Why Do Cables Matter?

At least some designers of high end cables have obtained patents for their products and designs.

Patent examiners by and large are overworked, underpaid and not expert.

Michael Jackson was able to patent his ’moonwalk’ shoes ... something used since the 1880’s music halls.

Just for laughs, when I see a patent on HiFi gear these days, I read it...

... if I can while ROTFLMFAO 🤣

@asctim says:

”If someone was curious to hear more clearly what various cables do to the sound, it seems they could be tried with long cable runs, like maybe 100 feet. Surely that would exaggerate whatever change the cable is making compared to another cable of the same length. They might both sound bad at that length, but in different ways.”

Cable length seems to be discussed most often in terms of speaker cables (keep them short to reduce signal loss, or keep them above a minimum length to match amplifier properties (Naim), and digital cables (1.5ft or greater to reduce reflections in the cable).  Balanced cables are preferred in pro audio for low level signals to reduce signal loss on long runs.  Lot’s of discussion of this topic on this and other forums, check it out.

But length is only one parameter in cable performance, and the one that the end user has universal control over in the selection process, whether buying lamp cord or exotic six figure wires.  One could argue long runs could require more care in cable selection and matching cables to your particular gear than shorter runs because of greater chances for selective loss of certain signal frequencies, smear in time domains, interference in electrically noisy environments, or compounding or decreasing negative gear/cable interactions unique to your system.

Speaking of electrically noisy environments, how about the environment right behind your integrated amp or preamp, where high and low level analog signals cross paths with high level power supply cables and various ethernet, USB and coax digital cables?  This is where cable technologies that tame interference and keep various signal forms in their respective lanes really pays off.  The performance benefits of good design here are generally independent of cable length (unless various cables are coiling on top of each other in a pile behind your gear) and, I think, one element in answering the original question “why do cables matter”.  YMMV

kn

What do you want your cables to do? Magically and dramatically change the sound of your system?

That’s unlikely, unless they are junk and don’t perform the basic function of getting a signal from one place to another.

They can and do sometimes improve sound quality, but usually incrementally. If your ears amid the rest of the system can’t detect/convey the difference, don’t waste your money on cables.

If you're looking for that last bit of performance, then yes, everything matters. Don't denigrate others simply because they're willing to take things to another level than you can/will.

Personally, I buy cables primarily on need. For example, if my turntable has a hum, it may be grounding or I may need a cable with insulation that will shield the signal.

Besides shielding, other considerations include connectors, length, flexibility, and yes, looks. 

Turntable cables probably matter most, others typically have less impact. 

Objectively speaking, it’s all subjective.