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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
213runnin
914 posts
 
Too late.

I'm proud to say I just spent $150 on some Silver Stager Solids, IC's that look so cheap, yet the sound is better than my $300 cables.  I say that those forcing their views on anyone not of their belief should read this thread repeatedly until the feelings go away.

That is all.
jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
3,711 posts
 
Jetter I agree with you 100%, This hobby is only secondary to our daily needs, I will not spend 5k just for cables, the most I spend is $1400 used...
uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
Some of this boils down to purely financial sensible choices.
NOBODY is going to spend 5k on speaker cables for 4k speakers....at least I hope not!
I feel the whole question can be a little irrelevant until you are at a mega bucks system level to start with.
I know I am never even going to contemplate spending close to or more on cables than components period!
So to even be in a situation to consider 5k cables I would probably need to have spent at least 30 to 40k on speakers....and I very much doubt that will happen in my lifetime.
Obviously not saying they  MIGHT not make a big difference, just that I fear I will never find out.....
tls49's avatar
tls49
1,351 posts
 

Well over 400 responses to an original post that was bogus!!

Definitely proves a comment I made early in the thread.

"It has been said, put 10 audiophiles in a room to discuss cables and they will emerge with at least 11 different theories. Now I’m thinking they will never leave the room!!"

It’s OK with me, if you’re having fun go for a 1000!!

uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
Does it truly matter if it was a bogus original post?
There have been some interesting comments and points made all the same.
And of course you are going to get 50 different ways to paint black! No two peoples ears are the same and audio is a very perception based science, if you can use that word. No two people are ever going to hear the same thing and more than likely will each have their own viewpoint as to who is right, thats human nature. 
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