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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
knghifi
1,668 posts
 
I have decade old 1st generation Monster speaker cables in my basement.   Several years ago out of curiosity I installed them in my system.   Didn't take 30 seconds but immediately noticed collapsed soundstage, 2D (Bo, were you using Monster cables??), fuzzy, lack extension ... and NO bass.

Like I said earlier, OP is just a TROLL.  No way with Wilson Alexia, McIntosh ... and can't hear a difference between cables.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
I agree with Goeffkait that bind tests have very limited value, but for the primary reason that they don't correspond to listening and therefore are invalid.

if I are merely hidden for your knowing what components are being used and you get to listen for a reasonable time to a known cut, one should get something out of them.

But a 30 second same/different task is useless as we don't listen like that when listening to music. I have been involved in such listening test of 30 seconds where after afterwards I listed for more extended time and always picked one unit as best. If you don't hear a difference between two components don't buy either. If you hear your piece sounding better, keep it. Screw anyone else opinion unless you have much prior experience they hear as you do.

How do you get confidence with so few audiophiles and dealers? THis is a major problem. I have many friends even in other countries that often give valid advice to me. But forget double blind 30, same/different tests and try to ignore bells and whistles.

But I do agree with him that many factors matter. No cytogenetic treatment, however. TEsla coil treatment is far superior.
shadorne's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
shadorne
7,477 posts
 
Blind tests demonstrate that differences may be too subtle to notice easily. They don't prove there are no differences but they do show that the differences are very subtle and at a level where it may not matter to some listeners. That serves a purpose. It also shows who is a better critical listener. Just like wine tasting. Some are a lot better than others. I can guess a French red wine region from blind tasting. I am hopeless with white wine. I guess my interest is red wine so that is hardly surprising. 

I agree that more than 30 secs may be necessary as I believe that a variety of tracks may actually be needed to eventually highlight a difference between components. It takes time to home in on a difference but once you find it and know what to listen for then you can find it.

To the contrary, sighted tests run the risk of being influenced by expectations. Sighted tests are of limited value when performance is very close as it is hard to remove the bias about the equipment. The old adage "looks can be deceiving" applies.
tls49's avatar
tls49
1,351 posts
 

dlcockrum, thanks Dave, and best to you as well.

mtrot, agree, and I also thank Al, almarg for his wisdom, always a good dose of soundness (pun intended)

Now for those who still think the OP wasn’t bogus, I have some land, possibly future commercial/industrial, in Florida for sale at a fraction of potential value. Just needs a little fill in low areas to help with drainage. That being done, will likely cause the alligators to leave.

glory's avatar
glory
1,616 posts
 
9,

SR did use a lot of Marketing BS in the past but what I found from one of their resent products made me reevaluate the path to better SQ and it's not wire!! Mind you one still needs good/great wire but the path has been paved by SR :) $$$ to better SQ.
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