John Dunlavy On "Cable Nonsense"

Why stop at cables? There are just as many engineers that will say the same about any other piece of audio equipment. Some people just know everything and have this hobby figured out. Just buy good  but not too expensive speakers, buy the cheapest amp that will adequately drive them, (because all amps sound the same as long as they are not being stressed) buy the cheapest CD player (because digital is digital, and is perfect) hook it all up with zip cord and viola! The worlds  best sounding stereo. Man I wish I would have figured that out for myself years ago. 

chrissain.  The funny thing is, you could do exactly what you just said, with today's equipment, and you might just wind up with a decent sounding system.....

There's an interesting read on the QED website.  At the bottom of the homepage, choose QED ACADEMY at the bottom of the page.  You will find the genesis report, part 1 and 2.