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
IMHO, if you cannot hear the difference between 14 gauge lamp cord and good speaker cables and interconnects, there is something wrong with your equipment or set up. 
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Let’s try this again for those with diminished capacity.  Transparent and MIT have been working on signal transmission for quite a while now...since the recent renaissance of modern Hi Fidelity equipment anyway.  They offer actual improvements for those who can hear and who care.  Otherwise, wire is just wire...it may alter the sound somewhat, but does not offer the improvements in reduced noise, low level detail, dynamic contrast, bass quality and  soundstaging.  The difference is not subtle and can make or break a system.  If your ears are functional and you can appreciate live music, then my suggestion will be appreciated and validated upon evaluation.  If you have decided in advance that my beliefs are either unaffordable or simply unbelievable, then continue on your path of self satisfied ignorance.
I do agree that differences exist and I do agree they can be heard. I have experimented and purchased those that I felt worked best with my system. But the prices of copper or silver or gold are what they are and these cables only contain so much. We are talking thousands of dollars in some cases for a couple of meters of copper. Okay throw in Research development, manufacture, distribution etc. the numbers just don’t work IMO. Maybe if you only live in the Audiophile world the value somehow computes but if you cross reference into other electronics based industry the prices quickly become ludicrous. I love music and love my equipment and have spent 10’s of thousands over the years but for me it has become out of hand. 
@markalarsen Just as some are tone deaf or colorblind, some just cannot distinguish the difference. I've participated in tests with top drawer equipment and could tell better than 80% of the time, while others did not do any better than guessing.

@dave_b I have Transparent and have had MIT. They work for me with my gear. They won't work for everybody. I took both companies' marketing with a grain of salt.