2. cables
  3. 124957-818

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
jl35
2,244 posts
 
I think that is why there are such good deals from direct sale cable manufacturers. I assumed every one knew the cable markup, like movie popcorn and coke, on a way greater scale. 
dracule1 OP
1,043 posts
 
jl35, even with those "good deals" from direct sale cable manufacturers, they are making a healthy profit, much more than if one were to produce and sell a speaker or amplifier. Why do you think there are so many guys out there making cables from their home? It’s relatively easy to make, requires no degree or competent knowledge in engineering or electronics, and materials are cheap, unless you start buying from those "audiophile" wire producers. I’m not criticizing the small guy producing cable from his home. Usually they’re reasonably priced. I know a guy who made good tube amps. He found out how much markup there was for cables through an associate who made audiophile cables for a living. Now he’s making cables, and his tube amps are history. The markups for $100K cables are insane.
jl35
2,244 posts
 
actually some of those guys are engineers. and if you buy the cable used, you can sell for very little loss after a few years. is the percentage markup greater the more expensive the cable? I know nothing of the business model. I never worry about the guys who spend a fortune on new cables. if not for them, we couldn't buy used cables.
jl35
2,244 posts
 
I had Transparent XL and Super MM2 for 8 years, at a $50 total cost after I sold them
dracule1 OP
1,043 posts
 
I never said all weren't engineers.  There are cables that are made with proven engineering practice by engineers. Whether they sound good to you or not is a different matter.

"I never worry about the guys who spend a fortune on new cables. if not for them, we couldn’t buy used cables." Well, you have a point there. Let the suckers buy them first, and you reap the benefits later.

"I had Transparent XL and Super MM2 for 8 years, at a $50 total cost after I sold them" So you do know the business model. Crazy markup.

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