A few good question. My two cents:
Years ago I borrowed some superior speaker cables and were blown away by the impact. They really improved the SQ.
A few months ago I purchased a new music server (Innuos) and borrowed a TELLURIUM Q SILVER USB cable with it. I later replaced this cable with a Oyaide at 1/5 at the price and the reduced SQ was unfortunately very clear. So good USB cables are giving better SQ.
A few weeks ago I purchased a net Ethernet cable (Supra Cat 8) and I must admit, I did not expect any improved SQ. Surprise, the SQ improved.
So I must admit that I have been convinced that better cables do give better SQ.
Years ago I borrowed some superior speaker cables and were blown away by the impact. They really improved the SQ.
A few months ago I purchased a new music server (Innuos) and borrowed a TELLURIUM Q SILVER USB cable with it. I later replaced this cable with a Oyaide at 1/5 at the price and the reduced SQ was unfortunately very clear. So good USB cables are giving better SQ.
A few weeks ago I purchased a net Ethernet cable (Supra Cat 8) and I must admit, I did not expect any improved SQ. Surprise, the SQ improved.
So I must admit that I have been convinced that better cables do give better SQ.