@bobrock it seems like you’ve already got a good handle on trying different cables and helpful examples so far getting started. I got baited by a good friend 30+ years ago who had a massive supply, and later again with a few dealer friends who let me try different cables. All invaluable experiences yielding results I never expected.
Since you mentioned Mogami and what you hear, and above you mentioned AP Oval 9s, and Cardas being "too smooth"... What I can share is the AP cables and Cardas can sound noticeably different up & down the lineups with different designs of cables they offer. If you feel the Mogami are a bit lean on bass and midrange [in your system], some might say "neutral". By chance do you have access to a local dealer who will let you try different cables? Or, have you ever checked out the "lending library" service at TheCableCo?