Why stop at cables? There are just as many engineers that will say the same about any other piece of audio equipment. Some people just know everything and have this hobby figured out. Just buy good but not too expensive speakers, buy the cheapest amp that will adequately drive them, (because all amps sound the same as long as they are not being stressed) buy the cheapest CD player (because digital is digital, and is perfect) hook it all up with zip cord and viola! The worlds best sounding stereo. Man I wish I would have figured that out for myself years ago.