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  1. #1
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    Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    The cost of a cable to the end-user is composed of its materials, labor, overhead and profit margin, as well as the dealer markup. I am currently looking at upgrading my power cord from the wall outlet to my voltage regulator. The replacement candidates will cost me (pretax) from $450 to $800.

    For me, this is a lot of money. I’d like to know what in their manufacture costs so much to justify such high prices.

    Comments from representatives of cable manufacturers are especially welcome.
    Jonathan
    _______________________

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    System: Theta Casablanca V preamp/processor/DAC; Wadia 8 transport; Wadia 2000 DAC; Theta Compli SACD transport; Lumin T2 streamer/DAC; Roon Nucleus+; Luxul AGS-1024 switch; SOTA Sapphire turntable w/Premier FT3 arm & Hana SL cartridge; PS Audio Stellar phono preamp; SweetVinyl SC-2 noise/click remover; Oppo 203 4K player; Magnum Dynalab FT-101A tuner; McIntosh MC611 mono amplifiers (3); Revel Ultima Studio/ Voice/Embrace speakers (L/C/R and sides); Arendal 1723 speakers (surrounds); SVS SB-16 (2) and 3000 Micro (2) subwoofers; Stax SR-L300 headphones; TeddyPardo 19/3 linear power supply; Richard Gray's Substation; Shunyata 6000/S, 2000/T (2), Venom PS10, Hydra (2), and Defender (2) power conditioners; Wireworld Silver Eclipse 8 speaker cables; Audioquest, Cardas, Kimber Kable, MIT, and Wireworld interconnects; Cullen, and Shunyata power cords.

    JVC RS 3100 projector; MadVR Envy Extreme II video processor.


  2. #2
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    Re: Why do high-end cables cost so much?



    What is wrong with the one you are using? Why do you think you have to spend that much? You seem to already be using really good PCs.

    Have you auditioned the "new ones" in your system to see if they better what you have?
    -----------------
    Brian

    Main System -
    Rotel RCD-1572 / Rega P3 > Luxman 505UX Mark II > Fyne Audio F502SPs > Synergistic Cables

    Secondary - OPPO 93 > VAC CLA 1 MKII Pre > Odyssey Stratos > Dynaudio Audience 82s > Tara Labs Cables


  3. #3

    Re: Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    It should be more about system synergy than a dollar amount.

    What good is an Aq dragon or say a sigma nr in a Low resolution system with speakers that cost less than the cable ? Just an example

    You own a Denali S as per your signature. If so , why not a Shunyata delta ?

    Shunyata will also suggest that your best power cable should be one from conditioner to the wall.

  4. #4
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    Re: Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    AVphile.......You stated, "The cost of a cable to the end-user is composed of its materials, labor, overhead and profit margin, as well as the dealer markup." There is considerably more to it than that. There is the cost of research and development, proto-type manufacturing and testing, marketing and advertising, sales representation, shipping, returns, audio shows, and more. You speak of overhead as a single item but of course it is much more than that. Overhead consists of rent or mortgage for facilities, maintenance and cleaning of facilities, property taxes, federal taxes, state taxes, unemployment compensation funding, employer's share of social security, healthcare insurance, workers compensation insurance, utilities, communication costs, and more. Overhead can dramatically impact a product's retail cost, which is just one reason the guy assembling cables in his garage and selling them on the Internet can do so at costs the larger companies cannot approach. Most major cable manufacturers do not actually make their cables. The process of wire extrusion, dielectric extrusion, bulk packing and shipping to an audio cable manufacturer is done at independent facilities under contract to the specifications of the audio cable company. This adds cost to the overhead. And yes, then there is the retail markup, typically 40 to 50 points. This allows the retailer to offer discounts to perspective buyers to close a sale while stil maintaining an acceptable profit margin that supports the retail business.

    Don't misunderstand my comments. I am not trying to justify any manufacturers pricing structure. I am merely attempting to demonstrate that there are many variables in any manufacturing process that impact its perceived and real value from raw materials to the completed product at a retail facility. I am just as shocked as you by the price of some audio cables and wonder how the numbers can be justified, but ultimately it is the consumer that controls the show. If something of a particular worth exceeds your sense of value, ignore it, don't make the purchase. Value of all things is in the eye of the beholder. You vote with your wallet.
    Dan

    STUDIO - McIntosh C1000C/P, MC2301 (2), MR88, Aurender N10, Esoteric K-01X, Shunyata Sigma spdif digital coax,
    Sonos Connect, Stillpoints Ultra SS & Ultra Mini, PurePower 2000, Furutech Flux 50, Michell Gyro SE, Michell HR Power Supply, SME 309, Ortofon Cadenza Black, Sonus faber Amati Anniversario

    LIVING ROOM - McIntosh C2300, MC75 (2), MR85, Magnum Dynalab 205 Signal Sleuth, Sonos Connect, Simaudio MOON Neo 260D-T, Schiit Audio Yggdrasil, Aurender N100H, Shunyata Sigma USB cable,
    Sony DAT 60ES, Nakamichi BX-300, Micro Seiki DD40 w/m505A tonearm, Ortofon Cadenza Blue, PS Audio P10, Furutech Flux 50, Stillpoints Ultra Mini, PMC EB1i, JL Audio f113

    VINTAGE - McIntosh 4300V, McIntosh MA230, Tandberg 3011A tuner, Olive 04HD, JBL 4312A

  5. #5
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    Re: Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    To Gents Who Responded So Far:

    Thank you for your comments. Right now I am using a $90 Virtual Dynamic power cord which is so heavy it pulls aways from the wall socket; this cord is being used to power my Exact Power voltage regulator. My dealer loaned me a Shunyata Delta NR power cord. There is no question that there is an improvement in the "blackness" of the background and the specificity of instruments and voice(s) in the playback.

    If price wasn't a consideration, I would simply purchase the $800 Delta power cord. Fortunately, in a couple of weeks I'll be able to A/B that power cord with Shunyata's new $450 Venom NR-V10 power cord. Hopefully, I won't detect any material sonic difference between them.

    Regardless, I am curious as to why they -- and their peers -- cost so much. To JDAndy, I appreciate your detailed explanation of the cost components; I would still like to know how they break down on a percentage basis. My own guess is that, before its profit to the manufacturer, a $500 power cord costs -- all in -- perhaps $150. Of that, actual materials are maybe $50?
    Jonathan
    _______________________

    Age is a mental construct.

    System: Theta Casablanca V preamp/processor/DAC; Wadia 8 transport; Wadia 2000 DAC; Theta Compli SACD transport; Lumin T2 streamer/DAC; Roon Nucleus+; Luxul AGS-1024 switch; SOTA Sapphire turntable w/Premier FT3 arm & Hana SL cartridge; PS Audio Stellar phono preamp; SweetVinyl SC-2 noise/click remover; Oppo 203 4K player; Magnum Dynalab FT-101A tuner; McIntosh MC611 mono amplifiers (3); Revel Ultima Studio/ Voice/Embrace speakers (L/C/R and sides); Arendal 1723 speakers (surrounds); SVS SB-16 (2) and 3000 Micro (2) subwoofers; Stax SR-L300 headphones; TeddyPardo 19/3 linear power supply; Richard Gray's Substation; Shunyata 6000/S, 2000/T (2), Venom PS10, Hydra (2), and Defender (2) power conditioners; Wireworld Silver Eclipse 8 speaker cables; Audioquest, Cardas, Kimber Kable, MIT, and Wireworld interconnects; Cullen, and Shunyata power cords.

    JVC RS 3100 projector; MadVR Envy Extreme II video processor.


  6. #6

    Re: Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    Quote Originally Posted by jdandy View Post
    AVphile.......You state, "The cost of a cable to the end-user is composed of its materials, labor, overhead and profit margin, as well as the dealer markup." There is considerably more to it than that. There is the cost of research and development, proto-type manufacturing and testing, marketing and advertising, sales representation, shipping, returns, audio shows, and more. You speak of overhead as a single item but of course it is much more than that. Overhead consists of rent or mortgage for facilities, maintenance and cleaning of facilities, property taxes, federal taxes, state taxes, unemployment compensation funding, employer's share of social security, healthcare insurance, workers compensation insurance, utilities, communication costs, and more. Overhead can dramatically impact a product's retail cost, which is just one reason the guy assembling cables in his garage and selling them on the Internet can do so at costs the larger companies cannot approach. Most major cable manufacturers do not actually make their cables. The process of wire extrusion, dielectric extrusion, bulk packing and shipping to an audio cable manufacturer is done at independent facilities under contract to the specifications of the audio cable company. This adds cost to the overhead. And yes, then there is the retail markup, typically 40 to 50 points. This allows the retailer to offer discounts to perspective buyers to close a sale while stil maintaining an acceptable profit margin that supports the retail business.

    Don't misunderstand my comments. I am not trying to justify any manufacturers pricing structure. I am merely attempting to demonstrate that there are many variables in any manufacturing process that impact its perceived and real value from raw materials to the completed product at a retail facility. I am just as shocked as you by the price of some audio cables and wonder how the numbers can be justified, but ultimately it is the consumer that controls the show. If something of a particular worth exceeds your sense of value, ignore it, don't make the purchase. Value of all things is in the eye of the beholder. You vote with your wallet.


    That is the best statement I’ve read In all my years on audio forums. I agree 100%

    Thank you

  7. #7

    Re: Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    Quote Originally Posted by AVphile View Post
    To Gents Who Responded So Far:

    Thank you for your comments. Right now I am using a $90 Virtual Dynamic power cord which is so heavy it pulls aways from the wall socket; this cord is being used to power my Exact Power voltage regulator. My dealer loaned me a Shunyata Delta NR power cord. There is no question that there is an improvement in the "blackness" of the background and the specificity of instruments and voice(s) in the playback.

    If price wasn't a consideration, I would simply purchase the $800 Delta power cord. Fortunately, in a couple of weeks I'll be able to A/B that power cord with Shunyata's new $450 Venom NR-V10 power cord. Hopefully, I won't detect any material sonic difference between them.

    Regardless, I am curious as to why they -- and their peers -- cost so much. To JDAndy, I appreciate your detailed explanation of the cost components; I would still like to know how they break down on a percentage basis. My own guess is that, before its profit to the manufacturer, a $500 power cord costs -- all in -- perhaps $150. Of that, actual materials are maybe $50?
    They also pull away from the IEC inlet on your gear. That's why they invented cable bras.
    Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.

    Reviewer for Positive Feedback

  8. #8
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    Re: Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    Quote Originally Posted by AVphile View Post

    Regardless, I am curious as to why they -- and their peers -- cost so much. To JDAndy, I appreciate your detailed explanation of the cost components; I would still like to know how they break down on a percentage basis. My own guess is that, before its profit to the manufacturer, a $500 power cord costs -- all in -- perhaps $150. Of that, actual materials are maybe $50?
    It’s a bit difficult to put a percentage to the markup. Different factors come into play as per Dan’s explanation above.

    That being said and without naming a manufacturer I was once able to purchase something with an MSRP in the thousands of dollars from a certified dealer for 50% off the MSRP. This was a current model and not one that was on its way out for something new from the manufacturer. I’m very certain the dealer made a nice profit as well.

    Then an you have certain manufacturers that the dealer as very little wiggle room for a discount and possibly no discount at all.

    So all that being said, it all depends!
    Paul

    Speakers: Von Schweikert VR-5 Anniversary MK II Front L/R, LCR-35 Center, VR-1 Rear L/R Sub: JL Audio F113
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  9. #9
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    Re: Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    Good post.

    High end cables have a limited market, and, I assume, are made by hand, so that is a factor in their cost. Of course, as with anything, there are good, honest vendors, and vendors who grossly over charge for their products. Buyer beware.
    Bud

    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
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  10. #10
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    Re: Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    The simple answer is because we, the consumers, will pay the crazy prices! We can hear the differences and will buy them. It has little to do with manufacturing/mark-up costs. In my case, it's Shunyata PC's, distribution devices, and Typhon conditioners. Crazy expensive, but worth it because I hear the results. Robust, clean power is essential for optimal performance of your gear. IC's, IMHO, not so much.
    Tom
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  11. #11
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    Re: Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    For some manufacturers they charge as much as they feel they can get away with. To hell with all the overhead, material cost, formulas ETC ETC.
    After all as with many things in this hobby it's the "Flavor of the month". There is no justification it's just what some of us audiofools will pay.
    Not saying that their product doesn't sound good.
    Then there are other manufacturers that offer true value products such as Triode Wire Labs and Audio Sensibilities among others.
    Some of the big boys such as Audioquest and Shunyata (among others) apply a lot of science and R&D to their products vs garage cable makers and produce cables at more realistic prices.
    I don't think you can accurately come up with any real cost ratios.
    As has been previously said "vote with your wallet"
    My System
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  12. #12
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    Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    Why does anything cost so much?

    In Alaska, the grounds price for Sockeye Salmon is around $1.50 per pound yet at the grocer it’s $13.99.

    Here you have angry fisherman who see this price at the grocery story then go on to say they work their butts off and should be paid significantly more, then you have the retailer who says they have to discount or throw away what does not sell in addition to all the associated costs to get product to market - if your the fisherman it’s easy to call the retailer greedy.

    JDandy Dan begins to lay it out nicely but there is much more.

    You will always have opinions of why things are overpriced and why some do not even work, but really if you want to be in control, get in the game and experience the reality of business, it’s an eye opener for sure.

    While I don’t disagree cable is expensive, it does bring the most out of my system that is even more expensive, where does it stop? Well that’s up to the participant.

    I want and certainly don’t need a new Rolls Royce Wraith, but it’s a little over three times the cost of my Cadillac and still only gets me from A to B.

    The best part, I don’t need to do anything I don’t want to do. My business is me and the freedom to rant on a public forum Why do high-end cables cost so much?


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
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  13. #13
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    Re: Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    Quote Originally Posted by jdandy View Post
    AVphile.......You stated, "The cost of a cable to the end-user is composed of its materials, labor, overhead and profit margin, as well as the dealer markup." There is considerably more to it than that. There is the cost of research and development, proto-type manufacturing and testing, marketing and advertising, sales representation, shipping, returns, audio shows, and more. You speak of overhead as a single item but of course it is much more than that. Overhead consists of rent or mortgage for facilities, maintenance and cleaning of facilities, property taxes, federal taxes, state taxes, unemployment compensation funding, employer's share of social security, healthcare insurance, workers compensation insurance, utilities, communication costs, and more. Overhead can dramatically impact a product's retail cost, which is just one reason the guy assembling cables in his garage and selling them on the Internet can do so at costs the larger companies cannot approach. Most major cable manufacturers do not actually make their cables. The process of wire extrusion, dielectric extrusion, bulk packing and shipping to an audio cable manufacturer is done at independent facilities under contract to the specifications of the audio cable company. This adds cost to the overhead. And yes, then there is the retail markup, typically 40 to 50 points. This allows the retailer to offer discounts to perspective buyers to close a sale while stil maintaining an acceptable profit margin that supports the retail business.

    Don't misunderstand my comments. I am not trying to justify any manufacturers pricing structure. I am merely attempting to demonstrate that there are many variables in any manufacturing process that impact its perceived and real value from raw materials to the completed product at a retail facility. I am just as shocked as you by the price of some audio cables and wonder how the numbers can be justified, but ultimately it is the consumer that controls the show. If something of a particular worth exceeds your sense of value, ignore it, don't make the purchase. Value of all things is in the eye of the beholder. You vote with your wallet.
    Good post!

  14. #14
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    Re: Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    because of the "magic" inside...

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  15. #15
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    Re: Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    Why do high-end cables cost so much?
    Because to many audiophiles:
    high cost = high-end.

    * * * * * * * * *
    But in fact the best cables are made by the major bulk cable manufactures like Belden (and others).

  16. #16
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    Re: Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    Speedskater if you think that cables cost too much and you can do the same or better for a lover price , please feel free to do so.
    No one are forcing you to buy something you think is too expensive.
    Flemming

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  17. #17
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    Re: Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    The price of a high ticket item in any market, defined as the top tier, is set more by marketing perception than total cost to manufacture. Yes, there can certainly be valid technical claims a cable company bases with a high price from but in the end, it’s all about the brand image a company targets for their company/products and what the competition allows them to charge. Their how is to set their prices as high as the market allows.

    as San said, you have to judge the value proposition for your self.
    Main Equipment: Kharma Elegance dB11-S, JL Audio F113v2, Block Audio Line & Mono SE Amplification, Bricasti M21 DAC, Antipodes Kala K-50 Server, Marantz TT-42
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  18. #18
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    Re: Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    Quote Originally Posted by tube-vds View Post
    because of the "magic" inside...

    Low and behold the “amazing” Zobel network. LMAO!!!!
    "No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
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  19. #19
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    Re: Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    In comparison...

    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

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  20. #20

    Re: Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    In comparison...

    "More than Just Cable!" Right. It's a giant tone control. Amplifiers were designed to be connected straight to speakers via speaker cable. Now the amplifier is driving another circuit before the output of that circuit reaches the speakers.
    Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.

    Reviewer for Positive Feedback

  21. #21
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    Re: Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    Quote Originally Posted by mep View Post
    "More than Just Cable!" Right. It's a giant tone control. Amplifiers were designed to be connected straight to speakers via speaker cable. Now the amplifier is driving another circuit before the output of that circuit reaches the speakers.
    I don’t hear a tone control, but I do hear increased dynamics especially on the Magico’s.


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  22. #22

    Re: Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    I don’t hear a tone control, but I do hear increased dynamics especially on the Magico’s.


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    Whether or not you want to call them tone controls or an equalizer, it's changing the output signal of your amplifier before the signal reaches the crossover network of your speakers.
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  23. #23
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    Re: Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    Quote Originally Posted by mep View Post
    Whether or not you want to call them tone controls or an equalizer, it's changing the output signal of your amplifier before the signal reaches the crossover network of your speakers.
    I agree, but if it brings out more and takes away nothing, leaving you satisfied wanting more, then it makes sense to me.


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  24. #24

    Re: Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    Quote Originally Posted by UltraFast69 View Post
    I agree, but if it brings out more and takes away nothing, leaving you satisfied wanting more, then it makes sense to me.


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  25. #25
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    Re: Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    Quote Originally Posted by FDPDK View Post
    Speedskater if you think that cables cost too much and you can do the same or better for a lover price , please feel free to do so.
    No one are forcing you to buy something you think is too expensive.
    Blue Jeans Cable already has. Especially for RCA analog interconnects.

  26. #26
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    Re: Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    Easy answer - because the market will bear it.

    There is nothing in construction methodology that lends itself to $5-10k/meter cables these days.
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  27. #27
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    Re: Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    Quote Originally Posted by KeithR View Post
    Easy answer - because the market will bear it.

    There is nothing in construction methodology that lends itself to $xx-$xxx audio gear these days.
    You can insert any piece of high end audio gear into your response.
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  28. #28

    Re: Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    Hope this thread doesn’t turn into a “Network Cables” are a scam etc..

    Btw, the patents Bruce Brisson holds and what he has contributed to high end audio should speak for themselves.

    Likewise for Caelin Gabriel of Shunyata and Garth Powell of Audioquest. These designers are doing their best work now ; MIT ACC , Shunyata Sigma , AQ Dragon Speaker cables. To name a few of these flagships speaker cables.

    Unfortunately the best stuff comes at a price. Now wether or not it is a value to you or you believe cables don’t make a difference then please stick to mono price and blue jeans cable.

    Vote with your wallet as one of the above highlighted.

  29. #29
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    Re: Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    Quote Originally Posted by KeithR View Post
    Easy answer - because the market will bear it.
    Yup. That's always the answer.
    There is also solid science behind why some folks should spend as much as they need to for personal satisfaction, including "expensive" cables of course.

  30. #30
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    Re: Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    Awww Cmon ,

    get on the bandwagon , throw out your 5K cable design, less see what you got ....!

  31. #31
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    Re: Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    Quote Originally Posted by still-one View Post
    You can insert any piece of high end audio gear into your response.
    Why stop at any piece of high end audio gear, every commodity.

  32. #32
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    Re: Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    Quote Originally Posted by knghifi View Post
    Why stop at any piece of high end audio gear, every commodity.
    At least with high end audio gear, you get to keep it. With high end wine, you literally piss it away

    cheers,

    AJ

  33. #33
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    Re: Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    I agree cables are overpriced.

    However when you find a cable that makes your $100K+ system sing like never before - rational thinking (or engineering principles) tends to fly out of the window..

    Just accept that not everything in life is rational.

  34. #34

    Re: Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    It is precisely because high end audio cables are not considered commodities that prices can be detached from the cost (including research and development) of production. For example, go to Monoprice or other similar dealers and you will find cables that are functionally the same as just about all high end cables priced as commodities.

    Also you will note that many (most all?) of the high end cable manufacturers price their offerings with clear differentiation of pricing between adjacent lines (e.g. each successively more expensive line is double the price of the lower cost line). This clearly cannot mean that the cost to manufacture each line is double the cost of the adjacent lower price line. A lot has to do with the attempt to create or reinforce the perceived value of the product in the mind of the consumer. If it is that expensive, then it must be great, particularly in my great system.

    One exception, if a product is truly hand made, then there can well be a large number of hours in highly skilled labor costs that justifies a high price.

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  35. #35
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    Re: Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    Quote Originally Posted by Speedskater View Post
    Blue Jeans Cable already has. Especially for RCA analog interconnects.
    Then you should simply go and buy Blue Jeans cable , and be happy.
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  36. #36
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    Re: Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    High end cables are like high end tires for your car. Sure Cooper Tires, Waterfall Eco and Douglas tires will all work. I mean, they’re made of rubber and they’re round. They’re even sold at your local Walmart. But I wouldn’t put any of those on my Corvette Grand Sport or my F-150 truck. Maybe my Father-In-Laws 1983 Pontiac Parisienne or his 1980 LTD Wagon.

    A high end stereo system, like a nice car needs the best for ultimate performance. To choose otherwise is to limit your investment in the first place.
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  37. #37
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    Re: Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    AVphile, if your power cord keeps pulling out from the wall socket, then replace the wall socket with an audiograde socket from PS audio, Pangea, Furutech to name a few. They grip way better than a standard socket. Also consider trying cables on the loaner program from the thecableco.com They will let you try up to 5 cables at a time with a deposit.
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  38. #38
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    Re: Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    I just purchased (used) a 1000 power cord. Its brand name is not to be made known. Highly reputable name and I know this company makes excellent products. I also own much lower priced Pangea power cords, and some Audience entry level, Forte 3 power cords.

    I find that the Pangea cords (modestly priced, but well made) sound best with certain components and not the others. The entry level Audience Forte 3 cable improved the audio when used with certain components.. But, the 1000 cable? Can't find a place for it where it would produce a better effect than the lower priced ones.
    Gene

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  39. #39
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    Re: Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    Here’s one for you. I pulled back the sheathing of an unused Ansuz C power cable, wtf, it’s only money Why do high-end cables cost so much?Why do high-end cables cost so much?Why do high-end cables cost so much?




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  40. #40
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    Re: Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    Quote Originally Posted by UltraFast69 View Post
    Here’s one for you. I pulled back the sheathing of an unused Ansuz C power cable, wtf, it’s only money Why do high-end cables cost so much?Why do high-end cables cost so much?Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    This is more common than you think



    Thanks for the great pictures.
    Yes, I and a friend have repaired many "High End" power cables for both ourselves and other audiophiles. Mostly this consisted of replacing either the male or IEC plug and or replacing a broken ground pin (very common).
    Having seen the construction of these cables truly leaves you wondering 2 questions. !, how can they charge so much for this? and 2, why do we pay so much for this?
    The majority of the power cables that we have seen use readily available wire (nothing special). Each manufacturer has his own special build technique I.E. twist, counter twist, foil, shielding, spacing and on and on that they feel gives their cables the "magic".
    Seeing things like what you have just posted is of no surprise.



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  41. #41
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    Re: Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    Quote Originally Posted by jadedavid View Post
    If it sounds good and you can afford it and it makes you happy then go for it.
    So true!


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  42. #42
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    Re: Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    Quote Originally Posted by jadedavid View Post
    If it sounds good and you can afford it and it makes you happy then go for it.
    Your welcome. The point of the picture was just to see what was under the sheathing and drive comments.

    How did the additional comments get added as if I wrote this?


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  43. #43
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    Re: Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    Quote Originally Posted by jadedavid View Post
    If it sounds good and you can afford it and it makes you happy then go for it.
    totally agree, 1000% ...up until the point one becomes a sucker.

    in my limited research / experience, manufacturers who provide extremely detailed specifications such that the buyer knows exactly what he is getting are the ones with more reasonable prices and that offer quite generous return policies... just saying, ymmv.
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  44. #44

    Re: Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    Quote Originally Posted by aKnyght View Post
    totally agree, 1000% ...up until the point one becomes a sucker.

    i
    n my limited research / experience, manufacturers who provide extremely detailed specifications such that the buyer knows exactly what he is getting are the ones with more reasonable prices and that offer quite generous return policies... just saying, ymmv.
    So I think you really don't agree 1000% because jadedavid is saying that if it sounds good and you can afford it and it makes you happy go for it. You aren't supposed to feel like a sucker as long as it sounds good, you can afford it, and it makes you happy. Sort of like saying you can never be ripped off as long as you enjoy it.
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  45. #45
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    Re: Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    Funny story. A few years back I went to a dealer to listen to some DAC's. I even brought mine along to compare. The dealer had a $100,000 plus system that we listened too. After 15 minutes he pulled out a $1,000 power cord and said that we had to listen to it. He put it in the system and my son and I could not hear a difference. When we told the dealer that we could not hear a difference, he sheepishly admitted that he could not either.

    With that being said, I still believe that they can make a difference and that they are system dependent as cables of any sort are. I currently use some budget aftermarket power cords from Cullen Cables (Gold) and PS Audio (AC3). There were subtle improvements in sound with blacker backgrounds with both and slight improvement in detail.
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  46. #46
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    Re: Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    Quote Originally Posted by mep View Post
    ...Sort of like saying you can never be ripped off as long as you enjoy it.
    touché... absolutely cannot argue with that logic

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    Re: Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    Quote Originally Posted by UltraFast69 View Post
    Your welcome. The point of the picture was just to see what was under the sheathing and drive comments.

    How did the additional comments get added as if I wrote this?


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
    The comments were added in the wrong place as I just started typing, not really paying attention to where I was on the page.
    When you reply with a quote the software does note automatically position your response in the proper starting point.
    Sorry for the confusion.
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  48. #48

    Re: Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    Quote Originally Posted by UltraFast69 View Post
    Here’s one for you. I


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
    I make my own power cables. And i´m really satisfied. I think the power cords are extremely important to achieve a great dynamic in a system.
    Looking at this image, i think that the tube at the center is a good idea. I say that because i´ve already tried. It works. Is not so simple to achive a good result. Trial and error is almost the only possible method. Try for yourself to make a power cord. Then make a second slightly different and you will find that it sounds different...
    It´s not easy...

  49. #49
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    Why do high-end cables cost so much?

    Quote Originally Posted by Spock View Post
    I make my own power cables. And i´m really satisfied. I think the power cords are extremely important to achieve a great dynamic in a system.
    Looking at this image, i think that the tube at the center is a good idea. I say that because i´ve already tried. It works. Is not so simple to achive a good result. Trial and error is almost the only possible method. Try for yourself to make a power cord. Then make a second slightly different and you will find that it sounds different...
    It´s not easy...
    I don’t disagree, maybe some day I’ll give it a shot.


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Why do high-end cables cost so much?

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