In the age of disinformation, audio marketing has lead the way for many years. I believe in civility and rational discourse, throwing verbal molotov cocktails doesn’t solve anything.
Back to the topic and original question: is the amount of $1,400 spent on a well-designed product a good investment? How much "improvement" can be expected and how is it measured/justified? This can not be answered without additional context. Such as asking the question, "what is the problem that needs to be solved", which requires some technical understanding and basic scientific approach. No way around it.
Audio2design is correct in stating most arguments are based on anecdotal and here-say. Even well respected community members don’t aways get it right (saying this without arrogance). Re-reading the (very favorable) blog about the Sonore Rendu in Computer Audiophile made me realize that the problem is still NOT understood. That was in 2018. But we now we have a dozen of solutions to choose from, some rather expensive ones.
A 12 Meter "directional" AudioQuest Diamond Ethernet cable goes for $11,000 retail.
Not bashing here, just stating that I have no respect for companies like Meridian, Chord, AudioQuest, Sonore (the Marketing dept. mostly). Although I own a few of their lesser expensive products....and you can call me hypocritical? Yes, perhaps a little.
In the meantime I enjoy (subjectively) listening to my humble setup, carefully selected and budgeted. Addicted to good audio :-)
Cheers, -frank