Do Costly XLR Cables Make A Difference?

I have never used XLR cables.  But in another thread I gave my recollection of what the person I consider the subject matter expert had to say.  Quoting myself:

According to Ralph (Atmasphere), if both components use true balanced architecture, there is minimal benefit in using uber expensive balanced interconnects.  Ralph, if I have misinterpreted the above feel free to correct me.

And in the same thread @gdnrbob added:

Though I might have read it wrong, I believe Ralph's (Atmasphere) belief in using equipment that adheres to the AES standard is that it minimizes cable artifacts (sound differences). Given that recording studios use such equipment, and their cables can stretch of long distances, it makes sense to use it.

So, if your equipment follows the AES standard, then XLR cables will/should not 'color' the sound as much as RCA cables. (And, from my limited experience moving between Mogami and AQ, there was very little difference in sound quality).

The key issue, again according to others with professional experience, is whether or not your equipment adheres to the true AES standard, versus just having balanced connectors.

As @jetter stated in quoting Ralph it totally depends on the equipment you are connecting. If both pieces follow the AES standard there may not be any improvement noted. Unfortunately in reading a lot of other comments and observations by Ralph on this subject many, if not most, pieces of home audio do not follow this standard. Once the standard is not a factor then the quality of construction and quality of wire (either balanced or unbalanced) become very important in the performance of a system.

I get a kick out of cable reviews that sound like wine reviews.  You've written the review before you got the cable.

Good cables make a difference.  Expensive cables does't always mean good cables.  

I like to make my cables out of Mundorf Angelique wire.  Parts connection has seveal  nice choices of XLR connectors.

Jerry

Well stated @carlsbad.