Mani ATH 87
500+ Head-Fier
Only way to get cheaper is to DIY, which is what I've been doing for the past few years. I've tried a few high end cables from Forza and Double-Helix and while the craftsmanship is incredible and they look like works of art I didn't notice any sonic differences so felt my resources are better used on other gear in the audio chain like the amp (and tubes), DAC and better/more music. With cables I'm more concerned with the physical properties such as length, microphonics, weight and flexibility.
Yeah, I hear you. I'm not an advocate for cables making a sonic difference really. Even still, I like having a nice quality cable and things like length, microphonics, weights and flexibility are all important factors as you mentioned. The cheapest of the cheap when it comes to cables usually just don't fit the bill. I'm OK spending $100 or so on a cable, it's mostly the quality of the cable I'm paying for, the workmanship going into it, so I'm good with it. Despite it maybe not giving you a sonic improvement, the quality of life is worth the price of admission for me personally.