I drive nearly 3 hours to go to Johnny's in NJ just like you guys, lol. He's the most fair person I've ever met in audio. He totally undersells.
As for cables, I've tried so many of the main stream as well as many of the boutique and handmade DIY ones. I am biased to AQ because that's what Richard uses in his builds and what he personally voices them with. IT just made sense to me. I have not looked back and continue to end up upgrading within that line. I just haven't found another cable that is as neutral with these speakers. I've had the Nordost Odin's in and the AQ 'WEL" soundly hammered them. Odin's were way too hot on top. Not coherent and just not natural in MY system to MY ears. Audence and even Cardas. Ayre uses Cardas, but I felt the Niagara's I was using at the time was just more coherent from top to bottom.
I haven't heard the Clear, but I'm glad that you are enjoying them. I think if I were you, I'd ask Johnny to borrow the 88's and see for yourself. :)