No one actually knows how to lculate what speaker cable they need

If it looks like a 🦆 and it talks like a 🦆 and it walks like a 🦆 it’s probably a 🦆

My cables arrived today. They're beasts!

As suspected the forks won't sit in binding posts without an adaptor. I'm currently using banana plugs. Here's an image of the before and after cables: https://imgur.com/a/De0LmuG (credit card for scale).

I hooked them up and there's a definite improvement. The sound is more transparent. I need to listen more but I'm happy with this investment. I'm going to replace the bananas with some bolt on ones: https://uk.farnell.com/staubli/22-1053/banana-plug-50a-4mm-screw-m4/dp/1085560, that'll give me a better connection. The current plugs are on tight, but it'll be nice to get a stronger hold. The stiffness of the cables means that there's actually very little weight on the binding posts as the cables stand up straight from the floor.

Thank you b4icu. As you said to me, where else can I get that level of upgrade for that money.

I'm interested in getting another set for my centre now.

Compared to what?

My previous cables, Van Damm Blue 4mm, as in the picture.

Rather quickly this review of the Van Damm Blue speaker cables popped up in my search. Interesting, no? Apparently anything would sound more transparent than Van Damme Blue cables. Perhaps even coat hangers. 

(Everything is relative. - Albert Einstein)

“Sound (Blue series cable)
Taking into account this cable was deemed to be unused and fresh off the reel, it required some running in to let it settle down. It VAnDamétook what seemed to be an exceptional length of time to become listen-able so I would advise new owners to be a little bit patient when first installed and not to make hasty judgments at first hearing.

Given that the Blue is not considered to be a “hi-fi” cable in a domestic setting and aimed more at being a rugged studio workhorse, it was evident from the sound that refinement is not at the top of this cable’s priorities. I wish I could point out to you where exactly its strengths and weaknesses lie, because one CD track where I was listening to it would sound fine, another less so and variations in between, so I will try and pick out the reliable consistencies that I experienced.

Midrange was certainly congested sounding, with female vocals having a lack of air and grace that I know is there in the recording. Treble had a slightly steely edge that was prevalent with cymbals in particular, while bass didn’t have the rich fullness that a cable of this diameter should be delivering with ease in my opinion. It is a listen-able cable nonetheless and I wouldn’t condemn it out of hand as I know there are many folks out there that own and enjoy the sound it makes for them.”