Pmboyd,
I didn't get cold forged. Thought it too pricey since I might change amps at some point down the line, and Fisher requires special spades (which Cardas did have). Maybe I will reterminate later??
Besides reality cable, I've tried anticable sc's (though not with the merlins) and didn't care for them too much (with vandersteens). Also had DIY sc's. So haven't tried a lot. And my ic's are some old school patch cords. Tried morrow ma2's which do some things well, ixos, and some silver cables, but my no name ic's that a friend gave me are my favorite. I just decided to trust my ears. : )
Will give more impressions on the se9's later.