Are audiophiles still out of their minds?


I've been in this hobby for 30 years and owned many gears throughout the years, but never that many cables.  I know cables can make a difference in sound quality of your system, but never dramatic like changing speakers, amplifiers, or even more importantly room treatment. Yes, I've evaluated many vaunted cables at dealers and at home over the years, but never heard dramatic effect that I would plunk $5000 for a cable. The most I've ever spent was $2700 for pair of speaker cables, and I kinda regret it to this day.  So when I see cable manufacturers charging 5 figures for their latest and "greatest" speaker cables, PC, and ICs, I have to ask myself who buys this stuff. Why would you buy a $10k+ cable, when there are so many great speakers, amplifiers, DACs for that kind of money, or room treatment that would have greater effect on your systems sound?  May be I'm getting ornery with age, like the water boy says in Adam Sandler's movie.
dracule1
I've used JPS cables over the years, from basic to SC3 (Aluminata top model = too expensive for me). I find there are two factors, do I like this sound profile or not, and then, how far up the chain can I afford to go. Yes, SC3 sounds better than the original SC, although both are enjoyable in my system. This whole process of cable fitting does make the system sound better, but it is no revolution. Better boxes make more difference than better cables, supports etc.
o_holter
I have always wanted to demo JPS cables- what other gear is in your system?
My audiophile friend, who is the ultimate tweaker, calls high end cables expensive tone controls. I have to agree for the most part.
I enjoy meaningful discussions regarding the performance of gear when input is experienced based and reasonably objective. Such discussions about price (or value) by definition have little meaning as price is entirely a relative analyses.

Certain individuals find $100,000 wires cheap, some do not; where is the profit in belittling one or the other.  It all seams so trite, wreaks of jealousy, and ignorance.  

Get over it, accept your lot in life and enjoy it for what it is; we only get one. You may find the whole journey a little more enjoyable.


Watts...*applause*  Well and succinctly said...

Gentlemen, let's agree to disagree and return to whatever we ought to be doing, or would prefer to be doing.  The angels on the head of this pin will carry on or not without further attention.

Good night, and have a pleasant weekend.