What process do you use to purchase cables?

Here's my process for cables - 
a) determine what I'm willing top spend - for me and my system it's been up to $500 new or used.  More than this is hard for ME to rationalize.
b) see what Music Direct has on sale (usually free returns, which I have only used a couple times).
c) consider the Cable Company's lending library.  I always consider this but have never actually used.
d) search for Acoustic Zen on all the normal audio marketplaces.  AZ products have rarely left me wondering "do I really hear a difference?"; others have.
e) read read read and read some more.  Reading often leads me to search for new brands, but usually the reading and the answer to (a) leads me right back to (b) and (d).  Why not (c)?  I have no idea.

And very much agree with getting your components sorted out first!  

I look for sonic bargains to stretch my purchasing power like Requisite Audio, Triode Labs, Analysis Plus, Fidelium speaker, etc. Currently I have leads on 2 brands of high end audio cables at 70% discount- awaiting funds to purchase.

I also look at some cable shootouts on Audio Bacon including PC, interconnects, digital, speakers.

The Cable Company lending library is another great option- sure you’ll have to pay fees, but it’s worth it to dial in your ideal sound which may be your end game for cables.

My dealer has excellent brands that synergise well. Find a good dealer ; someone that know his products well  and what combinations work best. 

My dealer has excellent brands that synergise well. Find a good dealer ; 

How does one find a good dealer that puts one’s interest over making a sale?  During my initial foray into high-end audio, a dealer’s salesman pushed me to nail down a $number for my system budget, then tried to sell me a system that sounded meh.  

😂😂😂😂😂. Me too!

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