Why Do Cables Matter?

@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.

@ieales 

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

... if I can while ROTFLMFAO 🤣”

Applying for and receiving a US patent requires that the product designer provide some plausible engineering principles to support the patent application, and an attempt to explain how it works and how it provides a unique design solution for a particular problem of set of problems.  While patent applications are also a form of “sales”, one hopes that the engineers approving patent applications have greater experience and expertise than the average consumer, in this case consumers of hifi cables.  My assumption here is that there is a higher standard of “proof” required for the presentation of the idea to the patent office than, say to consumers at audio shows, showrooms, or viewing online videos.  If this assumption is not true in general for patent approvals, then heaven help us all.

kn