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
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.
Jafant, It will be a good year indeed if Audiolatrine continues to stick to his shameless shilling ’blog’ as Taralabs describe it & stay out of intelligent discussions like this ;)
Hello all, I’m recusing myself from this discussion. I actually use no cables, interconnects or power cords, a solution that neatly avoids the myriad pitfalls associated with ANY cables and power cords. So, I’m leaving this particular thread to those with dogs in this fight. My battery based solution also neatly avoids the myriad issues related to house AC power, AC ground, fuses, big ol capacitors and toxic transformers, etc. Best of luck to all.



Having expensive equipment is not a guarantee of better sound for an individual. I have replaced expensive cables with less expensive cables because of interaction between components once the new cabling was in the system. Recently, I was going to replace my DAC but tried the AntiCables Level 5 speaker cables. Those cables gave me the sound which I was seeking and saved me 50% of the cost for replacing my present DAC. Judging the sound of audio equipment is a very personal choice. I have heard a $300k system that had no "wow" factor for me, but for someone else, it was probably a mind-blower. Many manufacturers offer a 30 day trial period so I highly recommend that sautan904 use that method to compare various cabling options to find what appeals to his ears.