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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
folkfreak's avatar
folkfreak
1,349 posts
 
@dynaquest4 I suspect it is your use of the term "rubber feet" when the Sort Fut is aluminium, bronze and ceramic with no rubber at all -- implying you have done no research and have no real interest nor belief in the value of vibration control

I’ve never tried this particular footer but I will note that my preferred footers (Marigo F8) are even more tweaky in their design, and cost a little more as well I think ...
dynaquest4's avatar
dynaquest4
445 posts
 
folkfreak: All I was "researching" was the price. Don’t really care what they are made of since they seem to fix a problem that does not exist...or at least is not audible to the human ear (an opinion)...or provide an increase in audio quality so infinitesimal that moving a sofa 1/4" might work as well.

So, you are correct, "...I have no interest or belief," which is the point of my comment.

These over engineered, ridiculously priced cables and other "accessories" seem to say more about the buyers and the marketeers who gladly sell them. Kinda like a Rolex vs. Timex. Both tell time accurately but only the Rolex says you have money to burn. It is a piece of jewelry. Just like a $16,000.00 RCA connect is a piece of jewelry. I want good music from my $30K system...not a personal financial statement.

Think I’ve made my opinions known so I will leave this forum now. If anyone needs the final word, fire away.
jperry
2,454 posts
 
Thanks Folkfreak. Have a great day.
2channel8
758 posts
 
This is a useful discussion for someone who is unhappy with their system's sound or who has been debating spending a boatload on cables.

'Tis an ancient debate and will never be settled in the court of critical listening although I think it gas in the court of science. For myself, I believe very strongly in both sides. ;^)
I use 12 g Auvio speaker wire. It's 50% bare copper and 50% silver coated. I haven't compared it with more expensive cable; but other's have measured its resistance against 10 other cables and it came in second to Canare 411. http://www.whatsbestforum.com/showthread.php?14134-When-12-Gauge-Wire-is-not-12-Gauge!
I've compared it to 14 g and basic 12 g. Not a huge difference; but at 10 ft. length, I like the Auvio better. Tried bi-wiring. I Think I may gave heard a slight difference in non-blind comparison. I left the speakers bi-wired because it couldn't hurt.

ICs are a different story. I feel one MUST replace the generic RCA ICs that come with most components, but I've achieved a sound that I like without spending a boatload. I recently replaced a pair of 1 1/2 meter AQ AlphaSnakes with a pair of 1 meter WireWorld Luna 7s, their cheapest at $40, on my Oppo BDP-95. There was a change in tonality, the WW being a little brighter and seeming to have better detail. I like that; but there are some passages where it is too bright for me. I'll live with that because these cables accomplished something I could not, no matter how I positioned my Canton Ergo 1002DCs. Not only did they widen the already wide soundstage and provide more space between the musicians, they actually elevated the stage from the level of my navel to that of my ears. I was not expecting that! I had a friend listen, literally blindfolded, as I switched the ICs back and forth - or not. He heard the same thing and was able to pick out the WWs 4 of 5 times. The WireWorld cables have a unique physical design, which is why I chose them. Was that the cause of the difference, or is it just that they are 1/2 meter shorter?  I don't know, but I'm planning on tying their Solstice or Oasis between my phono-pre and preamp. Maybe I'll keep them in the freezer for a week before I connect them. Nah. You can't believe everything you read. ;^)


asvjerry's avatar
asvjerry
4,739 posts
 
"You can't believe everything you read."

Good words to live by.  I've always tried to take everything I've read with a 'grain of salt', as we were admonished by the older wizened ones.

It's since grown to the size of a salt lick, but it's a great place to prop up my weary feet whilst perusing the 'net's nooks 'n crannies....;)

"Sifting sand, sifting sand, lookin' for some trace of you...."
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