Why Do Cables Matter?

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

The dead horses are strewn all about in these parts and people just keep on beating on them. 🐴💀😵