speaker cable prices


I read plenty of articles on the demise of high end audio and have been an enthusiast for 40 years and worked at a high end retail chain for ten years back in the 90's. I still own several systems and buy and sell gear to keep tweaking my systems. Nonetheless I'm pretty shocked at the prices of cables in particular- I look for a decent pair of speaker cables to run from a Pass amp to a good pair of speakers and can hardly find a pair of 8 ft cables for less than $1000- most are commonly 2-3k for a pair of cables. 

Is it me or is this ludicrous? 

What are people buying for an average pair of cables ? Can a pair be had for $300?
128x128cowan217
Okay, Virtue Audio Nirvana speaker cables. I got my pair of 24 foot cables for a little over $300. Read the reviews, these are giant killers at this price. Jason Terpstra builds them, I bought his Nirvana speaker cables, outfitted my $35,000 system with his interconnects, and bought several of his power cords. I researched to death for high value cables, and am so glad I found him. Good luck
Check out Bryston Speaker Cables.  Good price and great sound, very flexible and  without all the bling factor and associated costs.
I am a big fan of Anti Cables. They made an instantly audible difference in clarity and presentation. I think Paul Speltz is really onto something. I'm use them with a PS Audio Stellar gain cell dac and  Stellar amp.
I'm hooked and use them for speakers, interconnects, and power.The price is reasonable and Mr. Speltz stands behind his product. 
there are many dozens of well made cables under $300. you need to try them and decide which you prefer and if the more expensive one's are worth it to you...
geoffkait, you endorse Goertz cables because they understand wire directionality.  Can you explain how wire directionality exists with AC current since it travels in both directions?