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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
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
mitch2
Geoff, I did indeed try reversing a fuse and the most noticeable difference was the 15 minutes of my life I will never get back. I have now vowed to only try stupid audiophile parlor tricks at midnight during the fall switch from daylight savings to regular time, and to keep the time I spend on foolishness to less than one hour so I can pretend I didn’t waste my time.

>>>>I wouldn’t expect you to hear it, Sunshine. For any number of reasons, but most likely you just psyched yourself out. 😳 in any case, judging by other folks’ experiences yours is obviously an aberration and can be safely thrown out.
bdfar's avatar
bdfar
22 posts
 
5K cables, heck $500 cables are for people who just think they need to spend more and more and then some more on their audio system.  It's almost sinful, but then again to each his own.  To people who don't believe me I always have 2 words that shut them up.  Blind. Test.
mitch2
4,336 posts
 
How convenient, and original, claim an aberration and "safely" throw out the offending fact.  Did you learn that in your Multivariate Analytical Statistics and Data Visualization class where higher level students basically claim a deep understanding allows them to solve problems using whatever method they wish? I do give you kudos for not using the tired old arguments about my system, my ears, or my inability to afford better cables, fuses, etc.  Carry on, and happy fuse flipping.
unreceivedogma's avatar
unreceivedogma
1,153 posts
 
I’ve been saying for decades that people who claim to hear a difference between $5 and $5K cable are simply suffering from the placebo effect. 
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
Sorry, we’ve eliminated placebo effect through careful testing. Better luck next time.
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