I don’t know if I qualify as an expert, I can say that I’ve been involved with serious 2 channel music reproduction for over 25 years. Starting with a hand me down Fisher 400 at the tender age of 15 or so...
Way before the Internet and when you actually had to go to the store to see these things and speak with and learn about this hobby.
If there is anything I have learned over the years is that sound quality is subjective at best. There are people that have never attended a live show, heard a concert hall, have any idea how music being made sounds....
One other thing, and this addresses your op. People who review components and accessories today have for the most part, replaced testing with opinion.
I have no doubt that adding/removing cables can change the way the system sounds by altering the resistance and so forth.
Doing so may by accident/addition/omission have a equalising effect that the person finds agreeable.
I personally would much rather have a base line in which to work with a minimum number of variables.
My approach is to establish that base line with quality equipment and interconnects/wires should be of robust construction and have the ability to provide a secure, reliable connection.
It is my opinion that cable companies and reviewers have not done us any favor with treating accessories like components.
What is it that you are trying to achieve? See, I think the pitfall is that for the average audiophile, swamping out a power cord, interconnect, speaker cable is relatively quick and easy.
The perceived difference is notable and because a minimum amount of effort and skill level is required, it is something, given the law of averages a great many people can participate in.
When you have a hobby like music, it transcends all boundaries. Financial being the key here. So, given the Capitalist business model, of course you will have available for purchase cables that range from a few pennies per foot, to ones that cost thousands per foot.
These companies are "for profit" enterprises. They are not obligated to consider anyone's well being.
Just like everything else offered for sale, there are products made to target a certain demographic.
In Audio, that is where the lines blur because you have reviewers with their own financial considerations. The same for the magazines.
The simple facts do not change, wire is used to transmit a electrical signal. Now if it is wrapped using an equation found in a dusty, forgotton tome in an abandoned monastery while employing brine soaked unicorn intestines and it costs $8,000 per 1/8 foot.. I'm sure someone who has the means will buy it.
