Will a high quality preamp really make a difference in sound?? Also speaker cable

I went from a Rogue Audio RP-1 to an RP-7–almost triple the price, and it made a marked improvement.  As for speaker cables, I was a bit of a skeptic, figuring that “decent” cables in the $100 to $300 range should be enough.  However, I purchased a set of Silversmith Fidelium speaker cables and was astounded by the improvement in sound quality.  My non-audiophile wife even commented on the “major improvement.”  So, quality cables do make a difference.  In both cases, however, keep in mind the law of diminishing returns. Will a $50,000 set of “Cattywumpus Delight Mastercables” be 50 times better than the Fidelium?  Not likely at all.  Ten times?  Not likely, as well.  Figure out what you are willing to spend, and then do some research and try out a few ifdealers will permit a test—I the the Cable Company has a trial library.  Specific cables may sound different in different systems.  Others may disagree, but my experience says cables do make some difference.

You know, some seemingly small changes can make a big difference...I believe we should first work from the source outward.  For example, get the speaker cables off the carpet!  Can make a big difference, a whole upgrade!  Then get revealing interconnects, to me musical, revealing but not harsh ... Speaker cables...buy used! Same for Interconnects... can get excellent  values for outstanding sonics..  Then, I'd focus on the speakers as they have the ability to assign the sound, music characteristics you most appreciate...certainly, there are certain synergies between some speakers and electronics...but I've found that if you get the speakers right and the foundational basics "right" you may be surprised how good your current pieces work...or at the least you know what the new candidate brings to the equation.  IMHO, we too often forsake musicality for a "different" sound.  To me, music is an art, not so much a science...I'm a romantic!

My local hifi store brought up a good point; they said that the only thing between your amp and your speakers are the cable.

Absolutely, but talk is cheap. Don’t believe anything or anybody, just listen yourself and make your own decisions. Has the dealer not done a demonstration for you, comparing what improvements can be had by moving up the speaker cable ladder? Same goes for pre-amps. It is always nice to know what is possible, even if you can’t afford it today.

I think the question you should be asking is what is the weakest link in your system. I don’t know what your NAD pre- section/DAC or WBC speaker cables sound like, but maybe you should be upgrading the DAC first? And even before that: Are you using the manufacturer’s interconnects that came with the equipment? That would be the first place to upgrade- the best speaker cables or preamp in the world won’t make up or re-generate the details lost by poor interconnects or an inferior source upstream.

I’ve owned Rega, Naim, Linn, Macintosh, Denafrips preamps, and currently a Supratek tubed preamp. None of then sound alike. All vastly different. So yeah it matters. Another thing to consider with speaker cables is trying both copper and silver. That’s probably the biggest difference I found in different types of speaker cables. Be careful with silver tho, low quality silver cables may lead you to falsely believe they are too bright... they shouldn’t sound bright at all. I’ve found the copper will give you a heavier presence in the mids and upper lows, bit darker, warmer overall, also recessed or laid back highs (in comparison) to silver which will reveal more details more open airy soundstage from top to bottom. One is not better than the other, just different characteristics. Ether way you go you will gain and lose something, so in the end itll come down to personal preference like most things in aduio as it should. Best of luck hope this helps

@mcmike +1. Silversmith Audio Fidelium made a big improvement in my system. I was surprised. I didn't actually expect much from a speaker wire.