I used to think pricey interconnects were snake oil...

There ARE some parameters to look for or measure, like resistance, inductance, and capacitance. The latter also affect “characteristic impedance”, which is defined as the square root of inductance divided by capacitance. This parameter is independent of length. Years ago, Atmasphere suggested I use speaker cables with a low characteristic impedance with my Atma OTL amplifiers, and I subsequently found that he was/is correct; not only do cables with low CI sound best with my amps but also cables with high CI sound really awful, e.g., Nordost.  So I would never buy expensive cables, usually make my own, but I have found that low CI is a worthy goal also with ICs. I happen to prefer solid core silver wires, as well.

That's the problem with many people in general and audiophiles in particular - they make too many assumptions instead of experiencing things.

Another problem with some audiophiles is that their hearing is not really good, so they simply can't hear the difference.

Cables can make big or subtle difference but they always do make a difference.

My son accompanied me to Axpona Tampa last year.  He was 32 then and I compared what I was hearing in the various rooms with the impressions of his young ears.  There were a few times where I did not detect subtle differences that he could hear but overall I was pleased that my hearing was still pretty good.

My son visited last week and I got a chance for him to hear my streaming setup and DAC with different sources. I played CDs, FLAC files and streamed 44.1/16 and hi res.  His conclusions all matched mine.  I did not let him know what source I was using.

The thing about cables which is true for audio in general is that the very expensive ones are on another level.  I know people don’t want to hear that.  You still have to sort the pseudo high end from the real deal and I think cables are the hardest component of all just because looks do not reveal how they will sound- in general.  I started out with basic receivers and such in the 70s and stepped up to hifi in the late 80s.  Started doing a lot of DYI upgrades to my speakers and amps.  Then in the 2000s I stepped into the higher end hifi gear.  As satisfying as DYI projects are, the expensive stuff- the good stuff has no equal.  

What I’m trying to say is that sometimes we are merely making lateral moves when changing a component or a cable and then experience disappointment and frustration when the gain is nil.  And that leads many to dismiss the hobby as futile and a waste of money.  It is difficult to do these days but hearing an outstanding audio system can be inspirational.  I can’t say that I would have been better off to have never heard some outstanding stereos over the years, Audio has been a bug in me since my college days.