Our audio acuity is much more complex than the current science can define.
It can be easily empirically and consistency proven that cables measuring the same usually sound different. Also, we don’t buy cables based on measurements, rather, we buy them for the change/uptick in sonic performance. For some, measurements may be a deciding factor to reject a cable, but for most it’s the performance that’s the main issue.
Like most/all of you, I don’t “like” paying for cables above the box store prices, but I realize that increased performance comes with increase prices, and the law of diminishing returns also play a major role.
Some folks look at the sum of cable parts to equate the retail cost, but reality doesn’t work this way. Supply and demand is what dictates the market. Besides, it’s the “performance” that really matters to your audio chain.
Some bemoan that some cables are expensive, compared to what? They’re leaving out a main consideration/ingredient: performance.
It’s the price/performance that really matters when we evaluate products.
Do cable manufacturers artificially jack up prices without a corresponding increase in performance? I’d say generally no. Even at elevated price levels, there is still a lot of market competition applying downward pressure in prices. Besides, even if you run into a manufacturer jacking up prices based on fluff, they would very quickly be revealed on forums and social media devastating their reputation and their business sales.
Also, many/most of the people purchasing so called expensive cables are highly educated and have lucrative professions. In addition to purchasing expensive gear, they also upgrade their cables to prevent/minimize audio performance bottlenecks. Just because they can afford expensive cables, doesn’t mean they have a bottomless pocketbook - they have to budget as well. These professionals aren’t easily fooled by marketing hype, rather, they scrutinized their purchases as we all do.
Can you get an expensive cable’s performance at a cheaper price? I wish, along with my pocketbook. For 4 years I’ve been researching audio cables trying to maximize bang/buck while minimizing the sacrificing of audio quality.
Is the price/performance worth it? It subjectively varies per individual, no one can speak for all. If it is yes, then the pocketbook pain is more than compensated by the uptick in audio performance and thus audio enjoyment- not the worst way to spend $.
