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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
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
1,244 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.

dynaquest4's avatar
dynaquest4
445 posts
 
Actually, and I’ve said this before, and with science on my side, it is not that I cannot hear the difference, I do not believe there is a positive difference to be heard once basic, minimum cable requirements are met (gage/length). And even if there were a "difference" who determines whether is is "better" or "worse?" Just hearing a difference is moot. I can put my hands behind my ears and hear a difference. I can close the drapes and hear a difference. I can toe in my speakers and hear a difference. I can change the EQ and hear a difference. Some people WANT an "improvement" so badly they will do really, really (to me) dumb things. On another thread here a fellow paid $225,000 each for a couple speakers and then proceeded to change out the internal wiring . What? He researched what he thought were the best speakers on the planet and decided that the manufacturer was not smart enough to include appropriate crossover wiring? And, of course, he said the difference was stunning! Same audio placebo effect and expectation bias....that is the only science involved in expensive cables/interconnects/power cords.....and crossover wiring.
dill
2,541 posts
 
It is too bad, dynaquest, that your music listening enjoyment is based on rudimentary measurements that were developed scores ago. Hearing a difference is not moot, it is the whole point and YOU as the listener decides what sounds best. You say "audio placebo effect and expectation bias". I am smarter than that, realized years ago that could be a possibility, however with experience and long term listening of many different products I have learned to expect different sound from different metals and designs. Those of us that can hear a difference are rewarded with an enhanced listening environment and might even wind up spending less than you on cables. It is what it is. 
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