why do people feel the need to buy expensive cable

The purchase of a luxury good may or may not make the purchaser happy, but it does make them happy about themselves. It's an affirmation of how they see themselves and their position in society. It's a testament to someone's economic status and discernment. Notice that the two most common rebuttals to those who question the wisdom of expensive cables are variations of "you can't afford it" and "your system or hearing isn't of high enough quality to judge".

Mapman, obsess much about what other folks spend on audio?

Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.

"Mapman, obsess much about what other folks spend on audio? "

Not at all. Absolutely zero. I didn't ask the question. Just offering my opinions like everyone else, dear.

mapman,

You brought up that the difference between a Ferrari and a Toyota is easy to understand. That's why when you buy a Ferrari you are not hearing guys on car forums arguing that the Toyota is better. On the opposite side of the spectrum when a guy spends 50k on cables you are going to get everyone and his brother questioning your purchase. There is no way you can prove your 50k in cables is better than some guys 5k in cables. And that is why I think there is so much discrepancy when it comes to cables.