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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
tvad
9,467 posts
 
I think John basically has it nailed, FWIW...

He did not state that uber expensive cables were not the result extensive R&D, or excellent craftsmanship, or high-grade parts.

He stated that the retail prices of cables are often set at prices that certain buyers demonstrate a desire to pay...for whatever psychological reason underlies the customer's desire.
newbee
4,093 posts
 
Just an observation in support of John and Tvad re cost equals value. Poster signs in with a system which is known by critical listeners to be unspectatular, i.e. not exceptionally resolved/detailed etc. Wants a recommendation for speaker cable. Told that some Canare at cents for the foot are good benchmark cables, he takes offense and wants 'real cables'. You know, those ones that the guys use with their expensive well though out systems which have been properly set up. What I have learned is that when someone asks about cables the only thing he doesn't want to hear has to do with money management v sound. :-)
tvad
9,467 posts
 
...told that some Canare at cents for the foot are good benchmark cables, he takes offense and wants 'real cables'. You know, those ones that the guys use with their expensive well though out systems which have been properly set up.
Newbee (System | Reviews | Threads | Answers)
Does that mean Canare are not used by guys with well thought out systems which have been properly set up?

BTW, I agree with your theory. The vast majority of equipment question threads aren't asking for what the poster needs, but rather they are requesting validation for what the poster wants (which is usually to spend more money on an already identified target purchase...required or not). IMO.
newbee
4,093 posts
 
Tvad, Re "Does that mean Canare are not used by guys with well thought out systems which have been properly set up"?

Not by a long shot I know of several, including one guy for whom I have undying respect! In his case it replaced some Cardas due to length requirements. :-)
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Re "Does that mean Canare are not used by guys with well thought out systems which have been properly set up"?
I know of several, including one guy for whom I have undying respect! In his case it replaced some Cardas due to length requirements. :-)
Newbee (System | Reviews | Threads | Answers)
Clearly, that knucklehead doesn't have a clue about high end cables! :)

Can someone recommend the best speaker cabling under $10,000 for an 8 foot pair?
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