You guys crack me up.
...
Not criticising any of you fine people who like buying these things, just wondering how they work
Will,
One day I'll invite you round for a beer and a listening session (I'm not too far away, in Ealing). I don't know how they work, but I promise you there is a significant, noticeable difference in the sound which for me (a) represents an improvement (not *all* changes are beneficial) and (b) is worth the money (though many of my purchases have been 2nd hand or in sales, just like my Meridian kit). YMMV.
(I have Russ Andrews reference mains cables going into a Russ Andrews power block. I also have their silver RCA interconnects which I'm not currently using as I went balanced with the 5O2 pre-amp then mostly digital with the 5Six8. Perhaps I should advertise them in the Restaurant, though there would likely not be many takers).
Foo defense shields up...
Rgds,
Duncan