My impression is that high end audio since the 90's went down into a rabbit hole, which I would describe as 'data dump'. The majority of designers seem to focus on the highest possible resolution, as if the essence of music can best be communicated with maximum detail retrieval. Whether or not you agree with this is not the point.
My point is that cables will make a huge difference in 'data dump' systems, where just about everything makes a difference. In a way these are unstable systems, not unlike complex systems in nature on the verge of chaos (climate change comes to mind). They yield the highest 'information density', which can be exhilarating as well as highly unpredictable and volatile. You hear everything, but the musical message easily gets 'lost in translation'.
By comparison well designed vintage systems are more stable, being less 'close to the edge'. System balance is not that easily disturbed and the 'fabric' of the music remains intact, no matter what cables you use.
Sound familiar?
My point is that cables will make a huge difference in 'data dump' systems, where just about everything makes a difference. In a way these are unstable systems, not unlike complex systems in nature on the verge of chaos (climate change comes to mind). They yield the highest 'information density', which can be exhilarating as well as highly unpredictable and volatile. You hear everything, but the musical message easily gets 'lost in translation'.
By comparison well designed vintage systems are more stable, being less 'close to the edge'. System balance is not that easily disturbed and the 'fabric' of the music remains intact, no matter what cables you use.
Sound familiar?