DO CABLES REALLY MATTER?

@cd318.

No one as far as I know in music or film claims that they can improve upon the original recording

Isn't this what MQA claims to do? 

Though that subject is not to do with cables. 

However rubbish components and speakers (or just one of these connected with an expensive cable) will effect the sound. I do not believe a statement that "expensive cables make a good difference" is correct. There are many factors that can be in place effecting a listener's hearing judgement. I am confused as to the OP's question, or intention. Are you asking whether we, the readers or those also posting back, endorse the three cables you have enjoyed in your listening session? And therefore agree that these are well matched to a 35k system? And somehow, if we haven't heard them, we need our ears checked? Or our wallets cleaned out?

You can make a photo or movie appear 'better' by photoshopping it or re-digitising a movie such as the original Star Wars. But the original data stays the original data. And enhancing it such as the above does make a better product, but does it meet the original creators intention?

Indeed, cables may influence the sound of reproduction to the final end, the speaker, but is that sound the intention of the creator (artist, sound engineer or post production technician?

Are you happy distorting the eventual sound or want to hear the sound as closely reproduced to the original? Are you happy with MQA as this is claimed by many digital listeners to be superior in sound?

Sepia photos have a ageless quality about them. They are not the same photoshopped, except to correct the omissions in the original image. I expect that original recordings on vinyl are the same, closely matched to the original intent of the music, which is why they command a premium price over re-engineered pressings.

Cables are designed to transmit relevant electrical data from source to end point. If there is interference in the middle, cartridge pickup to speaker driver, then expensive cable may amplify errors, or make no difference to the ultimate sound reached by each individuals ears.

To finish with a question, "What are your thoughts?" invites a full appraisal of the OP's post. These are my thoughts. They do not invite response.

Whew! A few paragraphs might have helped. Yes, cables matter, but in a low end system there isn't a great discernible difference in equivalent cables, so why spent a lot? What is not very well explained is the equivalence matching of cable to system.

My humble view, to go along with my shallow pockets, is that few general users use their systems to discern the difference between a Bösendorfer, a Steinway or a Yamaha, and although I have listened and loved to classical music for decades, I would be hard pressed to hear the difference between one brand instrument and another, regardless of the HiFi system or cable I had.

Their are audiophiles and Audiophiles. Just how far do you want to take it?

I too enjoy Prof's posts. His discourse is cerebral and pointedly, unabashedly down the fence, if people take the time to read understand what has been written. I do not see any insults in the posts that require such vehement, even venomous responses.

Everyone has a right to express his/her opinions, but this is not the forum for nastiness. I have had my share for expressing my opinion, and I'd probably expect more from certain quarters. 

Rather than those who ascribe to the idea that cables make an appreciable difference to be announced in capital letters being the believers, I say they are the sceptics, who do not believe that cables do not make the appreciable difference as claimed they do.

Now if this is the case, prove that they do. I place the shoe on the other foot. Go for it.

@stevecham You say cables matter. That's fine. Some of us would like to hear your reasoning so we can see another viewpoint. However if you read the subject of this thread "DO CABLES REALLY MATTER?" there is no for or against argument in question.

We are all free to discuss the pro's and con's, but don't be condescending and call poster's who may not agree with you, "naysayers". You haven't justified yourself in your arguments. You have simply jumped on the name calling bandwagon.

@maritime51 They are great. I wish I owned one. AMG just happen too be my initials and I am keeping mine because I had them before MB-AMG :)

Yep, I am all ears to audio, possibly not as adept as most seem though.