LAT certainly competes with any of the big buck wire! I have their best speaker cables bi-wiring my B&W speakers, and their best IC-200D interconnects running from my Cal Audio Icon MkII CD player and I am very happy with their performance. Before choosing LAT, I auditioned Kimber Kable 8TC, Tara Labs RSC, Radio Shack "premium" 10 gauge OFC copper, and LAT over one weekend through the Cable Company's cable loan program. I hated the Kimber,(very thin and screechy sounding) Tara was ok, but sounded constrained, the Shack was a surprisingly good 2nd choice believe it or not. But LAT cables knocked my socks off! It was immediately apparent that LAT was the best choice - the system just opened up and sounded more spacious and at ease, with better extension at the frequency extremes. The treble was clear and extended, mid range was full and open, allowing more detail through, and the bass was powerful. Great cables and highly recommended!