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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
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
4,382 posts
 
@hifiman5 +1

I went up a gauge, from 16 to 14, with Tempo Electric speaker wire and there's not a trace of brightness or etch even though the extension in the highs (and lows) increased. What I have is an incredible see through ability along with a healthy dose of coherence that for once, actually separates musicians and instruments. 

It's the same old "hearing things that I didn't before" like a 1-2-3-4 beat on a instrument that I thought was just used on the intro but instead, keeps on repeating all the way through the cut. It can be easily heard now and it's not the least bit distracting, and turns out to be essential to the piece. It was meant to be heard, but every cable I have, including the 16 gauge Tempo Electric SC didn't reveal it. So, cable gauge must be taken into account as well. The same goes for the harpsichord in The Four Seasons: I can now hear every note played without distraction.

I only went up to 14 gauge because my new speakers are 6 ohm and every chart I looked at said that regardless of cable length, ohm rating is a crucial determinate so I took the chance and it played out wonderfully.
You'll never know until you try something and just referring to the manual just won't cut it.

All the best,
Nonoise
ieales's avatar
ieales
297 posts
 
@nonoise 
...every chart I looked at said...

You'll never know until you try something

...the manual just won't cut it.

Color me confused
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
4,382 posts
 
l@ieales

When I said "every chart I looked at" I was referring to those that recommend cable gauge and length, factored in with amp output. A few of them left out the category for ohms but those that did, it changed the recommendations some. Example: even though 16 gauge is sufficient for cable lengths up to 36 feet, if your dealing with a 6 ohm speaker as opposed to a 8 ohm speaker, go for 14 gauge.

As for "you’ll never know until you try", I think it speaks for itself.

And as or "the manual just won’t cut it", my personal experience tells me that despite the guidelines laid out by the pros, there’s still a lot of wiggle room in there for something that goes against the grain for reasons not yet known.

You’re not confused: I’m just somewhat a contrarian in some matters. 😄

All the best,
Nonoise
ieales's avatar
ieales
297 posts
 
@nonoise 
even though 16 gauge is sufficient for cable lengths up to 36 feet, if your dealing with a 6 ohm speaker as opposed to a 8 ohm speaker, go for 14 gauge.
Speakers are rarely an even 8Ω or any Ω for that matter. For example, a KEF LS50, nominally rate 8Ω by KEF, has an impedance curve from below 4 to more than 20Ω. see https://www.stereophile.com/content/kef-ls50-anniversary-model-loudspeaker-measurements 

You were correct on "you'll never know 'til you try" and if you'd said "...the manual may not cut it.", you'd have been spot on.
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
4,382 posts
 
@ieales,

That's some wild swings on the KEF LS50. I just figured that if JBL rates my speaker at 6 ohms, they'd probably venture down lower than a 8 ohm rated speaker would so best to err on the side of caution and go with 14 gauge. 

Also, I'm rarely spot on but it's close enough for the girls I go with. 👍

All the best,
Nonoise
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