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
zephyr24069's avatar
zephyr24069
1,245 posts
 
Benjie: BRAVO!!! Killer response! A big +1 on this...
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,911 posts
 
I’m sure the expensive ones are better made.  Probably come in a nice expensive package as well.

Sound better? I’d have to hear in my system to know.

Do I get good odds if I bet on the poor ordinary wire?

What if its a tie?
dynaquest4's avatar
dynaquest4
445 posts
 
benjie: You said-

"My question is to all of the people who feel that cabling and equipment has no effect on the sound quality of the music..."

"That a $100 system sounds just a good as a $100,000 system."

"My question is then why is this one of your hobbies? Why would you be involved in something that is ( in your opinion ) just fleecing us out of our hard earned money? That this is one big corrupt industry...." 
 
Well...perhaps you need to read more than the past ten posts.  This thread is NOT about the audio industry nor the audio "hobby" nor audio systems; it is about the audio cabling industry that preys on those with some sort of an audio quality addiction that causes them to ignore science and get sucked in by slick marketing, bright and shiny cables and other butterflies and rainbows.  

I recently bought a slightly used Oppo 105D and the guy threw in an HDMI cable.  When I was hooking it up I noticed the directional arrows on this "Chocolate" brand HDMI cable.  Recognizing that scam, I googled it and found it on Amazon for 90 bucks.  A digital cable for 90 bucks!  I read review after review from people saying how much better both the audio and video quality were from this one meter DIGITAL "Chocolate" cable.  Even most of the "audiophiles" who empty their wallets on analog cables know that in digital signals, it is all ones and zeros and either thy arrive or they don't. Probably the best example of the "audio placebo effect."

  
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,911 posts
 
it is all ones and zeros and either thy arrive or they don’t



Dyna you definitely jumped the shark a bit here when it comes to digital sound. There is more to it than that. The right ones need to arrive at the right time. Also the ones and zeros must be represented accurately (ones be ones and zeros zeros and not loose too many, ideally none along the way). Nearby sources of noise and other parameters are real issues to consider. Some do it better than others. Also it is not always done exactly the same way. Good news is excellent performing digital wires (and digital audio gear in general) need not cost a fortune but probably a good idea to avoid poorly made products and be aware that wires are often still subject to significant noise and resulting "distortion".

Of course like with all things there are good value products and others that do not offer as good value for most.

However, value is largely a personal judgement. If someone thinks something sounds or is better the value exists for them. The question is how many see the value in any particular product.

Also it is usually the case that the best made products tend to cost more. How much that matters.......well like most things it all depends.

Not quite so cut and dry...

Having said all that I tweak most anything that needs it but with digital cables specifically I buy good quality wires from reputable sources and have yet to have a reason to doubt my digital wires. I do not think I have any costing more than $20 or so.

jetter
3,113 posts
 
I hear Monoprice digital cables for <$5.00 are very good.  Have all the bells and whistles.
More to discover