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The Cost of Cables

We all know that there have been countless posts with endless debates about cables on every audio forum available. The reason I start this post is to garner thoughts from others on the cost of cables, not necessarily whether they make a difference or not. I find the prices for cables staggering and I (me personally) do not understand where the cost comes from. Some will say R&D, ok, I can go for that to a point, but can the manufacturing of wire really cost much? (In thinking about this, the discussion could be applied to audio as a whole.)

Obviously cable companies survive because we purchase their products, I include myself. But if we quit paying these large prices, would prices fall dramatically or would they just quit making cables such as we know it and/or close their doors?
brianmgrarcom
cwlondon
1,210 posts
 
I sold my Porsche and bought a Triumph Daytona 675 motorcycle and more audio equipment.

Downgraded to cheaper cables, however.
david12
1,454 posts
 
The sad impression I have is that cables work and expensive ones in general work better. There are companies importing cheap Chinese cables and sticking there own labels on them. There are other companies hyped by the magazines ad nauseam, with, to me an unjustified reputation, one beginning with N comes to mind. Others clearly give real benefits to my system, near to a component upgrade, which can be more expensive. I am sure other names will come to you, but Acoustic Zen, Audience, Wireworld, Ridge street, have really made a real impact on my system.
How to go about trying them out, 2nd hand if possible, or sale or return, or loaners. The inescable finding in my system, is that cables and tweaks have really had a strong impact. Kemp power conditioner, Walker HDL links and SST contact enhancer, Marigo stealth signature CD mat, have all worked , darn it
brianmgrarcom OP
1,317 posts
 
The sad impression I have is that cables work and expensive ones in general work better.

The question is not whether they make a difference or not but rather why do they cost as they do. What makes the more expensive ones, more expensive?

There are companies importing cheap Chinese cables and sticking there own labels on them.

What makes the Chinese versions "cheap" in comparison? (Labor cost is obvious, but is there anything else?)
jadem6's avatar
jadem6
1,074 posts
 
Chrisla, I just want to compliment you for that very thoughtful, well written piece. This was an excellent read!
jd
rlwainwright
1,904 posts
 
Snofun wrote:
"There is no such thing as "wrong detonation" by using an unnnecesarily high octane for a particular engine, you just use up unnecessary $."

Not true. Higher octane gas is harder to burn, it requires more cylinder pressure to detonate. If you run too high an octane you'll end up with carbon deposits in your cylinders and on your pistons and valves. The key to buying gasoline is to use the lowest octane you can without pre-igntion (pinging). This gives you the maximum power output and the cleanest burn. This is not an arguable point, it is scientifically established...

-RW-
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