Re Transparent cables. In 1997 I had to buy a complete new system because I’d been burgled when on summer holiday. The loss adjuster seemed quite generous, so I took what seemed like a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity to add significant savings and buy a really nice setup. Long story short, I got a Krell amp and player, some Sonus Faber speakers, a fab stand, and cables. The dealer was required to offer 10% off, something rarely possible on Absolute Sounds products.
They recommended Transparent cables to maximise the performance, and I knew this would help restore some of their lost margin. Upshot was a great system that I used almost without change for over 20 years. When I did eventually change, I was able to sell the cables for a significant sum, because of their reputation. I can’t say I ever A/B tested them so cannot claim they beat anything else. They looked the dogs, however! Probably one of the few high end cables I’d seriously consider, we’re I to be in that position again.