Guys, I've been around audio at a pretty high level since 69 or so. Yes, I was only 9, but I was hooked when I heard Klipshorn's with Crown electronics with the top of the line Garrard TT with top of the line Grado cartridge. There were no special cables back then. I wish there was. I then ended up getting the Polk 10's with the 'special Polk cables. Wow what a difference. Then it was onto Monster cables that Bruce Brisson invented and Noel Lee marketed. That was a great pairing who I wished worked together forever. I've known many guys who started their own cable companies and most were just smoke and mirrors. I have been inside cable makers (wire companies) when I was a recruiter. I've seen more than a couple of large companies cables being drawn and then made.
I only say this to share that in years past, you could possibly get cables via making them yourself, but things have changed dramatically. AQ and other top companies have entry level stuff that will most probably blow away the making them yourself variety.I realize that some of you will be upset over what I"m posting and if you are into making your own stuff, that's awesome, but I and others feel strongly that you will get a much better cable by buying the name brands. They terminate better for the most part. Most are using special tools to cold weld etc... The dielectrics really do make a huge difference. Should the prices be what they are? Of course not. They are selling them for what they are, because they can. That's at the top end though. Entry level stuff or just above isn't that expensive if you shop around a bit and if you listen to them vs the DIY types, you'll be amazed I bet. I've heard a ton of DIY cables, including some of the higher end ones and so far none have sounded better than a comparably priced pair of AQ or MIT or Kimber or Cardas. JMHO.