What do $2500 speaker cables sound like?

@sokogear
Over the decades I’ve played at the "audiophile" game, my journey has become much more about the music I’ve learned a lot. One big lesson which I recently had to relearn is that often newer is not better. Different perhaps but not better. Of course, there are too many variables in the mix but I do feel that a modicum of what’s generally referred to as "common sense," and at least one eye on the wallet, is a very good approach.

I once listened to a system in which the speaker cables alone cost more than an economy car. Speakers were roughly $40K. Electronics cost about the same, not including interconnects. Yes, It was quite impressive. But after an increasingly- tiring 90-minute listening session it was clear to me, that in this case "too much was really much too much."

FWIW, I’ve gotten rather good results with some DIY speaker wires including various gauges of magnet wire. And yes, I can hear differences.

One final thought: wires or "cables" yield THE highest margin of profit to any other audio component as far as I know. And to open another controversial topic, many expensive wires or if you prefer "cables" come from China. One can only imagine how cheap they are to the purveyors of boutique speaker "cables" before they’re repackaged and resold for a serious *hitpile of dough.

Is that factoid relevant? You guys tell me.

Have at it lads.....

Over and out.

No difference in $100 DIY cable. Its the hype and belief.

I think if someone went into it expecting to hear a big difference they’d be highly disappointed.  If they approached it with hopes of hearing a slight difference, they might not be let down?

I know I wouldn’t hear a $2300 improvement in sound. 

I tell my kids to experiment and evaluate.    You should do the same.    Grain of salt with some of the AG folks that tell you otherwise. Do your own due diligence.

For me after many years, good conductors, good connectors (or no connectors), secure connections, provide the best listening experiences.  

That is easily achievable much much less than $2500.

 

 

 

The whole notion of cables "getting out of the way"...or, having neutral or "no sound signature of their own" is ridiculous. 

I’ve never heard my system without speaker cables or interconnects. Have you?

As cables get shorter and shorter, their effect upon the system reduces linearly.

Hence I would be more likely to use two mono block or two stereo amp servicing the bi-wire inputs behind each speaker and a short zip cord, than spending 2500 on a cable.
Assuming that one can get another amp for $2500 or less.