Do you consider cables to be a "component" of your system?

Technically, accessories. Albeit very important nonetheless 

@1971gto455ho :

You’re right I’m not adding anything useful

At least you admit it. Now…. Please stop polluting every single cable thread. You are becoming even worse than @jasonbourne52 on this topic, and that’s a huge “treat” to achieve

I’ve vintage, and have been selectively buying. Now own Pristine second owner last model run Infinity IRS Beta speakers. Yamaha power PC5002m mid’s / high panels, PC4002M woofer towers. 4 x infinitesimal 0.2’s, Yamaha Pc2002m power. 

No wonder you don’t hear any difference with cables. Equipment from over 40 (four zero, forty) years ago. Vintage is often a fancy self-pleasant name for old. Probably they come with their captive cords. Enjoy your equipment, but I have a feeling you enjoy “contributing “ to cable forums most

"I just wondered if you had to recommend a set up to someone (who wanted a nice stereo), would you consider cabling to be essential in your build price and your recommendations? If so, would you consider the cost of the cables to be on par with the cost of a component?"

I think cables can be very, very important.

Many would agree with that.

However I would suggest putting the investment into the speakers and electronics and using decent budget cables.
That will likely be more impactful than using handfuls of $500-1000 ICs on lesser grade speakers and electronics.

I suppose it we are talking high 5 or 6 figure budgets then the cables are in the budgetary noise.

I'd tell them to get the best gear they can to start, use the stock cables and then slowly upgrade the cables when they're able to. So, they should absolutely assume new cables are in their future, and therefore, start saving. Because they can truly, significantly enhance the experience when they upgrade--and it's a fun way to learn the hobby.

100%

Yes but not to the extreme  of others here. I look for the cables to impeach the components connect to them. Stay out of the way…no colorations.

@thyname

Yes I’ve vintage but very well set up with exceptional rebuilding and upgrading as necessary. Equipment age aside it’s my opinion you could do a little research and relax. What you have is nice and certainly newer, but if sound is the goal you’re in the rearview mirror. And let’s not get personal Your opinion is just that and nothing more, that we have in common. Bashing BS is certainly getting boring, listening to a select few is right up there. Without animosity…Cheers