Putting an end to the audio cable debate! Part 1

Part 1! So it’s not the end then 🤣

Is it fair to compare xlr/balanced cables with RCA/unbalanced, as has been done here and elsewhere?

I am under the impression that there are different processes invoked in employing the use of each type of cable.  It is not changing just one variable, but quite a few.  Correct me if I am wrong.

Marketing is everything! Look what clever marketing has done for Ted Denny's Synergistic Research! Quantum tunnelling indeed!

"Marketing is everything!"

I disagree. 
You have to make a product that actually works, or you're going to go out of business pretty quickly.

Marketing certainly brings awareness to your name, though, so it no doubt increases sales.

I have read a lot about this and no matter what side tells the story I still cannot wrap my head around a $15,000 patch cord. A simple RCA connection between the preamp and amp will cost $30,000? I want to meet the person who can hear an audible difference between a $15K and $5K patch cord. I will buy that person dinner. But they have to prove it first.