Zu Mobius vs Equinox (HD650/Cary)

[Nik]

These two cables has been tested with HD650/Cary CAD SEI. I just write few words, because I do not have a lot of time… The two cables are 8ft.

These cables are different and I don’t think one better than the other. The Equinox has better construction, the Zu do not fit properly on the pads and is very rigid, the cable do not is very stable, may be the connectors are too little or short.

Going to the sound, I’d say that you can adopt one of these two cables depending by the rest of your gear (and your tastes…).

I have arrived to this result for me:

The Zu is more indicated if I use tubes like the WE300B on the Cary, a bit too harsh with the JJTesla300B, the Zu has an excellent control on the HD650, extremes are very clean and light, mid-bass are perfect, mid do not is the best thing of this cable. The highest sometimes lack in body and could be thin.

The Equinox has excellent mid and, IMO, respect more the nature of the Sennheiser sound. No any impression of artificial or unnatural sound. This cable is more “analogical” and the Zu a bit “digital”. Bass and mid-bass are full body and natural, highest are perfect. Voices are better reproduced respect to the Zu.

Just my two cents…

[Voltron]

Although I do not know the different signatures of the tubes you mention, Nik, I can guess it from your conclusions on these two excellent cables. Your thoughts are very similar to mine. The Equinox is my preferred choice for that analog-like sound while the Zu could turn me off with that digital/metallic edge. The Zu is certainly best with tubes and some people love it, but I recently heard a balanced Zu in comparison with my single-ended Equinox and even a balanced version of the stock 650 cable and I ended up prefering both of the others to the Zu. I think their owner did as well...

[ken36]

Great thoughts gentlemen. Hey NIK, good to hear from you again.