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?

sautan90412-26-2016 7:10pm

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shadorne Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 7,477 posts 01-22-2017 at 02:00am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete 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 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 2,190 posts 01-22-2017 at 02:09am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete 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
geoffkait Details Discussions Posts This discussion 23,365 posts 01-22-2017 at 01:17pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete dlcockrum 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. eggs ackley! Besides, most cables have 30 day guarantee or whatever. And I doubt any well heeled audiophiles with half a brain pays retail these days. Lol not to mention high end cble can be had for great bargains right here on Audiogon. One man’s treasure is another man’s trash. Lol and anyone can borrow high end cables or power cords from Cable Company for extended auditions. So, one has to ask, uh, where’s the beef? I suspect all this hand-wringing over cables that has been going on like forever will prove to be nothing more than a symptom of Mid Fi angst and jealousy. 😩
chrisr Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 543 posts 01-22-2017 at 02:43pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I second this one... There’s not a single audio buyer that do mindlessly throw money at cables. Choosing a cable is very involved - there’s a lot of studying of features and benefits, lots of questions on compatibility with hi-fi components, consultations with the cable makers, etc.... The consultation phase is so crucial to successfully plant the belief that the cable considered represents an improvement, an upgrade, when in fact it’s so far from the truth. Another crucial element of the cable buying process is the long break-in time necessary, in order to bias the consumer evaluation and trial and to conclude with a successful adoption (no return and next upgrade readiness). Not simple to sell a $5k illusion!
crazyeddy Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 381 posts 01-22-2017 at 03:50pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete @shadorne Funny you should bring up the Bryston viewpoint. I was chatting with Mike Pickett from Bryston a while back about this exact topic. You are absolutely correct about their stand on this matter. @geoffkait you brought up the option of investigating cable/IC options via The Cable Co. I would like to say that those of you in the USA have an extremely valuable resource at your disposal. How I wish that we here in Canada had such an option. In order for us to evaluate any of these products, it's an outright purchase, and that's that. Yes, I'm jealous !! :)