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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
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,832 posts
 
Hey folks...too much angst here.  If you're into this hobby and you don't feel you will appreciate the difference an upgraded cable will make to the sound of your system, then be happy with the generic cables included with your equipment.  If, on the other hand, you have messed with different cables and have heard sonic differences that are significant to you then enjoy cable comparing and ultimately purchasing.

My personal situation has me hearing differences in cables, however, least of all power cables.  For me, I've experienced the greatest differences in speaker cables and interconnects. YMMV!!! c'est la vie.
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,885 posts
 
Agreed-WAY too much angst here. I should have not generalized as some people get some really crappy power but for me, I've found that just going into the wall with my amp gets me the best sound. Everything else goes in a power conditioner. 

Even taking that into consideration, your specific solution involves what is coming out of your outlet. Yes, some mooks refrigerator directly upstream from you can affect things, and so do sun spots, but do they have equal weight? For everyone? This kind of reasoning is getting into "butterfly wings" territory.

All the best,
Nonoise
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,832 posts
 
@nonoise

Mentioning "your specific solution involves what is coming out of your outlet" is a good reminder that the AC coming into one rural home, may not be of the same quality of the AC supplying an urban dwelling.

Different dwellings have different needs. That’s probably why power conditioners/regenerators are desired in specific locales, let alone different power cables.

nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,885 posts
 
hifiman5,
Yes, every situation is unique and must be addressed accordingly.
I just wish everyone lived downline from some local dam using hydroelectric turbines for around the clock power. :-)

All the best,
Nonoise
douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
The arrogance is the worst part of the theorists. Having transitioned from that perspective to a practitioner, it's like being a reformed smoker in a room of people lighting up. They are polluters. As someone who was a cable skeptic but now uses them weekly to build superior audio systems, I consider those who refuse to try the most simple and cheap comparisons the losers. There will always be some who sit in their arrogance and experiential ignorance for a lifetime.  

As for the illustrations about miles of wiring and the last six feet, I guess they never will holistically get systems.  :(
I'm  done wasting breath  on this. The only way to change their mind lies in their action to try. Barring that it's a waste of time to continue debates.

Regarding pro and domestic sound, if you can't see that they are fundamentally different and that much live sound is poor quality  then I can't  help you.i get to use systems that are active and use DSP, and they react identically to passive ones regarding cables.  Let me guess, some won't accept it.

 So, as they say on Shark Tank, I'm  out.


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