Hi Richard, ultimately, trusting our own ears is the way to go... We enjoy music through our own ears, our own brains, our own feelings, our own conception of music and beauty.... This principle has served you and me well.
Eventually, we might discover a component or cable that will enchant you, and survive the flash of a fleeting honeymoon.... Or this might never happens... Meantime, we will continue to enjoy the music from our systems.
Saluti, G.