I see cables priced well beyond what I've paid for my system. As a guy that has jammed cigarette butts into my ears due to lack of earplugs running a 120lb jackhammer I can honestly say, I'll never hear the difference.
why do people feel the need to buy expensive cable
I have tried expensive cables and one's moderately priced. I would say there were some differences but I can't actually say the expensive cables were better. IMHO I believe a lot of people buy expensive cables because they don't actual trust their ears and are afraid of making a mistake. They figure the expensive cables are better for the fact they cost more. If you have a difference of opinion or share the same thoughts, I would like to hear about it.