The Physics of Electricity


Can anyone explain clearly in either common parlance or technical terms the difference between a $1,000.00 cable and/or speaker wire versus a $20.00 (or so) one? What does wire "do" in an expensive cable/wire that an inexpensive cable/wire does not? Does it conduct more or "better" electricity?
llanger
Nearly everyone would like to think he or she has made the best choices, if not, certainly the most cost effective ones. The more one pays for something, the higher its perceived value. Better cables should have shielding from RFI. This likely costs more than unshielded cables. Other cables will vary in capacitance and impedance based on length, materials, configuration etc (more expensive materials and production costs will increase the cost of a cable). Signal conveyance can also be affected by the way a particualr cable is insulated as wellas by the gauge of the conductor and how it is twisted. The variations in capacitance and impedance will slightly change the sound, for better, or for worse, in someone's own opinion. If they paid alot for the cable, it would likely sound better than if they paid less. If they like the looks of a particular cable, it likely also sounds better too. Just my opinion on this one. Try starting with a basic cable within your budget, and then consider what you might be looking for (detail? bass definition? imaging?) and try to tweek you system accordingly before auditioning different cables. Happy Listening,
This must be "loaded" question since I cannot imagine that you haven't checked "Cable Theory" at one of most popular makers - like this one on Audioquest site:

http://www.audioquest.com/pdfs/aq_cable_theory.pdf
Cheap Bic and Golden Dupont cigarette lighters serve the same purpose, but one is 'a-bit' more expencive:-)
Many people like Prada, LV, Cavalli, but Polo is just as good and serve the same purpose.
I bet that if you're able to alter labels RadioShack to Cardas, you'll have a great profit(never seen any serial numbers on wires LOL!) as many chinese manufacturers already stuffed up with Pradas, Cavallis, LV etc...
Llanger - I'm afraid you won't find an answer here. It was asked many time before and every time cable nay-sayers jump in while audiophiles who actually own and enjoy better quality cables are wise enough to stay away.