I agree that interconnects should have no sound and the XLO/VDO ER-5 seem utterly transparent.

I just went seperates and am looking for something to go between my pre and power amp.

The problem is I bought my ER-5 a while back in a .5 meter length for $40. I went shopping and discovered that now they only come in a 1 meter length and cost $60.

I want a .5m length and I don't want to pay out the nose so the Outlaw cables are intriguing, but I am inclined to go with the XLO anyway since I like it (even though I'll have to save up 50% more dough).