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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
 
@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.


singlebrazil
9 posts
 
Hi,

I recently switched my expensive hi-end cables to the Belden 1694a and 1696a wire with neutrik plugs ... no complaints.

 Best, Ari.

shadorne's avatar
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shadorne
7,477 posts
 
I have noticed that when people have no logical or persuasive point to make in support of their position then they just attack the others. I still have not seen a good argument as to why buying equipment that is highly sensitive to wire connections or using wires as EQ filters makes any sense?

Shouldn't high end designs strive for maximum sensitivity to the source and a highly consistent reliable sound that has minimum sensitivity to variables like the bit of wire being used?

or

Should high end designs strive for highly inconsistent sound that is sensitive to almost any change at all in wire and no doubt many other factors too (this extreme kind of sensitivity or instability is not likely to be exclusive to just wires)?
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