The quality of cables is important. Not just for signal quality via a bigger wire, but for how well the plugs connect to your equipment (and resist bending), shielding, management and even ascetics. I have noticed improvements between cables, but more dramatic has been the DEGREDATION caused by certain other cables. I limit myself to around the price range of the second to third-tier of Monster cables. Recently I replaced a pile of old Radio Shack cables with Acoustic Research. A bit more than I wanted to spend, but they're very nice.