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are not really bad sounding? You know the cable I am talking about, that thin, grey, coax design cable that came bundled with cheap turntables. Have I lost my mind?

Could be.
If they sound good to then they are good. Trust your ears and listen to the music

They sounded bad when they were new, but they're "vintage" now

I still think just exercising the connection makes a difference

I know it’s well known that when comparing stuff if one is louder it’s judged better
Can the same be said if the is different we tend to think it’s better

You may want to look at these cables -

https://www.druflon.com/coaxtable.html

Pelliott321 wrote:I know it’s well known that when comparing stuff if one is louder it’s judged better
Can the same be said if the is different we tend to think it’s better

These were level matched. The "different tends to sound better" is harder to control for. I will listen to these for a week or so and than switch back.

I use many cheap cables that came with VCRs, etc. My test is that a magnet should not stick to the cable or ends.