Do you really need ultra expensive cables?

It depends on what is meant by "no". :)

why all the knocks on expensive cables lately?

rodney ... you completely misinterpreted the responses, mine included. Cables make a difference ... but you don't have to spend a bunch to get reasonably good ones.
But they do make a difference.

need no! however if you want a chance to bring your system
to the next level the answer is yes cables do make a differrence if your system is high resolution period.money
is relative so your investment is obviously a personal decision and boy is it hard to swallow look at how much all your gear cost and decide what its worth not having cables holding you back from nirvana the "holy Grail" is out their trust me but he aint no panhandler thanks ted

Great answer Drubin. I agree. I'm guessing that the non-audiophile corporate suits that work for McIntosh couldn't tell a difference between various cabling. Most small audio companies employ those that are into the hobby, that have hearing. In my experience, most corporate audio companies hire those without. Need proof? Walk through the Las Vegas Convention Center next CES, there are examples standing everywhere. Besides, I'd rather rely on my own judgement, rather than trust someone else.

Since we are on the subject of McIntosh, did you know that their car audio is sub-contracted out from Clarion? If you want that "McIntosh" sound in your vehicle, you need go no further than your local Clarion dealer. (I mention this because McIntosh had quite the car audio display at 2003 CES. I wondered why they would have a car audio system on display just outside of the "zoo", next to the pool, rather than in the Convention Center). After all, when did car audio become worthy of a high end audio exhibit? When did Clarion become worthy?