Do you consider cables to be a "component" of your system?

....obviously Mr 197GTO ( get tools out ) 455ho you have never listened to a really good system or due to alleged internal fortitude,  will not allow yourself  to actually listen and hear a difference that cabling can make on a system.  '' You can bring a horse to water  .......'' you get the idea.   

@1971gto455ho , why are you still here posting in this thread?

You're really not adding anything useful.

Door's over there......kindly use it. 

Thanks.

It’s free speech public opinions included. You’re right I’m not adding anything useful simply adding that same dribble you are. So let’s take the same door once out you turn left I turn right.

Cheers

"I just wondered if you had to recommend a set up to someone (who wanted a nice stereo), would you consider cabling to be essential in your build price and your recommendations? If so, would you consider the cost of the cables to be on par with the cost of a component?"

I think cables can be very, very important.

But they are not essential, in that, you could use the stock cable and still play music. You couldn't play a record without a table/arm/cart. So, the table is essential; the cable is not.

Of course, it also depends on this "someone". Are they a new to the hobby? Do they have the funds? How patient are they? 

I'd tell them to get the best gear they can to start, use the stock cables and then slowly upgrade the cables when they're able to. So, they should absolutely assume new cables are in their future, and therefore, start saving. Because they can truly, significantly enhance the experience when they upgrade--and it's a fun way to learn the hobby.