why do people feel the need to buy expensive cable

...the best cable is the cable that changes the signal the least.

I couldn't agree more. So it goes to say that despite protests to the contrary, all cables are not made the same and there are makes that get it right or better than most and it's all system dependent.

Lots of variables here, so in the end, it's your ears that decide what sounds best in your system and to offer advice on what works in your system shouldn't come under fire from others who don't know or appreciate the particulars.

All the best,
Nonoise

Many of us can agree that cables do indeed make a difference but the point of the thread was about expensive cables. I took this as a shot on manufacturers that hyper inflate the cost/performance ratio. 

though expensive was never defined in this thread...

Has anyone ever done or know of any info on a part cost analysis of any major brand cable makers ? I have seen breakdown of other gear before in professional reviews.

Manufacturing costs can be figured out for most consumer products made and sold .

Why the mystery for audiophile cables i ask ? Please enlighten me .

If it were to be decided what is expensive, then we'd all hear crickets. I mentioned what my cost considerations were and the cables involved so maybe others can chime in with theirs? Mine work out to be <10% of system costs and I couldn't be happier. 

What irks me is what I've already bought but then I've come to realize that as I changed components, I had to change speaker cables to get the right sound.

As for manufacturing costs, all one needs to do is take a look at some of the off brands for sale here and then check out some Asian sites and you'll see the same cables with a 30-50% markup. There's always the middle man to consider.

All the best,
Nonoise