Are 3rd party headphone cables snake oil, /g/?

Depends on the price your paying for them ...

any audiophile shit is

>>53883513
They won't improve sound quality, but some are more robust than stock cables.
Stock cable on my IEM broke twice within a year, ever since I use some overpriced aftermarked cable I have no issues.

>>53883513
Only if they're not braided.

>>53883513
depends, as you could get a 3rd party cable for different lengths or to work as a headset for your phone.

>>53883513
Sleeve them yourself.