My experience with cables is that they can make a really noticeable difference, but I don' think I'd classify that difference as "vast".
I will say that one cable that sounds great in one system may sound horrible in another. I love my GR-Research cable in my Xstatic-Krell rig, but it sounds really weak in my Totem-NAD system. I found the Cardas Clear to be a good match in this system. I really liked the Chord Epic Twin cables in with my Xstatics when I was running a PrimaLuna HP Dialogue Integrated with KT150s, but not once I upgraded to my Krell K300i.
This is all to say, that you have to experiment and listen to cables just like you do components. Synergy is everything. Buy new with return policies or buy used and resell what you don't like. The good news with cables is that there are a lot of options out there and if you play it smart, there is very little financial risk.
Have fun and enjoy the music.