Regarding your question about the Kimber 8TC and 4TC being bass shy: that has certainly not been the case in my system. I use 8TC to bi-wire my Vandersteen 3A Signatures from a Bryston 4B-ST, and 4TC to wire my center and surround speakers. The bass in my system is rich, full, and reasonably tight (a suspended floor over a 3' crawlspace makes it hard to get tight bass). To the extent that you weigh the opinions of professional reviewers, you might be interested in an article from The Absolute Sound last winter. TAS ran a review of systems, from basement to upstairs, and several of the lower cost systems were configured with 8TC wire.
Ok, Here s the list of speaker cables..
If I've got it right, people are recommending:
Cardis Hex
Purist Audio Maximus or Colossis
Kimber 4TC or 8TC
Alpha-Core Goertz MI 2 cable
Analysis Plus Oval 9
The Coincident CST 1
No one recommended Monster Z3 which I'm surprised. I
was looking at moving to Martin Logan Speakers and was
told that Martin Logan recommended Monster Z3 highly.
So, now I'd like to get an idea of the basic sound
character for each. I'm after Dynamics, great bass,
and good detail. I in no way want a lean or bright or
bass shy cable.
Given my above comments, here's the list again with
the characteristics I think I read quoted by people
here and on AudioAsylum. Not trying to start any
wars, just making comments based on what I read.
Please feel free to comment on these very "simplified"
sonic characteristics... Also I wonder what these cables
cost in a 10 or 12 foot pair..?? I really don't want to
spend over $250..
Cardis Hex (no info yet)
Purist Audio Maximus (no info yet)
Purist Audio Colossis (no info yet)
Kimber 4TC or 8TC (read these can be bass shy?)
Alpha-Core Goertz MI 2 cable (read these can be bright?)
Analysis Plus Oval 9 (read these can be lean and bass shy)
The Coincident CST 1 (no info yet)
Thanks.....