Placebo or not, the scenario of buying one cost-no-object cable while having lower performance cables in the remaining system makes no sense because the limiting factor in the system's performance is the weakest link in the chain. So if you put Nordost Valhalla IC between a source and your preamp, then, the limiting factor will be the IC between your pre and power amp or if you are using an integrated amp, then the limiting factor will be the speaker cable between the integrated and the speakers. Because if the inferior cables are not resolving enough to carry through the "enhanced" signal that the Nordost Valahalla (carrying on with your example) is delivering, than you have wasted your money on the Valahalla. Much better to have balanced cables of equal performance across your system as you remove one source of imbalance in your system this way. Just my 2c worth.
One Super high end cable or mid level set?
Has anybody out of choice decided to allocate all of their cable budget on one super high end model (say for just as an example a Nordost Vallhalla or Odin interconnect) whilst keeping there other cables at a much cheaper range or evan stock.
As opposed to the presumable much more common practice of buying a more 'balanced' mid level but complete cable loom ( again just as an example Nordost Red Dawn)
I suppose the question is can an 'incredible' never to be upgraded single cable produce a more magical ( or even equal) sound ,( supposing of course that it is of suitable quality to reveal these qualities.) than the compromised but more balanced set?
As opposed to the presumable much more common practice of buying a more 'balanced' mid level but complete cable loom ( again just as an example Nordost Red Dawn)
I suppose the question is can an 'incredible' never to be upgraded single cable produce a more magical ( or even equal) sound ,( supposing of course that it is of suitable quality to reveal these qualities.) than the compromised but more balanced set?