Do expensive cables/wires REALLY make a difference


Im fairly new to the hifi world and just recently purchased a couple of high end peices.my question is this:ive been reading alot about cables and speaker wire,do the expensive ones really make that big of a difference???Is it really worth spending a small fortune on cables?? And is Monster Cable really overrated like ive been reading? Any help would be useful,thank you.
cwby8115

Showing 4 responses by arcticmonkey

Cwby.

I'm convinced that a person with a "Golden Ear" does not exist. If you have the resources and inclination, you can easily win money from the people who so vociferously defend buying expensive cable by setting up blind tests.

Even people who design speaker cable can't consistently pick the "better" cable. Those who say they can (Chrissain from above) are either lying or some version of the Bionic Man.

I've heard tests of cheap wire vs. expensive (same gauge and length, both properly insulated) many times with the same result. No discernible improvement.

The difference between decent/cheaper interconnects, speaker wire, AC chords and those costing hundreds or thousands of dollars should overwhelm you when tested.

I promise you, it won't.
No offense intended, I do tend to be passionate about this subject.

Please don't assume though, that because I disagree with you about this topic that I am a newbie.

I have an ever-changing lineup of speakers but my component's include: Hegel h300, Roksan Radius 5MKII, Paradigm Studio Reference 100's, MacBook W/Amarra, variety of acoustic panels and a bass trap or 2, and I recently purchased a used and slightly marked-up pair of Harbeth 7es2's and I've enjoyed listening to live music on vinyl through them so much I am considering selling both of my speakers and get some Harbeth 30.1's
"I my self have run countless test with many, many folks in audio stores and my home, never have I seen where someone picked the cheaper cable!"

Never is a bold word to use here, Audiolabyrinth, are you sure you want to use it?

I do hope the "tests" you've seen are blind and not like the experiments that folks who want to sell you something create.

Going to any major audio show is an eye opening experience. Nordost, for example, loves to swap their Blue Heaven (BH) power chords with the main that comes with the amp. They will play 50 seconds of a song with the amp's AC chord, replace it with the BH and play the same 50 seconds over. "Did everyone hear the difference? The level of detail, more open.... amazing right?". Of course everyone shakes their heads yes and moves on to the next room.

I've never (see there's that word again) seen anyone who can consistently pick any type of cable,interconnect, or AC chord. A true test should be blind, swapping (or sometimes pretending to swap) the two cables (same gauge and length for speaker wire) many times and listening to the same part of a piece of music. Under these conditions no one I've seen can pick the "better" (more expensive) wire, a statistically significant number of times.

Sebrof, I have won drinks from people and no I did not just read about these tests. In fact, when I started my own personal inquiries, I had no idea which side of this debate I would fall. A Google search of "Speaker wire double blind test" will give you many tests to read about. I do encourage you to not just read about it but actually participate in such a test obviously.

I highly encourage you to read this presentation: http://www.andreconsulting.com/Audio%20Equipment%20Snake%20Oil.pdf

Instead of asking me for proof, ask for proof from the cable companies who use ridiculous claims and flowery language to sell their wares. Where is their proof? Nonexistent, because when the difference between cheap "zipchord" and expensive wire is actually measured. That difference is inaudible to the human ear.

Put your money into better hardware (speakers, source). That is where you will get your upgrade.

For the rest of you, I hope MIT, Nordost and the other cable companies are sending you nice Xmas presents for helping them to propagate this myth.
Show me how precious I'm being Geoff.

You can't just write that without facts or figures to back it up. Give me some proof.

Is the fact that the debate has gone on for 35 years more of a point in your favor or mine?