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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's avatar
shadorne
7,491 posts
 
"To believe that cables make no significant difference is wishful thinking. "

Huh? Did you make a typo? Surely the wishful thinking is on the part of any person believing that a mere piece of copper wire (even some wire costing a ridiculous $5000) is going to transform their system in a significant way?

To me a significant way should be akin to changing your TT cartridge or speakers. Changing cables should not be audible if your equipment is well designed to begin with and the new and old cable is made of wire (no electronics or passive filtering in the cables)

How often do you see famous guitarists switch guitars during a concert? How often do you see them changing the cables to all their instruments and microphones? 

Get real. Cables have minimal effect and equipment is specifically designed to ensure this!
dlcockrum's avatar
dlcockrum
2,190 posts
 
Sigh. Oh well.
joey_v
669 posts
 
I used to be a non believer.  Then I tried it in my system and I believe.
tls49's avatar
tls49
1,351 posts
 

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!!


peterr53
184 posts
 
Question, is there a minimum length for speaker cables.
I have the feeling the dealer wants to sell a minimum of 6' 
for some reasons...
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