When I replaced 3’ Canare star quad XLR with Neutrik connectors with a pair of Cardas Parsec XLR, I was stunned by the improvement. I doubt there was anything "wrong" with the Canare cables, which would be one possible explanation. Cables are between Benchmark HPA4 and AHB2. Had the same reaction replacing a slightly longer pair of Canare (lots of Markertek and B&H Photo Canare XLR here - bands, recording) with Audioquest Panther, from Pass XP-10 to Pass XA30.5. (Sold the Panthers long ago, hence the temporary use of the Canare with the Benchmark stuff.) I still have an RCA pair of Panthers, from a phono preamp to the HPA4.
Audioquest vs Mogami XLR Audio connector cables
I had recently purchased a McIntosh MC152 amp and I used my 6 year old Mogami XLR cables to connect it to my preamp. I decided since there was a 1/2 off on Audioquest Columbia cables to give them a test. I always thought Mogami cables were of good quality and was not sure what to expect with the Audioquest cables that were pure copper as well.
In short there was a more open sound...more clarity with the Audioquest cables in a very good way. Little details were heard better and I have to say I am happy with my choice. I know some say there are no differences, others claim they all sound different, but with my setup, there was an improvement. If I did not like them, I would have returned them. I still have 60 days to decide if I want to keep them but they are staying. 