Hook-up Wire: Duelund DCA16GA vs Neotech STDCT-16 vs Cardas 15.5 AWG


Hi guys.
I want to replace the wire in my speakers. Who had the experience of comparing these wires?
Duelund DCA16GA tinned copper
STDCT-16: Neotech Multistrand Copper
Cardas 15.5 AWG copper multistrand
Tell me which copper wire will be better for sound? Maybe you have thoughts on other hook-up wiring.

Sorry for my bad English.
pumpweel
Hi @pumpweel ,


I compared two pairs of interconnects.

One is built from a twisted pair of Duelund DCA20GA 1m length.

The second built from a twisted pair of 22awg LEGENBURG Rectangular 0.5m.

Both cables are with Swithcraft RCA connectors.

I did comparison using interconnects from my Chord Qutest DAC to 300B integrated amplifier.

Interconnects build from Duelund sound more open, vivid, dynamic, with much more realistic tone. On other hand, LEGENBURG interconnects sound more refined and with more small level detail resolution. LEGENBURG midrange bloom coloration irritated me on classical piano record. Duelund tone was is much more on point on every kind of records.

This comparison made me want to upgrade internal wire to Duelund in my 300B integrated.

It has 50cm wires between input RCA and source select switch.

But it is too much job. I need at least 3 hours that nobody will disturb or interrupt me.

I’m am to busy now with my work and family ...

I did another comparison between 

Duelund DCA20GA and 22awg LEGENBURG Rectangular interconnect.

As test record I used Schubert quintet D956  with Jascha Heifetz, William Primrose, Gregor Piatigorsky.

Legenburg sounds smoother with better instrument separation. On other hand, Duelund DCA20GA gives drama, dynamic, energy that is almost completely missed with Legenburg cable.

ICs made with the Duelund 16ga sound better to my ears than the Duelund 20 gauge. Better mids, bass and stage size. 
Hi @grannyring ,

1. " ICs made with the Duelund 16ga sound better to my ears than the Duelund 20 gauge. Better mids, bass and stage size. "
I’m agreed with you. I think it also sound more dynamic.

2. Duelund 16ga it is also fantastic, magical speakers wire.
I changed Belden 9497 wires to Duelund 16ga between external crossover and Altec 604 dynamics. (I have been using Duelund 16ga between
Amplifier and crossovers for almost a year) . The difference in sound between Belden and Duelund is huge. I didn’t expect such changes because both wires are Cu-Sn and both are 16 AVG.
The sound much more open, base is much better, high frequencies are more detailed and more air, dynamics is huge and speed is like in live performance. The sound also is much more refined and detailed.
Sadly, but despite Duelund 20ga is a good cable, it is not as successful and magical cable as 16ga.

3. In my integrated amp, a have long 50cm input wires for 3 inputs.
The input selector switches both signal and ground wires.
In total input selector has 3 inputs and 1 outputs. Each inputs and outputs has 4 pins (Left+, Left-, Right+, Right-). There are in total 16 pins.
I’m not sure how I can solder 16 x 16AVG wires to this tiny input selector.
I need to think about it...

4. Did you try to combine Duelund 16ga and 20ga in one interconnect.
For example 20ga for + wire and 16ga for - wire?

Regards,
Alex.