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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
shadorne's avatar
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shadorne
7,477 posts
 
@crazyeddy.

I think it is more likely that the best amplifier designers know that there are limits to technology and also human hearing. At some point extra costly aesthetics and marketing become much more important than measurable improvements in sound.

From a marketing perspective, it would be foolish for an amplifier manufacturer to criticize the highly lucrative business of high end cable accessories that their dealers and retailers enjoy. Margins on cables/cords are in the thousands of percent and picking a fight over the usefulness or not of cable jewellery would bite the hand that feeds of the retailers...

That said, Bryston has been quite honest about the benefits of power cords. As a well established pro highish end brand they don’t seem to endorse the idea that you need special power cords for their amps.
213runnin
914 posts
 
I've got some disturbing news, in that case.  Tannoy Loudspeakers has been in the business for a lot longer than Bryston.  They use all manner of "cable jewellry" wire in their speakers.  

Personally, I don't need to hear what amp or speaker makers say. I listen to my gear. If something within budget improves SQ, then I'll use it. I've had speaker cables and IC's that did not improve things, and and those that did.  It's no big deal.

If a product is useless, the maker may get away with hyping it up and using marketing techniques to sell it for a time, but the truth will come out and lawsuits usually ensue.

The theory that the cable industry is nothing but snake oil and has been ripping off the consumer for over 30 years without getting into legal or other trouble is ridiculous.  In this sue happy culture they never would have made it out of the 80's.  

The cable industry is still around because their products do improve SQ.  It's also true that some gear probably can't benefit from after market cables and some people's hearing is of a lesser ability.  Ever hear a guy who can't carry a tune bellow it out anyway?  Many around him can hear that he's way off the melody, but he can't tell the difference.  


geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
Another innovation Tannoy utilizes - at least for their flagship model - is cryo'ing the internal wiring and the entire crossover assembly. 
shadorne's avatar
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shadorne
7,477 posts
 
You are free to believe whatever you like. I don’t think lawsuits are ever likely because all the cables work and are generally not harmful. Since when did someone successfully sue a vendor for selling a $50 product for $5000 or $4950 profit .... sorry but it is not illegal to make a profit and you don’t have to prove your input costs to customers....
dlcockrum's avatar
dlcockrum
2,190 posts
 
Contrary to popular opinion (apparently), not many audio buyers mindlessly throw money at cables that don't provide audible benefits in their system, according to their personal tastes and preferences. It is a crowded market and suspiciously regarded by many, so the market itself sorts out (over time) those that do not provide improved sound quality on a consistent basis.

Dave
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