i recently reviewed dcca cables. i can say categorically, since this issue arises frequently, that one cable is not better than another. one cable is different than another. if one prefers one cable over another, it becomes a personal choice which is an opinion.
from my experience, i did not notice any excess energy in the reange 1000 to 3000 hz--the brightness region, on my stereo system.
it is best that you compare both cables in your own stereo system, in order to answer the questions you raise.
you can sample the dcca cables on a trial basis, but i am not sure if you have such an option with the elrod cables.
