(1). jafox
"... I think of it from a different perspective. It is not so much that a cable can magically transform a system but rather that so many cables out there can instantly destroy the capabilities of a top-tier system...."
(2)
".... Miko
56 posts 03-30-2017 10:55pm
Cables cannot add, only degrade the signal. ......Keep power cords away from them if you can, if your equipment allows for balanced cables you can use those to good effect...."
Nailed it! .... Point, set, and match in tennis jargon.
At a $200 pricepoint,
(a) there is going to be a minimal to nil sonic performance improvement from Cable Brand A to Cable Brand X ,
(b) IMO option and experience, in a sub-$3000 system, the risks of a $200 cable "bad choice" is similarly minimal, especially with receivers instead of standalone pieces and also with budget source pieces.
Takeaway: it's a very broad arena for a "just pick one of 'em" exercise.
(c) However, at a significant loftier "high-end" performance (and price) system pricepoint strata, these caveat risks of a failure for system synergy are exponentially higher, as already succinctly highlighted in jafox's quoted post above.
Takeaway: Enhanced need to personally assess and audition in order to strive for thst ethereal system synergy on your road to OZ, Choise wisely, with a distinct likelihood of a step up into a better cable build (and price) selection group.
Caveat emptor and roll up the sleeves .....