I faced the same questions about 5 years ago when I tried a Mapleshade ViviLink cable for about $165. I had a couple of PS-Audio's I2s all-silver HDMI cables that retailed for around $1k/meter and it was no contest. I recently moved and needed to combine my HT and stereo systems in one room. The main HDMI cable is the run from LG OLED tv to the Yamaha receiver that is in place as a DAC and HDMI switching role. I also have one to connect an OPPO 95 dedicated to Blue rays. The rest of the system is far more refined since the last time I tested these HDMIs against each other.
Mapleshade's wires are a little flimsy and are VERY directional, but they are still the best I have seen in my own system.
Mapleshade's wires are a little flimsy and are VERY directional, but they are still the best I have seen in my own system.