I've read the pros and cons of wire and cables for years now. I've used both and I truley believe there are far too many other variables that can, ultimately (depending on your HT situation), make this issue a coin-toss.
For example, take audio cables for instance. What's more important, the use of "decent" mid-priced digital cables, or fiberoptic cables? Well I guess it depends. What kind of HT do you have? Do you have an upscale HT complete with sound absorbing wall, no pics on the walls, etc? In other words, you may want to invest money in the room itself before debating over cables. I'd like to hear some feedback from the enginners and audiophiles in the crowd on this, please.
Speaker wire - same deal. "Decent" mid-priced stuff, in my view, MAY be the way to go unless have an upscale HT. I just don't think it matters enough to pull your hair out if your "HT" has painted drywall walls, pictures all over the place, etc. Sound is going to be bouncing all over the place in these set-ups anyway. Heaven forbid your "HT" is in your bedroom, family room, etc. Again, I'd love to hear feedback from sound engineers, audiophiles, etc.
I do have a question though. My current set-up has all my audio/video components immediately adjacent to my screen. Therefore all my cables are relatively short (nothing over 6' or so). I'm in the process of buiding a more upscale HT and my components will be in a side wall, over 10' away from the screen (I'll therefore need about 20' of various cable). Obviously I will have to invest in new cables, etc.
Are there any big issues I should be aware of? For example, will I be shelling out thousands of dollars for "decent" cable? Any suggestions on where I should purchase from (love to save money). Thanks!!