I think some cables are just a little too expensive.

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.

Maybe these are more in your price range. ;)

I have a lot of heritage low end of this brand and it works quite well for my ears. Blew away everything I ever replaced with them for both interconnects and speaker interfaces.

https://mitcables.com/product/acc-268-articulation-control-console/

Prices for audio equipment are unbelievable. I inherited what was probably, at new prices in 1980, a system that cost about $12,000 back then. I inherited it from an audio dealer friend who passed away. I've listened to this system since 1998. It blows me away. The best part of this system is the preamp - a Spatial Coherence TVA1. There were only 400 ever made, and I am privileged to have one. Its sound has been compared to preamps costing $20K or more. This system does far more than keep me happy. 

chrismini

Thanks for sharing. This is a Top level cable system for a Top level audio system. One owes to himself to find such a set up in retail to hear all things possible. Audio Advice in Raleigh NC is one dealer/retailer to feature this experience.  Expensive- yes. Experience- priceless.

Happy Listening!

@mikelavigne  After you sold you VR9SEs, didn't you replace them with VR55s or the Ultra 9s?  I intend to purchase the VR9SE MkIIs.  I have a superb engineered listening room but I don't want to buy larger tube amps so I decided against the much less efficient VR55s.  I figure that the adjust-ability will make up for the new technology of the VR55s (the Ultra 9s are out of my price league).

The multiple times I've auditioned systems using Transparent Audio cabling, it seemed that the more expensive cabling levels resulted in worse sounding systems (even though the systems also were more expensive).  Just my experience.

I am a beta tester for a cable manufacturer and don't intend to change my cabling with any new equipment (cartridge and speakers only).  After 20+ years of testing and various lines, I purchased the top of the line Pharaoh GroverHuffman cables which retail in the $700 to $1000 range for PCs and ICs and double that for long speaker cables.  His Empress line now incorporates some of the new attributes of the Pharaoh line at 40%-50% lower price.  My system is high end but by no means SOTA.  The cabling is as important as the equipment.