Thank you for all your comments. I can understand. However, even though we do not fully understand what happens in a cable as far as break in and signal direction is concerned, there is a noticeable difference. I recommend giving the cables a try, but I must warn you... once heard, you will be a believer. As it is said, "the one who has had an experience cannot be disputed." Mike Morrow
Do you have any data to back up your claim that cables make absolutely no difference in sound quality, apart from impedance mismatches? I tend to agree with you, but I'd like to be rigorous with *everybody's* claims.
Might there be a small difference between stranded and solid? It might be so small as to be undistinguishable to the human ear, but there might be a difference. Same thing with the directionality - is it possible that the manufacturing process could impart some form of "direction" to the resulting conductor?
I think if a company really wanted to show that their product made a difference, something like a randomized double blind study with n > 200 (ish? stats class was a while ago) should be conducted by a neutral party and made available in full.