Early on I did a 'cable shootout' with some loaner cables and was impressed with Audio Magic. Since then I have worked up through their food chain as great deals became available. Each time I went to a higher level the improvement was unarguably there. There is, no doubt, a lot of subjectivity in the world of cables. I still believe, however, that you get the 'possibility' of real gains as more $$$ are spent.
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.