In my ’limited’ experience I find waytoomuchstuff statements true
Geometry, choice of materials, dielectric (effect of insulators), shielding, and gauge are a few of the (but not all) elements that determine how good a cable "sounds." If a designer pays close attention to all the above, you’ll probably have a cable worth owning.
My "rule of thumb" is to try to use some version of the same cable that the owner selected between the amp the speakers.
On a closing note, short lengths do matter.
Cardas has interesting cable geometry that should have an effect on sound, doesn’t seem to use OCC copper, and don’t care to mention how much silver is in their solder. I think silver in cables and possibly solder is important in my system.
GR Research internal speaker cable is a no name OFC solid core. jaytor mentioned that the difference between it and the Neotech OCC was subtle. That is interesting, for the sake of my wallet I hope so.
Two days ago I ordered a sample length of the Neotech CU-AG OCC which has 20% OCC silver. I will compare it to the combination I use now for internal wiring. This combination comprises of the van den hul clearwater + Audioquest Rocket11.
I hope the difference is small, otherwise my wallet will suddenly get lighter 😄.
@waytoomuchstuff what cables do you recommend please?
By the way, speaking of wire lengths, I used my cable combination to replace a 2 feet 12v dc shielded cable that supplies the streamer and sound changed to the better.