New speaker cables recommendations sought

I would second @grannyring 's endorsement of the Duelund cables. 

I started off with Tellurium Q Ultra Black II feeding my ATC SCM40s.  Though some regard these cables as a touch warmer than neutral, I was finding the overall sound a little hard and bright.  ATCs are not noted for being laid-back, plus my room has many reflective surfaces.

On the basis of this blog, I plumped for the Dual DCA12GA, 2 metres unterminated.  I have the ends of the cable stripped and threaded through the amp's terminals plus the 3 sets of binding posts on my ATCs.  This is quite a cost saving on both plugs and jumpers.

The sound is wonderful, and at 60 hours so far, is only getting better.  Tbh, at first, the mid-range was a little shouty, but has now settled.  I would say its strengths lie not necessarily in subduing the high-end, but in emphasising the musicality of the mid-range.  When I swapped back the TQ, I did hear slightly better dynamics and detail, but overall it felt cold and analytical.

[Digression] Interestingly, I experimented with Roon's DSP recently and created EQ graphs using a UMIK microphone and REW.  As far as this setup could determine, there was no material difference in the analysis of the Duelund and the TQ.  Yet, to the ear, the difference is very clear.  This is perhaps an anecdotal insight into the frequent battles between those who sit in the "measurement" camp and deny the subjectivity of those who claim differences, when it "can't make sense"  (ethernet and USB cabling being a very obvious case).

@teh_chucksta  I look forward to hearing more regarding your thoughts on the Nova cables. I have been considering them myself.

@mesch The Novas are warm, clean & full with lots of detail (the characteristics I wanted).
With the exception of my speakers, my system is budget-oriented so I can only imagine how they might sound with better gear (McIntosh tubes?) but yes, I am very pleased…so much so that I believe the best enhancements I can make -for the money- are with subwoofers & room treatment; I’m no longer interested in upgrading my gear. Maybe that’s the best testimony of all. Best.

p.s. these cables are a great match with the new “Moonage Daydream” soundtrack.

SPEAKER CABLES …. From Alan Shaw (owner and designer of HARBETH)

” … So, the moral of the story is this: the most important factor of the loudspeaker cable that you should select is the amount of metal in the cable core.

More metal means lower resistance.

If the core is round (as most are) then the correlation is simple: the fatter the diameter of the metal core the better because the electrical resistance between amp and speaker will be lower.

Thin and really thin cores should be avoided regardless of how exotic the metal material is claimed as the lack of metal in the core conductor will increase resistance. That will reduce amplifier damping, effect the frequency response of the speaker and give unpredictable results that will vary from amp/speaker combination.

Do not be fooled by the diameter of the external plastic sheath: what matters is the metal content of the core. The more the better, without exception….”

MY TAKE: I upgraded from an all-NORDOST FREY array (that’s all of IC, Power, and Speaker ) to an all-CARDAS CLEAR / CLEAR REFERENCE  array.

the new loom presented an upgraded performance in presence, dynamics, and slam that was not subtle, in my system,

@teh_chucksta  I am glad to hear you find your system so satisfying. A good place to be in. I agree that room treatmen is the next step. Makes a huge difference and can be made DIY.  Look up room treatment on this site. Much info herein.