Regarding the hideous expense of quality interconnects, I got a guy. Karl Schuster has been in the industry for over forty years, has sold high-end stereo gear, designed speakers, and is friends with many a reviewer. He combines a scientific approach with a keen ear. I have a complete loom, including interconnect and speaker cables along with power cords. He solders everything so they are truly a lifetime purchase. I am not one who can necessarily hear the difference between cables, but with his I have definitely experienced the phenomenon of break-in. His work isn't cheap, but it's not sky-high. Mention my name and you might get a break on price. His company is Empirical Design (https://www.empiricaldesign.net/interconnect-cables.html)
