How do I know if seller is selling genuine cables?

Agree that the only way to be sure is to have the cables verified by the manufacturer. I once bought a pair of Audience Au-24 i/cs that looked to be genuine. When I went to re-sell, Audience contacted me because mine appeared to be very similar to counterfeit cables that they had seen before. I had a lengthy and pleasant email exchange w John MacDonald, the owner and ultimately he offered to verify them at no charge. So I guess the answer is to buy from a reputable seller w the understanding that you have the right to return if the manufacturer says they are not genuine.

Given how system=dependent cables, i am not sure that how they sound is a reliable indicator, unless you had another known genuine reference. YMMV.

I hope we all realize that when we choose to play in the Audiogon second hand game, there is ALWAYS the RISK of getting less than promised, and it does not have to be on cables only.

Very good point, Avguy and one we all need to keep in mind. Esp. those who rip retailers (b&m OR internet)for their mark-up. In the long run, even w a couple of "less than perfect" transactions, I am WAY, WAY ahead of the game w the upgrades I've made since I started buying on this site.