Has anyone tried a cheaper alternative to these since the last post? This post got me thinking about the SATA cables in the computer-based system I use (a noisy, old HP Workstation). I took a look at the SATA cables to the 2 hard disks and they were of the thin, stock, cheap (30 or 28 awg) and most likely unshielded variety. I wanted to try a cheaper solution before I pulled the trigger on any boutique Sata cables like Pachanko, JCAT, Pang, etc. so I bought some 26awg cables with clear jackets and foil shielding - not bad for 10 bucks for the 2. Let's see if I can hear any difference in sound. I'll report back if I do.