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
For cable lovers I have started a new thread on this forum called “Cable Survey”,
your input would be appreciated.
I don't use cables or interconnects or power cords anymore so I guess I really can't comment.

I like the larger diameter cables for heavier gear.  They just never snap when you use them to move things.  Sometimes those cheap and thin ones stretch too much when you need them to hold up an 80 lb mono block.
Ok here's my take as I recently tried the so called $5000.00 cable. I have been using the JW cryo nova 10.00 a foot solid core wire (can't bring myself to call it cable) which has done a fine job for me. Equipment is Proceed Pav, adcom amp, B&W 803d speakers, Sony TT and Musical Fidelity CD. The $5000.00 cable is a Transparent music wave ultra 12 ft long about 5 yrs old unused for the past 2 years belonging to a friend. 
So here is my experience,  on first connection the expensive cable sounded like crap. Harsh in all frequencies, unlistenable. After about 30 hours burn in the harshness in lower and mid frequency s disappeared.  At 60 hours burn in there is still some at the higher frequencies but it's much improved. I will continue burning in until I reach 200 hours at which time I'll form my final opinion on this subject. As of right now I'm convinced there is something to be said for the more expensive cable. I noticed improvement in decay, soundstage, clarity, presence, vocal inflection at this point in burn in. Is the difference worth the extra $$$$$? I don't think so. The extra expense far out weights the subtle improvements. Now I'm also retired and on a budget. We're I to have unlimited income or funds I'd certainly would enjoy the more expensive cable as I find there to be enough improvement to warrant the expense. As is I'll have to wait and win the lottery, but if I do I will for sure get a better cable. Until then my $10.00 a foot Cryo nova wire will just do fine. So finally I'm in the camp that says there is differences in cable and how they perform. If you can afford the expensive go for it with no regrets if you can't be happy with what you got and look for better on the cheap. I am hoping my friend will offer these cables as a Christmas gift. Fat chance. Although I'll try to buy them from him for what they may be worth to me. If he's willing to sell but my offer is not going to be anything close to $5000.00
@ gillatah:

Not sure I get a "burn-in" on cables that were used for three of the past five years.  Do they "un-burn" when not in use?

You talked about improvements in  decay, soundstage, clarity, presence, vocal inflection.  I don't believe cables/wires/interconnects can "improve" anything in the media.  All I think they could possibly do is (maybe) mitigate other outside influences that might interfere with the transmission of the signal from playback source to speakers.  And I'd opine that any cables of proper length and impedance will do all that just fine. 

I use a mix of WireWorld, Kimber and Monoprice and they all work just fine....none better than the other.  And no "burn-in" (a myth) was required.