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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
stfoth
435 posts
 
no opinion, here, but, to avoid picking that nit, substitute wheels for tires. pretty sure "they" make 15k wheels.

no idea on the dog collar, but I suppose there is likely some inherent cost and value to the diamonds with some kind of proportion to the cost of the collar, no comment on whether there might have been blood shed for the diamonds. and I don’t suspect any marketing, review, or testimonial on the dog collar suggests that putting the collar on a dog does anything more than feed the ego and provide some aesthetic "improvement." they probably don’t say it makes your dog live longer, run faster, have better house training, etc. although, our crystal proponents might disagree.  put that dog collar on your DAC for marked improvement!
mitch2
1,911 posts
 
clearthink's post below pretty much hits the nail on the head for these types of arguments.

The only missing piece is how some base their argument not on the amount of money spent but rather on the manufacturer's marketing/quasi-technical discussion of what the expensive item is purported to deliver vs. the reality of what the item (cable, tires, etc.) actually delivers and how it actually improves on the competition.  There doesn't seem to be much in the way of regulation or a standard for proof for items that are marketed as providing a subjective improvement - such as a cable that will expand your listening experience by lifting veils, extending frequencies, and opening up your soundstage, etc.  Each listener must decide for themselves whether the item/cable actually does those things and is worth the selling price. 
reubent
3,587 posts
 
@jmcgrogan2 - Are you saying Unicorns don't actually exist? That's a real bummer because I was think about buying one...... :~)

Happy Wednesday to All ......
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
14,147 posts
 
A good example is wheels, not tires so much. Example: on the 2017 Mustang GT350R, the one with magnetic suspension and the incredible high revving engine, the wheels are an additional $15K over the standard GT350. Why, you ask. Because they are carbon fiber. And because that’s what they cost, retail. I'm only guessing but most likely wheels for Lamborghini and Ferarri cost even more. For reference wheels for the $3M Agera or whatever the new name is are also carbon fiber, made in house. If you’re uncomfortable paying $3M for a car, don’t worry they’re all gone.
almarg's avatar
almarg
8,673 posts
 
Are you saying Unicorns don't actually exist? That's a real bummer because I was think about buying one...... :~)
I read that there's one who plays for the New York Knicks.

Regards,
-- Al  :-)
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