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Cheap/expensive or expensive/cheap?

While I was listening to my modest little system recently, I began to ponder a question. What would sound better, an expensive system with the cheap/stock cables or a cheap system with high quality cables/power cords? For example, say you have a $3000 system (total) but have high quality cables/cords/conditioner etc. vs a $10000 system with just the stock cables and original power cords (no conditioners). 
I read many topics on AG and I am always amazed how much I don't know and how much I've learned on here. I've been updating my system over the past 2 years or so and appreciate all the experience and knowledge on these forums. Thanks---I look forward to your comments.
 
bluorion
rdk777's avatar
rdk777
573 posts
 
Good discussion - but you can't squeeze blood from a turnip. Cheap systems have their limitations, that's why they're cheap.

RK
keithtexas
352 posts
 
I will say something that many will probably disagree with but I have found it to be instructive over many years in this hobby: you should budget almost as much on the the amplifier to speaker interface (speaker cables) as you do on the amplifier. Strange but true. From examples of David Wilson demoing speakers with a basic receiver (but good speaker cables), to testimonies of guys putting together their most satisfying systems with integrated amps and speaker cables that cost more than the amps, the experiences go on.. Not sure where those observations fit in this cheap/expensive or expensive/cheap discussion, but it is what it is. Some guys that spend $100K on speakers and amps will spend 'only' $5K-$10K on cables. Big mistake; and they can't figure out why the system is still not satisfying. Lots of different variables of course but that is my opinion.  Flame away :D
glupson
7,842 posts
 
blueorion,

"...(as well as my non-audiophile friends) heard a noticeable difference on better ICs followed by speaker cables----not as much on the conditioner and power cords."

This sentence of yours should be at least half of the answer applicable to you on the question you asked in original post.

For some, the question is a non-question. Better electronics/speakers will always outdo worse electronic/speakers, no matter what functionally adequate cable (conducting and with good joints) you put there.
skypunk's avatar
skypunk
499 posts
 
zzzzzzzzzzzzz
douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
Are we talking two $10K systems in comparison or not? Not specified, as the expensive cables are left nebulous. 
Systems comparable, i.e. MSRP or not? (i.e. $3K used vs. $10K new, or not?)
Floor standing speaker vs. bookshelf?
Analogue vs. digital?
Class D, older AB, etc? 
Mixed loom of cables vs. set of cables? 

These questions reveal the problem with the question; it is so general that it does not offer much benefit in answering it. Everyone has a purportedly great answer, and they all have marginal value. 

The only proper answer is that direct comparison would tell, despite the tendency of most to attempt to predict the outcome. 




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