Cables, just as important as a hi end component?

To answer your question, no, I don't think cables are as important as the components. 

Cables are no different then the rest of your system.  If they make an audible difference, then spend the money, if they don't, don't spend the money. Trust your own ears and experience...in the end, you are the only person that need convincing. 

Trust your own ears and experience...in the end, you are the only person that need convincing.

That’s far too sensible for some,

Do no harm to a signal! Does this mean..... | Audiogon Discussion Forum

testpilot,I believe you have summed it up nicely. For the record,I am in the camp that believes cables do make a difference. 

It is very much just as important as any piece of gear and finding the correct cables and matching them well to your system is critical to fully utilizing what you paid for.