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The Cost of Cables

We all know that there have been countless posts with endless debates about cables on every audio forum available. The reason I start this post is to garner thoughts from others on the cost of cables, not necessarily whether they make a difference or not. I find the prices for cables staggering and I (me personally) do not understand where the cost comes from. Some will say R&D, ok, I can go for that to a point, but can the manufacturing of wire really cost much? (In thinking about this, the discussion could be applied to audio as a whole.)

Obviously cable companies survive because we purchase their products, I include myself. But if we quit paying these large prices, would prices fall dramatically or would they just quit making cables such as we know it and/or close their doors?
brianmgrarcom
jeff_jones
418 posts
 
The pride of bragging about the cost of possesions seems to be relativley common human nature. For many, spending big relieves insecurity and promotes a feeling of self worth when others see a possesion and respond to it. Also, one component of the high end of anything is that there are some individuals who enjoy shopping and buying as an activity all to itself.
I think of mega buck cables, or the desire for same, as a tax on folks who won't blind test. Some folks do seem to enjoy paying the tax however, so perhaps they are getting what they want.
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
the moral of all this is to spend less on cables, and buy a porsche.
cwlondon
1,210 posts
 
I sold my Porsche and bought a Triumph Daytona 675 motorcycle and more audio equipment.

Downgraded to cheaper cables, however.
david12
1,454 posts
 
The sad impression I have is that cables work and expensive ones in general work better. There are companies importing cheap Chinese cables and sticking there own labels on them. There are other companies hyped by the magazines ad nauseam, with, to me an unjustified reputation, one beginning with N comes to mind. Others clearly give real benefits to my system, near to a component upgrade, which can be more expensive. I am sure other names will come to you, but Acoustic Zen, Audience, Wireworld, Ridge street, have really made a real impact on my system.
How to go about trying them out, 2nd hand if possible, or sale or return, or loaners. The inescable finding in my system, is that cables and tweaks have really had a strong impact. Kemp power conditioner, Walker HDL links and SST contact enhancer, Marigo stealth signature CD mat, have all worked , darn it
brianmgrarcom OP
1,317 posts
 
The sad impression I have is that cables work and expensive ones in general work better.

The question is not whether they make a difference or not but rather why do they cost as they do. What makes the more expensive ones, more expensive?

There are companies importing cheap Chinese cables and sticking there own labels on them.

What makes the Chinese versions "cheap" in comparison? (Labor cost is obvious, but is there anything else?)
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