why do people feel the need to buy expensive cable

I think your first point sums it up maple. We each determine what sounds best to us, and then decide what price we are willing to pay.  Did a Stradivarius cost more to make? Can we prove it sounds better? Does it sound better? Tangential, I know...

maplegrovemusic471 posts03-20-2016 8:47pmKnghifi - Do you realize if you and another person are present when you are swapping cables that the two of might not agree what sounds "better" between the two of you ?  One can simply comprehend the differences between a kia and a porsche . The labor hours and the materials in the cars is evident . That cannot be said between quality cables of a high value and a modest value

Even with cars, it's still a matter of personal preference.  I know many prefers a softer and more comfortable ride than a Porsche.   
I know someone replaced his 911 with an automatic Cadillac convertible.     Yikes!

Bottom line to this STUPID thread is everything comes down to personal preference and who am I or anyone to judge their decision?   It's their money so they do as they please.   Spend $150,000 on cables or $100.

Here is plug for Clear Day cables.  ...such a nice guy to deal with...such wonderful (and I mean wonderful) speaker cables.  If you are looking to open up your system...clean clear mids, silky highs ....get a review pair of Clear Day cables.  It will only cost you a couple of dollars to send it back, and the experience is just plain fun.  I have no financial interest in Clear Day, but to urge you audiophiles to take advantage of the offer.  Nothing will blow up...

An excellent example of value is the analysis plus pro oval power cord 3’ length with the expensive connectors on it for less than $100 bucks brand spanking new. You cannot beat that with a stick.

chrshanl37, I would believe the burden is on you. For you are the one who needs some kind of irrefutable proof or evidence.

Many of the rest of us are satisfied with our first hand experience and poses little if any need to prove anything.

We have stated our experience and our opinions about that experience.

Perhaps you need to get away from the computer scene, go out of the house, listen,  and discover for yourself what so many have experienced for decades.

Then, with first hand knowledge, you will be better equipped and perhaps happier about the audiophile experience. 

Or if you would prefer, just continue to argue a baseless point.

In any case, I wish you happy listening!