mechans,
I am like you regarding your feeling about this, whatever it is, but would cut it some slack. I do not remember those times, but at some point expensive cables probably started appearing just like this thing did. Years later, many still consider it an insult (cables that cost tens of thousands of US, or any other, Dollars), but other many swear they are worth it. See how many fierce debates about cables are fought on Audiogon. That is not to say that stereo5's BMW does not seem like a much more prudent investment.