cable doubter no more

Jea,
Those were used for exaggeration purposes. The end of my post I believe answered your questions. At the end of the day, what the high-end press considers "entry Level" components have the some limitations but if they have implemented "sound", no pun intended, circuit design and good engineering than they should be good enough within their application. But just like everything else, extreme conditions demand extreme response and that is what "I" consider high-end; substance and merit and not arbitrarily set prices and pride-in-ownership flavor of the month components. I value my money and to me it is all about performance.

Carlos269, Here is an example of what I am trying to get at.

The ARC Ref 3 preamp retails for $9995.

The BAT Rex preamp $20,000......

Both great preamps I am sure.

Would you say the BAT will sound twice as good as the ARC?
Or maybe only 5% better? Or maybe not at all?

Carlos269,

I think you position may be a bit extreme, but I do not disagree completely with your assertions regarding high end boutique equipment.

When my wife buys clothes in a boutique, they are not necessarily more functional than name brand stuff more commonly found.

They often do look nicer though, so there is some value there for some...but certainly not all.

Jae,
The transition of going from talking about cables to electronics is not as smooth. To answer your questions head on: Price alone is neither indicative of a component's performance (objectively) nor of its sound (subjectively)!

Zieman,
I beg to differ. Take a closer look. Name one component that is at the leading edge of technology in audio that is past my Digital Audio Denmark AX24? Name one component in my room that can be outperformed/outclassed by a component at Best Buy. You are getting into it with someone with advanced degrees not only in Physics but also in Electrical Engineering. I think that I know a thing or two about the state of electronics, both digital and analog circuit design, digital filters, cable transmission and electrical and acoustic prorogation theory. I will gladly submit my credentials up for scrutiny and you should do the same. Before you start questioning my contribution you better make sure you know what kind of tree it is that you are barking at!

Carlos, I would simply refer you to comments already posted about your collection.