... what is Settling Time in cables and interconnects...

I'm just another Newbee so what do I know. But I have to agree that a broken in cable should not be moved around. They (cables) are just like us humans. If we settled in on a nice place, never move us from there. Same goes for interconnects. Don't change the right one to suddenly bear the left signal.
Sorry, if I got something wrong.

"I get my cables from unused NASA surplus shuttle maintenance stores that have been flown into space because it gets exposed to beneficial quantum radiation particle bombardment, then I have them professionally massaged in an oxygen free hypobaric chamber as the connectors are attached. I must say that bathing the cables in liquid nitrogen just prior to every listening session really sweetens the sound too, but sometimes my cat gets it's tongue stuck."  

Cables, breakin time, OMG,who has time for this hobby. I would think if you turn on your systen and it does not sound good, get some speakers, a amp,or a new cd player, or a new life! I have been in audio for 30 yrs and I read these posts and cant help but to think we are putting too much effort into this insanity. I am also guilty of trying to achieve audio perfection but as we try to chase this insanity, if any abstract audio improvent idea sounds like something that will change our lives. Trust me,,,,it dosent exist! If you need a new sound,,,change something meangingful in your system,,,or get a new life!!!!!!!!

Innocent question. What were you doing for 30 years? 

Living Life and finding new music to listen too,,,good music and accepting how it sounds on my current audio rig