

+1

I guess the bottom line is one can’t classify all into one category.
Lak (System | Reviews | Threads | Answers | This Thread)

+1

It's all about what you can actually hear yourself. Don't assume others can't because you can't. Some say they hear the difference between the two sides of the Linn felt mat. I don't, but I don't presume they're deluding themselves just because I don't hear it.
Chayro (System | Reviews | Threads | Answers | This Thread)

+1

why do people feel the need to buy expensive cable
Because in some cases, they sound superior.

In my system, I use a combination of PCs. 2 that were custom made at $175 each and the rest Nordost Valhalla, High Fidelity and Shunyata Sigma.

I build my AUDIO system base on SOUND QUALITY and NOT status, measurements ... I use my EAR and buy what sounds the best!!!
Knghifi (Threads | Answers | This Thread)

+1

Freedom of choice! Democracy rules.

You're hearing (or system) does not allow you to hear the
difference, but there is no need to be defensive about it
and to post on the forum in hope of finding other people who
cannot hear the difference to make you feel better.

Early on I did a 'cable shootout' with some loaner cables and was impressed with Audio Magic. Since then I have worked up through their food chain as great deals became available. Each time I went to a higher level the improvement was unarguably there. There is, no doubt, a lot of subjectivity in the world of cables. I still believe, however, that you get the 'possibility' of real gains as more $$$ are spent.