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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
brucenewengland
20 posts
 
When it comes to high-end audio, I am a newb. But not so with technology.

I'm old enough to have been proven wrong more times than I can remember, when I was sure that I was right. It reminds me not to think too highly of myself, as it'll just be a longer fall...

Yet, it is my passionate belief that most of what's written about very expensive cables, interconnects, etc. is B.S.

I find it very hard to believe that we could tell the difference between the gold-standard of these, and what most of us could construct ourselves - at very reasonable cost.

I strongly suspect that it's far more psychological, that the listener wants to believe that the money spent was not wasted. And falling victim to crowd-think.

If a terrorist gave me three options to determine if I live or die; walk across an unmarked minefield, Russian-roulette, or I can live if a group of audiophiles cannot prove in a double-blind test that fuses have polarity (and they can hear it!), I'd take the latter every time.

But, because so many of you swear by it, I'll keep an open enough mind to try for myself someday - just in case.  :)
Bruce.
dlcockrum's avatar
dlcockrum
2,190 posts
 
Hi Bruce. Welcome to Audiogon!

Kudos for your attitude. No one can doubt your intelligence and cognitive skills after reading that post.

However, there are three "tells" in your post. "hi-end audio vs technology", "psychological", "double-blind test". These words are the sword and shield of the ardent deniers OF THE POSSIBILITY for different technologies, design choices, materials, and quality construction of cables to actually audibly affect sound quality.

That’s fine as long as it does not become a blindfold (pun intended) to trying such products with an open mind and making your own informed decision before allowing natural and healthy skepticism (re: seemingly price-disproportionate products that, unfortunately, often espouse unrealistic claims of scale and impact) rob you of the opportunity to actually try and then decide through experience. With the 30day+ unconditional money back guarantees from cable manufacturers these days, there is simply no reason to be satisfied with driving from the back seat in the dark.

If you find after earnestly completing the above steps that better cables do not provide sufficient value for your situation, then Godspeed to you my friend.

Again, welcome to Audiogon and thanks for your post. :)

Dave
brucenewengland
20 posts
 
Thank you for the welcome and very kind words Dave.

I also appreciate how you took the time to explain a few points, as one who wants to help others share his joy with this hobby.

This is rather effective at making me want to try it, in spite of my convictions.

Thanks Dave.
Bruce.
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Bruce, the thing is that all you need to do is borrow some cables and play.  That's what I do when I can and when I hear something that I feel sound THAT much better and the price is within what I feel is fair, I'll go for it.  

I feel very strongly that many cables do change the sound, but not always for the best and price isn't always the differentiator.  I've learned that many little changes can make differences in sound quality both good or bad.
wgutz
85 posts
 
Silver is not bright after it is fully broken in which I over-estimate at about 20,000 hours.
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