What do you mean by "better" when it comes to cabl

"Better" cables are in the ear of the beholder, it cannot be quantified. Just like "better" beer cannot be quantified. "Better" is a subjective term that is widely over-used.

Just as those that post threads on these forums asking for the "Best" X. Most everyone here knows that there is no "Best". It's just an rookie mistake, don't get worked up about it.

better means one cable is preferred over another.

if you set up (arbitrary) criteria, you can relate better to the established criteria.

Manitunc-

I found this somewhere and saved it in notepad. I do not recall where I read it.

What better means:

[Better means deeper, more clearly defined soundstage, it means cleaner/more distinct overall presentation - more easily heard stereo separation, more solid L/C/R across the soundstage - with greater refinement of top frequencies clear down to the bass. It means improved macrodynamics such that it seems someone turned up the level when it has not been touched. These are the results in every instance. It also gives the sense that you are hearing into the piece more and increases the corporeality of the artist(s).]

These are some points that I personally use when I evaluate and critically listen to equipment or music I wish to own.

A lot of it starts with good system building first, e.g. properly matched components to begin with. When this is done first, then folks, by definition at this point, are IMO simply concerned with just finding decent wiring that can truly do the job while doing the least amount of harm in the process. But, if you start with a system that has been built with mismatched components, then you are likely 'stuck' on the unending treadmill of looking for wiring that will act as an equalizer of sorts. This can be a bit like looking for the needle in a haystack since often no 2 systems are mismatched in quite the same way and there's usually no readily available guide for such a search regarding the particulars of your own situation. And since the common perception is that roughly about half the systems out there (if not more) are likely in some significant way mismatched, then it's no surprise that there are plenty of folks around trying to sell their own brand of what can be, in effect, hit-or-miss, band-aids...some of which can be, well, painfully expensive. Hope this helps a bit. Regards. John

BTW and FWIW, I agree with Mrtennis here in that better, in the end and for the very most part subjectively, simply means what you prefer. Objectively, it may mean the occasional repeatable measurements, such as timing delay or ringing or some other hard-and-fast parameter that can possibly be used to make a comparison. Note here that I'm talking about a repeatable measurement that can be done in, say, a lab...not so much simply a manufacturer's specification. But, the big problem with that is that if there is any such data, it can become too easy for the discussion of it to slip beyond what is routinely assotiated with them soundwise and cross into some twilight zone of hype, so you do have to kind of separate the 2 sometimes, or it can begin to be too much to wade through. Also, the better equipment you buy, the more difference 'better' cabling can make to one degree or another, but again, if you plan your system well, in almost every case it should not be necessary for the financial securing of the wiring to begin taking over the system, at least IMHO.

Good wiring is simply that which you, having tried it in your own system, can feel confident enough that it has let the best part of your system's sonic and musical potential come through. It may take you a few tries to get your bearings and make the gross-level kinds of comparisons, but even the mistakes you may make are bound to prove to be valuable to you. I know that may not sound all that exciting, but what I'm saying is you'll get there. But, when in doubt, experiment. Try something, even if it is just on a hunch. Lot's of audiophiles go to websites like the Cable Co. or Wireworld and try out their lending library for a small fee. That's a great way to begin finding your way around without getting soaked.