The Cable Company advice?

I have experience with the cable company, all bad. Total waste of time.

I have had nothing but positive experiences with TCC. Never tried to talk me out of a product I was interested in and always sent me product to demo from their lending Library. 

Tried to deal with a couple of local dealers for Purist Audio Designs cables and they were zero help and would not come off MSRP. Their loss I ended up with a complete loom of PAD Poseidon Diamond Revision cables. 

I think only his Mother loves him and she might be lying.

I stay away from Synergistic.  I have no love for the owner of the company

I have used The Cable Company numerous times over the past 20 years  for recommendations, borrowing cables and making purchases.  They have never pushed me over my budget and steered me to some cable brands that were under the radar, but made excellent products. 

OP- TCC doesn't always recommend the most expensive option. Can depend on your system or specific need. For instance,  I wanted a turntable mat and was looking at some relatively expensive stuff, but they suggested a Herbies at much lower cost and I couldn't be happier. 

I've had great experiences buying from them over the years. They fill the gap very nicely too if it's som6 something I can't hear at a local dealer.