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Who thinks $5K speaker cable really better than generic 14AWG cable?

I recently ordered high end speaker, power amp, and preamp to be installed in couple more weeks. So the next search are interconnect and speaker cable. After challenging the dealer and 3 of my so called audiophile friends, I think the only reason I would buy expensive cable is for its appearance to match with the high end gears but not for sound performance. I personally found out that $5K cable vs $10 cable are no difference, at least not to our ears. Prior to this, I was totally believe that cable makes a difference but not after this and reading few articles online.

Here is how I found out.

After the purchase of my system, I went to another dealer to ask for cable opinion (because the original dealer doesn't carry the brand I want) and once I told him my gears, he suggested me the high end expensive cable ranging from $5 - 10K pair, depending on length. He also suggested the minimum length must be 8-12ft. If longer than 12ft, I should upgrade to even more expensive series. So I challenged him that if he can show me the difference, I would purchase all 7 AQ Redwood cables from him.

It's a blind test and I would connect 3 different cables - 1 is the Audioquest Redwood, 1 is Cardas Audio Clear, and 1 my own generic 14AWG about 7ft. Same gears, same source, same song..... he started saying the first cable sound much better, wide, deep, bla...bla...bla......and second is decently good...bla...bla...bla.. and the last one sounded crappy and bla...bla...bla... BUT THE REALITY, I NEVER CHANGED THE CABLE, its the same 14AWG cable. I didn't disclosed and move on to second test. I told him I connected audioquest redwood but actually 14AWG and he started to praise the sound quality and next one I am connected the 14awg but actually is Redwood and he started to give negative comment. WOW!!!! Just blew me right off.

I did the same test with 3 of my audiophile friends and they all have difference inputs but no one really got it right. Especially the part where I use same generic 14awg cable and they all start to give different feedback!!!

SO WHAT DO YOU ALL THINK? OR I AM THE LAST PERSON TO FIND OUT THAT EXPENSIVE CABLE JUST A RIP OFF?
sautan904
almarg's avatar
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almarg
8,673 posts
 
Al,
yes I’ve heard the arguments against silver.
To be sure it's clear, my previous post was not making or implying an argument against silver. 

It was simply saying that the fact that silver has a slightly higher conductivity/lower resistivity than copper, which is often cited as an argument in favor of silver, is very unlikely to be the reason for whatever sonic differences may occur between a silver cable and a copper cable.

Regards,
-- Al
 
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
14,147 posts
 
Re the "good succinct article on cables"

Obviously it’s not really too hard to find a bunch of audiophiles somewhere who either can’t set up a system correctly and/or can’t hear. In fact, we see it quite frequently right here on Agon. Actually no single test of anything proves anything, I’m afraid. If everyone at the test heard it you could say, well, it was rigged, group hypnosis or peer pressure. 😄
rilbr
58 posts
 
I would not conclude that "all cables" don't make a difference based on a speaker cable test. In my experience, power cords and interconnects make the most difference, then speaker cables. And with speaker cables, the more plastic and rubber on the cable ( like some high end cable) the worse they sound. So I can understand when someone uses raw, good quality copper cable to hook up their speakers, the sound is good. Now get some with better copper, thin high quality insulation, and leave off the fancy gold plated brass connectors.

dynaquest4's avatar
dynaquest4
368 posts
 
dlcockrum says (regarding the DR. Waldrep article/test): "My point exactly. Based on his opening, the author was intent on proving there are no differences, thus he proclaimed to hear none."

What you failed to mention, in over site, is that  other audio professionals were involved in the test; to wit:

 "A group of professional audio engineers that work in other studios in the building (including a Grammy award winner) couldn’t detect any difference — and neither could I! I simply let them listen and switch between the DACs — and no one reported hearing even the slightest change. If the designer of the cable notices a “dramatic” difference at his place, I don’t know how he does it. In my “high resolving” studio, no one could hear any fidelity change when using a $3000 power cord vs. the $1.50 one that is supplied by Benchmark (and which they recommend!)."

Dr. Waldrep has a Masters and two Phd's in music and computer science and over thirty years as a recording and mastering engineer.  Who do you think I'm going to put credibility in?
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
14,147 posts
 
Appeal to Authority Alert!!

"Dr. Waldron has two Phd’s in music and computer science and over thirty years as a recording and mastering engineer. Who do you think I’m going to put credibility in?"

Sorry to say, that just screams Appeal to Authority. You know, an illogical argument. An excellent example, actually.

cheers
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