I use the Cable Co. a lot.
What has worked for me is to borrow usually four cables at one time. I do a fair amount of research to try to narrow choices down to near four.
Because they are already burned in, I don’t have to wait for each one to sound the way it will forever (and its best).
Then I try each one for 2-3 days, listening to very familiar recordings, and taking notes. Lots of notes.
Then when I have to send them back, I try to pick my favorite. Most often, one of them is outstanding and sounds exactly like what I had hoped. Sometimes, none of them sound like what I had hoped for, and I have to start over with another set of four.
This strategy has certainly worked well for me. I get exactly what I want—because I tried it in MY SYSTEM. No surprises. No disappointment.
(Plus, the Cable Co. applies the rental fee to your purchase, so no loss.)