In order for technology to "trickle down", there has to be some quantifiable proof that 1.) there is in fact some technology that is being applied in a product that is not found in cheaper models, and 2.) that the technology actually fixes an issue in some repeatable way. It should also be true that there is a level of technology/use of materials that will be the best for the job, and there would be no better in the transmission of signals. You might not have the level of equipment that would take full advantage of the "best" cables, but the idea that you should spend a certain percentage of your money on cables no matter how much you spend makes no sense. Similar to walking into a car dealership and asking a car's price, and the the salesman asking how much money you have, because he bases the price of the car off of that. What that magic level is, there is no agreement nor evidence to prove it one way or the other (the cable companies certainly don't provide it). As always, if spending $20,000 on cables will make you happy somehow, have at it. At least try expensive cables with the option of taking them back if you must, and keep the ones that fill your heart with joy.