general query about cables on Agon

One thing you must remember is that cables are the easiest to sell. What I mean by that is that they:
-are generally far less expensive than other components (electronics, speakers etc.)
-take up little space and weigh little, thus shipping costs are much lower
-have virtually no aftersale worries, such as what you get with electronics

This makes them prime for someone to sell, especially if audio is not their main business. For example many do so just to make some extra cash and as a hobby. Rather sell a wide range of cables without having to worry too much about space limitations, warranty issues, getting things fixed at high cost etc.

Xenithon: good point, I hadn't thought of that. Though it seems like those people should somehow be designated as dealers, even if unofficial.

Agreed. Whether it's a side-business, hobby etc. I believe if the cables are sold NEW then only those authorized should be able to sell, with full cable-manufacture backing and support. In the 2nd hand market though it is not neccessary - just like 2nd hand car sales, or electronics etc. If you buy and sell on the side to make extra cash then there is no problem, as long as it is not done UNDER THE PRETENSE of being new stock, being officially distributed.

Personally, I find that I "stockpile" various cables mainly for comparison purposes. Cables are the icing on the cake of a good audio system, and one of the few reasonably priced opportunities for all of us to fine tune the system. Sometimes I look around, and I've got $500 worth of cables sitting in the stack. I'm not all that fond of doing the leg work associated with selling, so when I do sell, I sell in bunches. Used cables also have a good resale value if you bought them used to begin with; generally, you get out what you put in. Good listening,
-Richard