Do Costly XLR Cables Make A Difference?

Have to agree with the above analysis.  With improvements in digital, in your case your $$$ are better spent upgrading your digital components.  At least that's been my experience.

I have really enjoyed the Iconoclast 4x4 UPOCCC Gen 2.  Absolutely destroyed the top of the line cables fro Audience (SX), Cerious ( Matrix) , Townshend .

Separation of instruments and depth between instruments on the stage is what really stands out besides the overall balanced sound. 
 

Bob from Iconoclast is awesome to work with. 30 day trial. They pay shipping both ways. Who does that?

You must buy in 5ft length. For some reason I had a 3 ft length in the same configuration and did not have the same magic. Bob says all their demo’s are 5 ft so their must be something to it. Very stiff cable so the extra length may be needed anyways. 
 

I use it in between a fully balanced Bricasti M3 into a balanced Coda CSIb integrated. 
 

Give it a try. Risk free. 

Cost doesn't equal better.

Just yesterday, I tried an Audioquest Vodka ethernet and I preferred the stock ethernet cable that came with the streamer. One is $500 retail, the other probably around $1 wholesale.

Some might've call it better because it was more resolute in the upper mid and highs and I heard things I didn't hear with the cheap cable, but with that improvement, the lower frequencies receded. I decided to stick with the $1 cable (for now) because the A/B test dictated so.

When I get the head space, I'll try again with another brand. 

I am not an "objectivist", and, as mentioned in my initial comment, do believe that cables can make a difference. But since a poster recommended these:

Iconoclast 4x4 UPOCCC Gen 2

I thought that some readers might be interested in Amir’s review of the Iconoclast (TPC version) XLRs, and the response from the cable designer, etc. (Spoiler alert: they measured very well, but were indistinguishable from much cheaper cables)