What's wrong with this type of cable?

NuckingFuts
NuckingFuts Posts: 77
Ive yet to step up to the audio-guru plate and play like a big boy but I have a question:

In the past Ive always run that generic gold stranded 14awg cable with clear insulator that comes on a 50ft roll that you can find anywhere from a local drug store to Target.
What's wrong with using this kind of cable? The sound out of my Monitor 7's have been great as far as Im concerned.
Is it that my ear isnt trained to know the difference or is it that the difference is so subtle that only an audio junkie will appreciate it?

without exaggerating, how much of a difference are we talking?
:confused:
Post edited by NuckingFuts on

Comments

  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,741
    edited October 2004
    Nothing

    I switched from Home Depot to IXOS and heard little difference if any...

    Biggest difference I have heard thus far with cables is power cables...
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited October 2004
    The difference in cables (in my opinion) is very subtle, if at all different, to the average listener. A big factor in how much difference you'll hear will depend upon the resolution of your equipment. As you upgrade your equipment, you begin to hear flaws in the source material, associated electronics, etc, etc. It's a double-edged sword; to get realism, you need resolution. But an increase in resolution means flaws are more audible as well. In Audio, as in many things, there's no "free lunch." An improvement here uncovers a flaw there.

    Listen to different cables and judge for yourself if its worth the out-lay of cash.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,647
    edited October 2004
    Steve put it well and this quote from Madmax really sums it up, "I don't believe in snake oil. As a matter of fact I'm afraid it will get on my turntable belt if I bring it in the house. I do believe my magic brick makes a difference but I won't go into it here. Most of the little tricks many refer to as "snake oil" actually make a difference if your system is up to reproduction at a very high resolution. The standard SS best bang for the buck amps are not equiped to pass this resolution of sound anyway so the equipment you use this oily stuff with is the limiting factor as to what works and what doesn't."

    I'll go further and say that cables can make a night and day difference.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."


    President of Club Polk

  • NuckingFuts
    NuckingFuts Posts: 77
    edited October 2004
    Hmmmm, interesting analogy.....;)

    I'll check a couple brands out and post my report. Cant hurt right!
  • TheReaper
    TheReaper Posts: 636
    edited October 2004
    Originally posted by F1nut
    ... actually make a difference if your system is up to reproduction at a very high resolution. The standard SS best bang for the buck amps are not equiped to pass this resolution of sound anyway ...
    That is an appropriate statement.

    The first thing to consider before buying expensive esoteric cables. Is the gain from the cables, in comparison to what you would gain by putting the same money somewhere else in your system. Until your system is well into the thousands. You may gain more by getting a better amp, processor or speakers and using good quality cables.
    Win7 Media Center -> Onkyo TXSR702 -> Polk Rti70
  • Tour2ma
    Tour2ma Posts: 10,177
    edited October 2004
    Originally posted by NuckingFuts
    Cant hurt right!
    ... only in the wallet... :)
    More later,
    Tour...
    Vox Copuli
    Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. - Old English Proverb

    "Death doesn't come with a Uhaul." - Dennis Gardner

    "It's easy to get lost in price vs performance vs ego vs illusion." - doro
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited October 2004
    Originally posted by TheReaper
    That is an appropriate statement.

    The first thing to consider before buying expensive esoteric cables. Is the gain from the cables, in comparison to what you would gain by putting the same money somewhere else in your system. Until your system is well into the thousands. You may gain more by getting a better amp, processor or speakers and using good quality cables.

    Bravo!! Agree 110%, well said.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2