What's wrong with this type of cable?

[NuckingFuts]

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:

[Vr3MxStyler2k3]

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...

[steveinaz]

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.

[F1nut]

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.

[NuckingFuts]

Hmmmm, interesting analogy.....;)

I'll check a couple brands out and post my report. Cant hurt right!

[TheReaper]

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.

[Tour2ma]

Originally posted by NuckingFuts
Cant hurt right! ... only in the wallet... :)

[steveinaz]

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.