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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
dynaquest4's avatar
dynaquest4
445 posts
 
cleeds: Exactly!!  Just like there shouldn't be any such thing as $5,000 speaker cables.  

BMW is, though, full of scams.  For instance, when we bought my wife a new one, they (in 2014) deleted the spare tire so they could sell you pretty expensive run-flats (that you could insure for an extra $1200).  Then they want you to fill them with nitrogen...which isn't free like ambient air.
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cleeds
5,642 posts
 
dynaquest4
Just like there shouldn't be any such thing as $5,000 speaker cables.
Why? It's clearly what some people want. Why shouldn't they be able to buy them? To go back to your analogy:
Sorta like putting $15,000 tires on a $40,000 BMW
The reason that you can't buy $15,000 tires for a BMW is because apparently no one wants them. That's how markets work.
akg_ca's avatar
akg_ca
2,149 posts
 
603 conflicting and highly personal value judgement sourced totally  biased posts so far .....and counting...

This thread was destined to sink from the very start with reference to  WIKIPEDIA's definition as follows

Internet troll

In Internet slang, a troll (/ˈtroʊl/, /ˈtrɒl/) is a person who sows discord on the Internet by starting arguments or upsetting people, by posting inflammatory, extraneous, or off-topic messages in an online community (such as a newsgroup, forum, chat room, or blog) with the intent of provoking readers into an emotional response  or of otherwise disrupting normal, on-topic discussion, often for the troll's amusement.


dynaquest4's avatar
dynaquest4
445 posts
 
Seems I am (again) being called a "troll." Really? I shed name-calling in junior high.  According to some here, if you disagree with the general audiogon consensus regarding exotic cables, you are a "troll."  Seems that if you go back to the OP's original post, he was asking if $5K cables can possibly be better than generic.  I agree with the OP that if you spend more than is required to meet basic length/impedance requirements, you are wasting your money and are being scammed by companies that know they are scamming you.  I'll say again, those who have purchased this overpriced wire are more than welcome to do so.  Just don't confuse and misdirect newbies into thinking that this stuff actually does anything over basic wire.  Then...you become part of the scam.
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