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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
dynaquest4's avatar
dynaquest4
368 posts
 
nonoise says: "If only we can agree on this then the conversation (debate?) can focus on what price point is too much? "

I think all this would lead one to believe that as long as basic cable requirements are met, any price over that is too much.  Basic requirements for various cables have been mentioned numerous times in this thread.

As for power cords.  If they can actually make a difference, then one would ask: "What about the other miles and miles of cable that brings power to your outlet.  Certainly upgrading all that wire would make quantum improvements in audio, video, lighting, air compressor performance, how well the vacuum sucks and how quickly your blender can take you to Margaritaville!"  Ha!  Can hear it now..."You wouldn't believe how much better my margaritas taste since I changed the factory power cord to that super-duper one that only cost me $699.00!"
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nonoise's avatar
nonoise
4,382 posts
 
dynaquest4, I agree that there is a point where a well made cord can't be made any better, but only as long as it stays within the criteria of the original cord that is said to be all one needs. It doesn't really solve the dilemma. 

As for all those miles and miles of cable that are before that outlet and all the nasty and negative effects it's subjected to, it has nothing to do with what you're taking "from" the wall. That is the starting point. The only thing that matters is taking what's right there at the outlet and making sure you get the best out of it.

Everything before it are nothing more than miles and miles of red herrings.

All the best,
Nonoise

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grannyring's avatar
grannyring
4,637 posts
 
Sure, what about all the miles and miles of cable bringing power into the gear ahead of the capacitors, output transformers, resistors, tubes etc... in our gear. Surely none of these parts can make a difference? Of coarse that power cord, that high quality output tranny, those NOS tubes, that high end resistor etc.. all make a difference regardless of the miles of wire ahead of it. Sure the quality of the wire in those output transformers and inside the gear also makes a difference. It all makes a difference! This is audio hobby 101 stuff and we need to go beyond milk and into solid food. Time for some baby audio enthusiasts to move into deeper matters and leave the bottle. 
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