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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
andrei_nz
192 posts
 
andrew9405225 posts12-29-2016 3:59amCable threads, without question, are the most entertaining in the forums.

Dang, I was just about to go on holiday when I discovered another cable thread. Oh well, next year I won't read forums prior to the holidays.

buckhorn_cortez
81 posts
 

I wonder whether anyone uses the equipment to listen to music, or whether they simply use the music to listen to the equipment...


acman3
4,236 posts
 
Why?

ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Buck, there are three types of audiophile for the most part.  Those who love the music and use the equipment to listen with the best possibly enjoyment.  Those who love equipment and listen to music to show off their systems (according to many in the industry, this may make up about 60% or more).  Third are those (me) who love both and will listen to anything they are in the mood for, but on occasion will listen to 'audiophile' pressings to show off what their systems can do.

I was just sent a pair of Audioquest Horizon balanced interconnects and a piece of their Diamond USB cable. I have always loved the Diamond as it makes a huge difference to MY EAR IN MY SYSTEM.  

I have been running an AQ Niagara interconnect, which for it's price range is an outstanding value (if you believe cable makes a difference).  The Horizon was the precursor to the top of the line WEL cable.  I was in shock at what i've been hearing this weekend. The Horizon just does EVERYTHING better.  It doesn't change the tone or anything, but the system just sounds so much better.  

My wife doesn't give a crap about audio.  She just likes music and will go to many concerts with me from rock to blues to jazz to...  I never tell her what I've done or haven't done to the system, but she stopped me dead in my tracks after I changed the cables and asked what I did.  She had no idea I had them and didn't see me do anything to the system.  When she asked me, I asked her why.  She said it just sounds like the Joe Bonamassa concert I took her to at Carnegie Hall last Jan for my birthday.  They recorded it and just released it on Blueray and Tidal is streaming it (acoustic).  She said the instruments sound like they did that night and that should could almost feel Tina Guo in the room (Google her as she's a GREAT cellist).  

I audition a lot of gear. I have left cables for last to be honest and for good reason. They make a difference, but often taking the cost and upgrading a component makes a larger difference.  When stepping up to this level of cable, I was shocked that in a system like mine, it make such a difference.  If I had to pay full price, I could not afford a cable like this, but as I've stated, there is a point in a line where you get their best 'value' in a component or cable.  I felt for years the Niagara or it's similar cable was that point and I believe it still is today, but I will not be selling these Horizon cables for a long time, if forever.  I feel blessed to own them.  Oh, the diamond going from my server to the DAC is equally as good and makes a full component difference for me from the Carbon that it's often compared to.  JMHO
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