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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
 
dill.....Really?! What are you trying to accomplish here? Can’t imagine how long it took you to search, cut and paste all those snippets. I think... "Thou dost protest too much."

We would all be better served if you would stick to the subject and not to me.
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
4,382 posts
 
A trolling we will go, a trolling we will go, hi ho the derry-oh, a trolling we will go.


jaf36's avatar
jaf36
30 posts
 
The only problem with blind testing is the amount of time you have to compare. The differences in equipment and cables may only become apparent over time where your own personal preferences have a chance to weigh in or there is something that just doesn't sound right in your system with a particular piece of equipment or cable. I have a Jolida 302brc. I've listened to Audio Research top of the line and it's real nice. When I came home and listened to the Jolida I never felt  wanting in any way. I can feel the pies coming my way but that's the truth. I picked Kimber for my cable needs a long time ago, it's never let me down. I've had AQ, OCOS, XLO, anti cable just to name a few. They all have their plusses but the Kimber has a balance I prefer. When purchasing this stuff I always learn about the designer to see how long they've been at it and what their take is on things. I'm naming only a few of many but Vandersteen should be at the top of your list for speakers. RV has been doing this since 1977 and I just can't come up with anyone more obsessed with loudspeaker design and giving customers the most bang for the buck. Quicksilver, Rega, Kimber, AQ, VPI, Creek, Rotel, Jolida, NAD these are the companies I know that live by this philosophy. I guess all I'm trying to say is with cable or equipment purchases go  for longevity and bang for the buck not bling.            
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,104 posts
 
I agree on the Vandersteen speakers as anyone who has read my posts knows. I also love the AQ cables as to me, they do everything well.  They are the most neutral for my ear and pass what the electronics are passing, without adding or subtracting.  JMHO
initforthemusic
237 posts
 
Well, never tried 5K Speaker Cable and unlikely to. What I can say is I bought some 14AWG Generic OFC Cable around 3 months ago to hook up a little set of Speakers that were sitting idle.

On seeing this thread I decided to put the Generic Cable into one of my better set-ups to do a comparo. I allowed each cable around 3-4 listening days with approx. 2-4 hours listening each day used.

My findings were: My AU$80 cables allowed a better performance from Speakers than the generic. My US$115 cables provided a much better performance than the generic. My AU$130 cables a much better performance than the generic. My approx. US$200 cables a much better performance than the generic. My approx. US$600 cables a significantly better performance than the generic.
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