HAVE CABLES EVER TAKEN YOUR SYSTEM FROM SOUNDING JUST OK TO SOUNDING GREAT? Experiences ?

Essentially cables are a sort of tone control, and they are system dependent. Yes, they do make a significant difference whether it's good or bad. Just be prepared to shell out some bucks to experiment.

calvinj, it sounds like a good way to go. I think for people that have very revealing systems will be more inclined to hear a big difference. A few years back I was testing a well-known highly reviewed amp. After careful listening I couldn't understand what the fuss was about until I changed out the interconnects. What a difference, it was if I spent thousands of dollars on a far more expensive amp.