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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
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,941 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
3,117 posts
 
I hear Monoprice digital cables for <$5.00 are very good.  Have all the bells and whistles.
douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
Dana quest, great, now you should have two cables for comparison! Have at it! You should not need blind testing to compare the fact cable to throw away cable. The test is to see if you can hear a difference. Whether it's worth it is another question.  I'm looking forward to your  comparison.

I would be willing to review Atma-sphere preamp and amp with their choice of optimum cables versus  my favorites and tell about the experience, a no lose proposition for the community.  :)
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dynaquest4's avatar
dynaquest4
445 posts
 
Dumb to continue to debate the HDMI cable issue.  Other than physical durability the digital signal cannot be "made better."  I'm fairly sure most of you know (or should know) this.  My only point in bringing it up was to highlight how people can be duped into giving away money and, even more surprisingly, convince themselves there is a real (better) difference. See here:  https://www.cnet.com/news/why-all-hdmi-cables-are-the-same/
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