Ordering Canare connectors and a crimp tool, cable stripper, etc. was a slightly better bargain than purchasing cables already constructed. Add in the hours I spent doing the work for the first 15-20 cables, and it really wasn't a bargain ... initially. Now that I've made in the neighborhood of 30 cables, the 'worth it' scales are tipping in my favor. The more cables one makes, the more the tool costs are offset and the greater the bargain.

Need only a few cables? Not good with tools? Not a careful, detail person with little patience? Likely better to buy pre-made. But if you're up to the task and you're going to upgrade just about every interconnect you've got between 10 pieces of gear - if you've got the time to learn and construct, you'll come out ahead.