Why Do Cables Matter?

+1 for @snilf  for pointing out that "just listen" is, when stated so simplistically, a quixotic imperative. I would point out that some people claim that only listening for longer periods is effective at discovering subtle differences. One must take notes during those longer periods of listening. The question of whether fast-switching or longer-listening is more effective at discovering enduring qualitative differences is a very interesting one to me.

+1 @audphile1  for noting the reasons people can't hear a difference with cables. And for explaining what needs to be done to make it *possible* to eventually (possibly) hear a difference.

@8th-note+1! When I wanted to add some new ICs to my system I too bought the AQ Silver Extremes (5 pairs). They look nicely made and the price was right ($90 each discounted from $450). Like buying jewelry sonic quality was not a factor in my choice. In use the AQ Silver Extremes sound fine! I am not so neurotic to lose sleep worrying if some other brand of interconnects sounds better!

Only transducers have a "sound". What's a transducer inquiring minds want to know? It is a device that converts one form of energy into another form of energy. Speakers and phono cartridges are examples of transducers. Speakers convert electrical energy into sound waves - a different form of energy. Phono cartridges convert vinyl vibrations into electrical energy. Speakers and phono cartridges use mechanical parts to affect the energy conversion. It is these mechanical parts that affect the sound of each device/transducer.

Wire - having no moving mechanical parts - cannot have a "sound". Ah, inquiring minds will say, what about musical instrument strings/wire? Yes, those do have a " sound" due to length/diameter and material construction. The factor here is "vibration" of the string/wire connected to a sound board. Audio interconnects/speaker wires are fixed in place and not attached to a sound board. Whatever minute vibrations they experience certainly does not affect the electronic components or speakers they are connected to.