The old rule "You get what you pay for" applies - if you're careful, and within limits. Here is what matters in my humble evaluation:
1.) Impedance. Many studies and reports have shown that within the relatively low frequency range of audio signals, this translates to resistance. Conductor configuration, conductor materials, and insulation properties are almost insignificant. Conductor size matters more than anything else by orders of magnitude.
2.) Termination quality. Most important factors here are the material quality (gold is best) and mechanical design. You want low resistance, high contact surface area, and a rigid physical connection.
3.) Appearance. There, I said it. Really now, who isn't willing to pay a little more for a set of cables that just plain look really good?
I've tried MANY cables over the years and spent thousands of dollars. My favorite by far are from Neustadt Research (www.neustadtresearch.com). They're not cheap but they are not at all exhorbitant either. Each cable is handmade and the quality, fit, and finish are fantastic. The cables are thick, have a beautiful woven sheath and the best sawtooth banana connectors I've ever seen.
