why do people feel the need to buy expensive cable

Calvinj - I agree it can make a difference, but most likely only on quality systems like yours ;)*   My gear is mainly "mid-fi" stuff.

I think one can acknowledge that some technologies are better, for example, vinyl being superior to digital/tubes to transistors, etc., but Choose not to go that route for other reasons.

I like listening to music also, but I also have another related part to this hobby. I also dabble in modifying stereo gear, and am also a collector of stereo electronics I like. I'd rather spend my $'s on 'gear' than wire, for example.

*You do have a really impressive setup, BTW.

@joeylawn36111 you are right when you have a certain kind of gear they make more of a difference.  I agree you should spend on components first.  I have a great Dac and a tubed CD player. I’m injoying it all the best I can.  I’m through chasing cables.  I have some that I’m happy with and they get the job done.  My dream source would be a soulutions player to be honest with you.  It’s the most natural analog sounding player with detail I have ever heard in my life! Smooth natural with no listening fatigue.

Components first then decent cables. It’s not that hard! It’s not cables then components. Chicken or the egg. Not!  Lol 

Jenner1 seems to have a good point. If the wire in the speaker cabinet is not as good as the the wire from the amp, seems like a waste. I have Revel Salon 2's and I'm sure the internal wiring is is very good, but I really don't know exactly what it is. I don't think it would be very effective to run super, high end cables (external) into good but not high end wiring (internal). Weakest link may be in the box.

@tobor007 - RE: Weakest link may be in the box.

it’s a bit like the reverse of taking the position that using good power cables is sensless when there is romex in the wall

However - the wires inside the box are generally individual conductors and not subject to RFI/EMI to the same levels as many speaker cables

From that perspective the individual conductors will convey the signal more effectively. So very often they are far from the weakest link

But you really need to assess what is on the inside before making any judgement.

Old speakers do tend to have very poor wiring in them so it is well worth replacing the wire, whereas newer speakers tend to have pretty good wire in them.

Does it hurt to upgrade - no.
Is it really required? - only if you feel the need to scratch that particular "ITCH"
Will you benefit? - probably - if you know what you are doing

Binding Posts are probably of more concern and in many cases, they should be replaced - so while you have the wiring exposed - change it - i.e. if needed

Regards - Steve