The truth about interconnects - can you handle it?

I have been sitting on the fence for a while now when debating if X cable that costs $20 is better than Y cable that cost $300. That being said, a friend let me borrow a set of PS Audio Statements and the second I put them in the system, I heard what I didn't want to hear...a significant difference. Trust me, I DID NOT want to hear a difference. I would have loved it if the $20 set of IC's I had sounded the same as the PS Audio's...but sadly they didn't. So needless to say, I am now saving my pennies for some of the sweet PS Audio ICs.....are there better out there than these even....I don't know and I really don't want to know. My pocket book cannot handle it.

I do believe that interconnects affect the sound, but the effects are due to the rational, measurable effects of the electrical characteristics of the cables on the signal. Every cable has it’s own R/L/C characteristics. These characteristics affect the signal as it passes through the cable, in the same manner that a filter affects any signal.

The real question is: Why are the measurable, quantifiable characteristics of cables not included in discussions of how the cables affect the sound? For example, replacing a pair of interconnects with a pair with higher capacitance will cause a greater roll-off in the high frequencies. In a system that has a bright sound, this might be good; but in a system that is dark, this would make it worse.

If we could reach a consensus on what changing each of the electrical characteristics of an interconnect should have on the sound, then we could move on to the next logical question, which is: Why should we spend big bucks on a particular set of cables when a pair with exactly the same electrical characteristics can be had for a fraction of the price?

I can tell you for a fact that the guys selling the big bucks interconnects will do everything in their power to de-rail this kind of awareness and self-education within the audiophile community.

BTW, has anyone tried putting a pyramid over his or her system? I hear channeling cosmic energy through your circuit boards does wonders for the sound. (Sorry, I couldn’t resist.)

Oh, one more point. It is critical to know how much of a change in any electrical parameter is required before you can detect a difference in the sound. Of course this will vary from one system to another, and from one pair of ears to the next; but without it you are just pi$$ing into the wind.

It seems that people will deny that wires make a difference for several reasons:
1) They tried them and heard no difference.
2) They will not try it because their "theory" says it won't make a difference.
3) They're open minded, and would like to try, but are scared that they will be ripped off.

To all those in number 3) camp have a look at this thread. You can make interconnects for under $20 that sound fabulous.
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?fcabl&1046928936&openflup&1&4#1

Actually, most of people can tell the difference between cables. It just takes more CD and system tweak to make sure what you think better is generally true for most of music and the variation of your system setup. Any component, like source, IC, amp...., should be tested in a natual listening condition in your home and rest of setup, and please give it enough time. "Blind Test" can be dangerous, are you sure those tester have the same taste and ears as yours? Even you do the blind test yourself, are you sure no simple system tweak can reverse your first vote? The only sure way is to play around with it for a while in your daily life.