The manufacturer can build for an OEM and sell their own brand as well, you can't assume the two products are identical. Z-Squared likely does "design" their own wire (haven't figured out how you design wire yet, but I'll let it go) and has Audio Metallurgy manufacture their "advanced design" for them. Very common practice (manufacturing outsourcing, not designing wire). So Audio Metallugry has proven manufacturing prowess, that doesn't imply they have the same engineering talent as their customers... Z-Squared, Blue Mountain....
Manufacturer competing against their dealers?
Audio Metallurgy is now into the auction business with their cables. They state they supply high end companies like Z-Squared, Black Mountain, and Music Timbre with their design's and supplies. Isn't it odd you would compete with your dealer's/distributors? It sounds like all the cables from the above companies are the same, just dressed up differently. We are led to believe these companies are the original designers according to their websites. Any opinions on this?