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
You guys sure know how to crank out a laugh or two in this thread. I like how the OP bailed out and has not returned? Since the Emperor has no clothes make certain his cock is covered in the least.  Yes, pro-cabling can be used in a home Audio environment. As above, most dealers/retailers, sadly, do not know Music nor know how to set-up a system.

Interesting. Happy Listening!
Good news for anyone getting ready to purchase an expensive amplifier!
Since amplifiers are indistinguishable from each other, buyers will now have even more money to spend on expensive cables.  This is obviously good news for expensive cable manufacturers too.
Geoff, I am curious, are Walkmans (aka, Walkmen?) also indistinguishable from each other, since they do not require cables?

ROTFLMFAO!!!

What a relief viz. the amplifier topic,....I can ditch all this expensive audio gear and cables and grab a boom-box or a Bose Wave Radio and have the same quality sound!!! Thank you to the cables don’t matter folks for pointing all this out and helping us out!!!

OK, here's a whole new idea, which when I thought of it was kind of a joke, but now not so sure.  For you who have no imagination or sense of humor or exploration, don't read further.

Why not see what happens if you use one of your ultra high end speaker cables or interconnects on one channel and a lesser on the other, see what you do or do not hear.  Maybe reverse same after a week or two.