Who thinks $5K speaker cable really better than generic 14AWG cable?

Don’t be a hater. Be a lover. Yeah! Embrace the void! "But first...are you...experienced?" 😄

A great cable should be totally invisible when dealing with the signal. That's the problem with most cables.  They seem to have their own signature and this is why some use them to 'tune' their systems.  This is the biggest reason I have switched over to AQ cables.  I have had the MIT, Transparent, Nordost, Wireworld, Kimber, Cardas and so many more in the systems and have only really liked the AQ cables.  Again, my ear, but they seem to be the most neutral up and down the line. Right now I use the balanced Niagara interconnect between my Ayre QX5/20 and Ayre AX5/20.  I am using a generic UBS between the server and the DAC. I run an 8' length of Castlerock internal bi wired between the amp and the Vandersteen Quatro's.  

A friend sent me a pair of AQ Horizon's (the same as the top of the line WEL) that are silver along with my favorite USB the AQ Diamond.  I have had the diamond in and out of the system in the past and it makes a HUGE difference. As much to me as a double component upgrade.  The stock USB Belkin sucks.  I hate it.  It will be interesting to hear what the Horizon will sound like in my system.  I have heard the WBYonder a few times and felt that with so much silver, it really was musical and sounded like the components were almost hard wired to each other.  I felt it was that good, but couldn't afford it and if I could, I think I'd have put that money towards better electronics.  

I only have one audiophile cord in the system and it made a little difference.  Not enough for me to go out and buy expensive cords for everything also (the cord is a TOL Basis power cord that was given to me to try out).  I have found a bigger power difference by putting a Synergistic Research Powercell 10/Tesla into the rack (selling said unit) and now an AQ Niagara power unit.

These both lower the noise floor so much that you can hear the micro and macro details so much easier.  I'm floored by how much these units work. I also like the Denali conditioner.

To address folks who say wealthy people can afford a specific cable so it's not a big deal, I promise you it is. I am friends with many who own the 62k Vandersteen 7's with TOL component and cables.  Most of them can afford whatever they want, but like me, they audition products and figure if they are worth it.  Not just giving better sound (not just different sound) and is the cost/return worth it.  No different than many of us who will never afford those types of systems.  Incremental differences are personal choices and there is no right or wrong.  The market IS there so those engineers who say folks are hoodwinked make me laugh as they come across as always being correct, when in fact they are not correct based on the market for these high end cables.  You can't hoodwink that many folks who do audition products and most buy what sounds best for them and don't bother reading the boards.

That is based on sales.

Shadorne - I understand how you feel. I can now see how picking up one of those Denons of yours can make cables become less relevant. I can see how they remove colorations as well. We all learn every day and I guess today is my day to learn. 
Thank you 

What cables does Warren Buffett use?