+1 shadorne. Negative influence of the cable (resistance , inductance, capacitance, dielectric absorption etc.) is proportional to the cable length. Connector in comparison is just a tiny fraction of that and plays much smaller role. As for the gold - it is not very good conductor and it is used only to prevent oxidation.
Blueranger, the fact that YOU cannot hear any difference between cables doesn't mean there is no difference. Your hearing is simply not that good and there is no need to get defensive about it :)
Blueranger, the fact that YOU cannot hear any difference between cables doesn't mean there is no difference. Your hearing is simply not that good and there is no need to get defensive about it :)