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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
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
@zephyr24069 
I guess I am still the skeptic you once were and tbh if I need to spend the equivalent of a small 3rd world countries national debt to hear that hard sought difference then I will surely remain a skeptic...lol.
Would you care to name the cables you allude to in your post at all?
I am not a skeptic by choice, just as of yet I have not been convinced on aural changes by ANY cable change I have ever made anywhere.
Whereas items like tubes, tube dampers etc I can honestly say that yes I did hear changes.
dill
2,539 posts
 
One way is to insert a cable made from a different metal. If you are using copper speaker or interconnect, try a silver plated copper or solid silver cable (they don't have to be expensive). Use the same lengths and only change one pair at a time, speaker cables or interconnects. Use familiar music, match the appox. volume and be in a quiet environment.
toddverrone's avatar
toddverrone
840 posts
 
I was a mega sceptic, but also old enough to know I should investigate for myself before I make a snap judgement. Being a cheapskate as well as a sceptic, I decided I’d make my own cables. I started with power cables and distributors, then did speaker cables and interconnects.

They all made a difference.

I’ve now tried various materials and construction techniques and have settled on the things that have sounded the best.

Before you decide, try with an open mind. I had my mind made up too. I loved the article on the bluejeans site, decrying expensive cables..

I still think some prices are straight up ridiculous, but I still pay attention to what I use to connect things..
zephyr24069's avatar
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zephyr24069
1,243 posts
 
dill: Great suggestion,...definitely a worthwhile test!

toddverrone: If I had your skills and was able to build cables, I would definitely have gone down that path. 

uberwaltz: I'm happy to discuss this and talk through the multiple vendors I've used with good results over the years and those I've owned or tried that did not get it done (for me alone, they are reputable and good brands, just did not wind up liking them in the long run).  As for my current prefs spanning the last 3-4 years and moving forward, check out my systems page With exception of changing clocking and AES cables as a possibility, the analog IC, speaker and power cables listed there are a brand that is a cornerstone of how my system sounds its best today.   Please drop me a message via mail here on the forum. I don't want to have this thread turn into "my list of past cables owned" as opposed to the OP's topic and have any appearance that I'm bashing vendors that I don't happen to own cables from any longer as that would not be the case at all.  

Have a great day all!
gbmcleod
477 posts
 
Just passing through here today (since I have one of those "expensive" cables for sale), and all I can say is: I’m not interested in converting anyone. Don't need to.
If Dynaquest cannot hear the difference, good for him. I can’t imagine who his dealer is, or how the difference can’t be heard: I can hear it even with my hearing loss.
But it’s certainly CHEAPER to NOT hear a difference, and believe me, I wish my hearing was  even poorer, too. I’d be quite a bit richer. Money-wise, but not music-wise.

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