Yes, I guess the do migrate through my system(s). I will always try new cables first in the Pre-Power Link, then the CD player, Tuner, then through a second system in my Den/Computer Room. I do not care enough about my HT system to warrant expensive cables (I am using decent ones), so left overs get sold if they no longer have a place in the two systems.
Do your Cables migrate thru your system?
I initially bought a pair of Audioquest Emerald ICs for my CD player/receiver setup (eons ago). Then I upgraded to separates and got a good deal on a run of Lapis from the CD to the pre-amp. The Emerald got demoted to the pre-amp/amp run. Then I found another run of Lapis to fill in from the pre-amp to amp. The Emerald got kicked out the system all together and demoted to home theater. Yes, I run Emerald for my front speakers. Bought the DVD player and got a run of Coral for free. This connects the rears. I bought a five-channel amp and got a run of Opal for free. One half connects the center channel. The other half...the sub. I've never bought a cable for home theater, I just used the fall-out from my audio system or got free stuff. Anyone else have a similar story?