cables vs wire?

Nonoise nailed it, but one more thing to emphasize: I had both the Totem Forests and Arros in prior systems, and they were both speaker and IC cable "fussy".

Silver plated OCC copper worked best.

(1) As a modest priced cable, Chord Rumour worked well.
(2) Totem's own TRESS (knockoffs of the Chord) worked best, not surprisingly, because that is what they are wired with internally.

IMO look for a used pair and good to go. There is a set for sale on Canuckaudiomart.com

they do, but not too much per dollar.

Its a useful tweak that can often be heard in many but not all cases.

Emphasis on a tweak. Some might might suggest to buy their expensive cables and save money elsewhere, if needed. That's putting the cart in front of the horse. I would not go anywhere that approach is suggested.