C. stands out as the best choice right away. Why? If the source, amplication, and speakers are all excellent and the compromise because of limited funds are the cables, then it's still possible to find very high performing cables without spending a small fortune.
Now there is room to ask, how "excellent" is defined in terms of high end audio equipment? But for me, the excellent gear will usually be in the five to six figures retail, less used.
I would think that in the majority of setups, excellent cables will still cost less than an excellent source, excellent amplifier, or excellent speakers. If everything in the setup is excellent except the cables and the compromise is to instead purchase very good cables, this system has a better chance at excellence than the other way around. (excellent cables with a compromise on either the source, amp, or speakers)
Now there is room to ask, how "excellent" is defined in terms of high end audio equipment? But for me, the excellent gear will usually be in the five to six figures retail, less used.
I would think that in the majority of setups, excellent cables will still cost less than an excellent source, excellent amplifier, or excellent speakers. If everything in the setup is excellent except the cables and the compromise is to instead purchase very good cables, this system has a better chance at excellence than the other way around. (excellent cables with a compromise on either the source, amp, or speakers)