Cheap/expensive or expensive/cheap?

My suggestion is to find a quality audio dealer and work with them to build a system that suits your needs and budget.  Trying to do this using internet opinion forums and back issues of Stereophile is a fool's errand.The whole system needs to be considered, including the room, programming, and possible upgrade paths.  As you develop in this hobby, tastes will change as well as listening habits, and system parameters will change along the way.The wires used to connect the components need only be adequate for the task at hand.  More costly wire may alter the presentation, but the effects will be less obvious than spending the same amount of money on an improved front end or speakers.  Once you have established a system that suits your needs, experimenting with cables might bring incremental improvements or subtle changes to the sound signature.  It might be interesting, but could be expensive (that is for you to decide).Note:  A good, high end system can be assembled for less than $10k.  So much depends on your circumstances and expectations.  Spending more will get you more expensive equipment, but not necessarily better sound, or more importantly, more satisfaction. Synergy is the key concept here.  It all must work together.

14 gauge zip cord is all you need.   Save your money.  Really.  

Any time I have added an Uber power cable to any electronic component it has pushed it to the highest performance levels. The change in dynamics was like having a whole new component.  

Someone has to build worse systems. The cable skeptics do a grand job of it.  :)

I will say it in a simple and provocative manner to be listen to and to be understood...

Most people fixated on the cables upgrade necessity, because they just discover that cables can make a difference dont know the fundamental problem in audio system installation...

Most of those negating that cables can make a difference and living with the fixation to deliver this "truth" has no idea probably of what is the fundamental problem in audio system installation...

Before upgrading cables, or any piece of electronic component , try to embed your audio system in the sea of resonance, in the river of noise that flow through your house, and in the muddy acoustic pond of your room...

To begins with a reasonnably good not costly cable will do, but there exist other location all along the electrical grid of the house that ask for controls and treatment :
routers,wall plugs, old fixed phone line, computers, central and secondary electrical panels, conditioner, power supply of any kind, even battery, external electrical cable of the house etc ALL these are source of noise directrly impacting the S.Q.

And if you want a huge increase in S.Q. try the more complex problem of acoustic....Very rewarding at low cost if you are creative...



My best to all...