Why do audiophiles praise short connection paths in ultra-high-end equipment and then purchase long interconnects? Anybody see the contraction?
In the droning conversation of the value of very expensive cables, the only practical advice is that this debate is over personal opinion. Substitute the word "speakers" for "cables" and there is no debate. Otherwise, just avoid poor quality of materials and workmanship and you can be confident that your money is well-spent if YOU hear a substantial difference.
As to balanced cables being immune to quality differences... that is just silly talk.
In the droning conversation of the value of very expensive cables, the only practical advice is that this debate is over personal opinion. Substitute the word "speakers" for "cables" and there is no debate. Otherwise, just avoid poor quality of materials and workmanship and you can be confident that your money is well-spent if YOU hear a substantial difference.
As to balanced cables being immune to quality differences... that is just silly talk.