Who thinks $5K speaker cable really better than generic 14AWG cable?

Anyone bored enough to tally up the totals !!! 
Repeat posters only count once 

I'm in the pro audio concert END of things... you can bet your bones speaker cables make a difference. Esp in the LFs. Of course runs are longer and power amp ratings are much higher. 

In home hi-fi/audiophile-land, I've definitely noticed and have made upgrade differences mainly with interconnects and AC power quality. Speaker cables not so much -- especially w short runs.

Years ago I tried the 'blind test' with some interconnects with my wife, who knew my system, but by no means has a golden ear. I chose her as the average listener (and because women generally have more sensitive ears esp in the HF range). I was given these 1M $1200 balanced XLR Transparent Audio interconnect cables to try from a hi-fi dealer w time correction lumps on them. So I put them to the test vs my custom-made relatively inexpensive 1M $150 Monster M1000i cables. We spend about an hour swapping back and forth. We both DEFINITLY noticed a difference (SACD head end/Emm Labs/Speakers Genelec).  Lo and behold (without knowing which was which) she liked the Monster cable at a fraction of the price. I too preferred the Monster across all classical, rock n roll, electronic  and acoustic tracks. 

The discovery was was quite an eye-opener. First that we COULD definitely tell the difference. Second that the more expen$ive cables didn't necessarily translate to better quality -- at least for us. Lasty, you can imagine she (and I) were both pleasantly relieved that the high priced cables didn't sound better.  Especially since I have a 6-channel (spec) hi-res system! Whew. 

I'd say if your're looking for ways to improve your system, look first to your room and your speaker placement/treatment, etc. In my professional studio experience (as a mix engineer) this will yield the highest level of improvement per dollar spent. Lots of great DIY sound trap articles out there including one by Ethan Wiener's 'Build a Better Bass Trap" I highly recommend.

The other way to improve you system sound is proper AC to your gear. I made a SIGNIFICANT improvement by running dedicated 10-Guage AC power (220 in my case) directly from my home breaker panel. The most noticeable difference was in the low frequency transients. The biggest shocker of all however was the investment in a pro-grade conditioner. And by pro-grade, I don't mean Moster or Furman. I'm talking recording/mastering studio grade. Equitech is the finest in my experience. It was downright scary what a difference this made! The soundstage opened up big time and the detail in the music was glaringing improved (Model 5Q).

Finally I'd say the best thing to do is to trust your ears. Use familiar content and isolate as much as you can the gear you're elaluating. 
Simply put. Listen for yourself!

Happy new year,
Rocketroom



 

...late feedback to dlcockrum's comment 12/29 "What drugs are you on?"...

None, frankly....quite sober, perhaps unfortunately.  Anyone who can't tolerate some humour with regard to the subject's extremism does get my apologies for my admittedly extreme response and attempt at poking the 'funnybone'.  If I missed and you felt poked in the eyes, well gee whiz.

Speaking of drugs, it all seems to edge into the 'placebo effect'.  "If I do this, it's bound to make it better."  Magnets?  Propping the cables off the floor with stands?  Exotic materials, combined in esoteric ways?  Really?!

There's similar products that come and go out there.  Ultrasonic insect repellers....products that promise amazing mileage if attached to your car....copper infused socks that'll make you feel light on your feet...

I just watch it all come 'n go, and remember P.T. Barnum's dictum.  And Robin William's reprise of it....

If you think it makes it better, well, OK.  Just not in my experience.  I can hear the difference between speakers....cables, no.  Maybe I'm just tone deaf or have some serious defect in my hearing.  Or maybe I just haven't had enough of the Kool-Aid yet....

What ever makes you happy is cool.  Have at it....
I'm happy with my basic 'junk'.  I thought that was the point...being happy, listening to the music as opposed to the equipment.  I guess I'm just a simpleton in the midst of the anointed.

Ignorance is bliss.  The last election cycle just proved that.  And it seems to be epidemic as to how divided we're becoming, and the lamentable lack of tolerance on differences in one's opinions vs. another's is becoming the new standard.  "My way or the highway."  You want a friend?  Get a pet. 

Jerry,

I feely admit that I did not understand your prior post nor this one very well. Could be me. Whatever the case, Happy New Year!

Dave 

Even at the level of my old Jorma Prime sc’s ($18k, 2.0mtrs pair) I immediately noticed a substantial improvement upgrading to Jorma Statement sc’s ($28k, 2.0mtrs pair). So yes I think to a certain extent you get what you pay for.