Do expensive cables/wires REALLY make a difference

"Instead of asking me for proof, ask for proof from the cable companies who use ridiculous claims and flowery language to sell their wares. Where is their proof? Nonexistent, because when the difference between cheap "zipchord" and expensive wire is actually measured. That difference is inaudible to the human ear."

Perhaps Almarg was right when he discussed the interaction between the varying impedences of a given component in combination with the design materials/conductors of a particular cable.

Anyway, I'll stick with Neotech.

Mrtennis wrote,

"It's all in the mind."

That's a rather big matzo ball hanging out there. Just curious, is that comment intended to convey the idea that differences among cables are all psychological? In other words, that differences can be explained by the Placebo Effect or Expectation Bias or even the Nocebo Effect? Do you think that other audio devices, components and speakers are all in the mind, too?

Yes. No question. You have to find the right cables for your system, room dynamics etc. I personally prefer staying with one companies cable at a time as this seems to sound best. Sure, cable companies make huge profits, but there are some really smart guys out there doing real r&d every day with real science, engineering, craftsmanship etc. I doubt, for the most part, that these are sleazy people in back rooms laughing at fools willing to throw money away. They're trying to run companies, feed their families and go home feeling like decent human beings, so even though it's expensive they're putting in their time. That being said, if retail is too painful, that's what Agon is for. Get serial #'s and make sure your not buying bootleg. I generally avoid anything coming from China, Asia, sorry, just my opinion based on experience. Companies would rather you buy retail but will usually confirm a cables authenticity if you ask nicely and they are high end enough to mark their cables with #'s.
Spend as much as you can hide from your wife and enjoy.

@rpnz  Let sleeping dogs lie.