@marktrav - I think you will be pretty happy with the Van den Hul cables - they have been a long time favorite of mine. They are a definite step up from the two cables you used to conduct your comparison.
Another cable that I have not tried, but I like the geometry used in their construction, is from Anticables - they start from around $200 for a 1 metre pair (you can get as low as 0.5 meter.)
http://anticables.com/interconnects/analog-xlr-interconnects#!/Level-2-Performance-Series-Analog-XLR...
They also have some very good RCA cables...
http://anticables.com/interconnects/analog-rca-interconnects#!/SALE-50-off-NEW-Level-1-Classic-Serie...
They utilize a helix spiral neutral, which I have found is a vastly superior cable geometry to that used by many cable constructors and I have used the same Helix geometry many times with great results.
The Helix geometry provides a quieter background, faster dynamics with greater control, improved clarity and superior imaging.
One last thing - if you are into DIY - take a look at the following link
http://image99.net/blog/files/category-002ahelix-interconnect-cable.html
These are cables I have developed over the last few years and now use throughout my system.
Looking forward to hearing your comments on the Van den Hul cables
Cheers - Steve
Another cable that I have not tried, but I like the geometry used in their construction, is from Anticables - they start from around $200 for a 1 metre pair (you can get as low as 0.5 meter.)
http://anticables.com/interconnects/analog-xlr-interconnects#!/Level-2-Performance-Series-Analog-XLR...
They also have some very good RCA cables...
http://anticables.com/interconnects/analog-rca-interconnects#!/SALE-50-off-NEW-Level-1-Classic-Serie...
They utilize a helix spiral neutral, which I have found is a vastly superior cable geometry to that used by many cable constructors and I have used the same Helix geometry many times with great results.
The Helix geometry provides a quieter background, faster dynamics with greater control, improved clarity and superior imaging.
One last thing - if you are into DIY - take a look at the following link
http://image99.net/blog/files/category-002ahelix-interconnect-cable.html
These are cables I have developed over the last few years and now use throughout my system.
Looking forward to hearing your comments on the Van den Hul cables
Cheers - Steve