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
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  :-)
putting those carbon fiber wheels on a $40k bimmer doesn't turn the bimmer into a Ferrari, if they'd even fit.  they might shave a few pounds off, decrease the rolling and shave a few feet off the stopping distance or avoid some of a corresponding "need" to also get bigger rotors, etc.  they might look super cool or be a conversation piece.  they might also require different tires, which are likely to be wider bubble gum soft summer tires that also help with cornering.  but they might also decrease gas mileage and lead to a harsher ride.  most of it probably measurable.  the "value" is up to the buyer.

yes, I recognize that there is no point to what i just said, that it's apples to oranges, and i've wasted two minutes of my time and ten seconds of yours.  but, at least we're not talking about unicorns.  :)
Of course it won’t turn a BMW into a Ferarri. You have to do everything right. That’s why the ordinary audiophile dude won’t benefit too much from expensive cables or expensive anything in a system that’s not worthy. But in some systems, then you will see the Ferarri. Remember those little VWs with the aftermarket Rolls Royce grill? They didn't really drive like a Rolls Royce.

Geoff--that's funny.  haven't seen one of those in ages.

so, one of the problems, in your opinion, is folks just trying to put lipstick on a pig?
I hate to judge before all the facts are in but I kind of doubt anybody with a modest system is springing for uber expensive cables or power cords. Those are for the big boys, the ones with big expensive systems. Of course most of us want bang for the buck.