Ha ha! Don't mince your words Trell!!
Thanks for saving me a chunk of change! Any idea what will suffice? Leave my silver anniversary on?
I think the most important thing you did was ask. These companies that remove money from the pockets of the ill-informed have been in business for years and magazines continue to prop them up with what amounts to nothing more than articulated bullshit.
The wire matters myth has been around for decades, and continues to exist despite all the evidence that says that it's just hokum. Yet, everyone is free to spend their money as they choose.
The link to the wire size guide that
@PENG posted has been around for well over a decade now as far as I know. It's a simple explanation of things, but more importantly carries the research and ability to back up what is being said and includes a simple and handy chart to allow people to buy more easily.
I think the big thing about a company like QED is that they hide the information that actually matters, which is the gauge of the wire in use. Since this is a massive consideration, hiding it means they are leaning heavy into marketing over actual quality. Or more accurately, they are going to steal your money without giving you a real world improvement.
Don't change a thing, but if you are in a try and test mood, then pick up some thicker copper cable and give it a try.
You can do the same with banana plugs if you want. There are tons of brands out there, but spending more than a few bucks per plug tends to be a bit much in my book. Others may disagree, but the main point of any banana plug is to make a good electrical connection between the amplifier and the speaker wire, while adding convenience to the installation. So, that's up to you as well. I like plugs similar to what these guys offer...
Easy to use, affordable AV products such as banana plugs, speaker cables, XLR, HDMI splitters, switches and cables. Fast, free shipping and expert tech support.
sewelldirect.com
Glad you asked instead of just spending money and being perfectly happy with the new product, but a lot poorer for the effort for no reason.
