Objective laboratory analysis of different cable materials and not existing commercial cables would be an appropriate starting point. Defining constants, testing and publishing the results would generate an empirical baseline. The additional analysis of configuration, cover material and conductor mix would be invaluable when selecting a cable "family" for listening evaluations. The audio market place is ridden with tweaks and methods that each developer feels enhances the aural product. Some product developers will use confirmatiom bias to capriciously select isolated test values that "confirm" their beliefs and bolster their claims. The determinants for product purchase will continue to be inviolate...did I spend as much or as little as possible (bragging rights), is the appearance right (looks great on and off) or is the sound what I want (subjective perogative)? I will personally buy or make new IC's and speaker cables in the next 2 months. The search continues for a flat response, broad bandwidth wire and connector combo that doesn't require robbing a bank.