2. cables
  3. 127600-2130

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
jetter
3,035 posts
 

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.

dynaquest4's avatar
dynaquest4
445 posts
 
@ jetter: Brilliant!!
jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
4,175 posts
 
jSbach my friend did that , you are right, his ears were so different than mine, he loves bass and hated brightness, he drove me crazy, 20 yrs ago all I hear is no bass, too bright.Listen skeptics about cables, there is 30 days money back guarantee or 60 days , if you think or can't tell the improvement just return it, if you really like this hobby , you might miss something that's out there.I was skeptic too, but when I audition with open wallet and mind , then I heard the differrence , but for those who can't hear , the  ,difference one day you will.
zephyr24069's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
zephyr24069
1,243 posts
 
jetter: it’s not a valid test given the way the human brain takes audio impulses in through both ears simultaneously and processes them together as a sound field...if you do the test in this way, the results would be different than the result of uniformly using one cable pair or the other on both L and R channels regardless of which cable pair is the better one having nothing to do with price.
mitch2
4,033 posts
 
I guess everyone can decide for themselves at what point the "money spent vs. system enjoyment" curve diverges from the "money spent vs. hear a difference" curve.

At what point would you prefer to listen to music than to listen for differences?

More to discover