HD650 after-market cables - Page 4

From those available, I would agree - especially as kuashama mentioned (it keeps the sonic signature without altering it too much). The two I have not read much about at all (for the HD650 that is) are the Enigma Audio Oracle cable and the Apuresound Sennheiser V2 cables.

I owned Zu Mobius (v1), and subsequently have it modified by Revelation Audio Labs (solderness termination + cyro treatment). The result was very impressive. But the Zu was a bit stiff and sometimes (not always) microphonic.

I also own Revelation Audio Lab all silver 99.999% cable. Stunning speed & dynamics, highly resolving, silky fuild, and very deep tight controlled bass (if the source can provide it). My favourite.

I am lucky to have a RnB Grace Five Two (G52). A rare creation by a member RnB who has stopped making it for a while. I don't know how many was ever produce but guess less than 50. Very emotionally engaging, energetic cable, yet resolving. Light weight, flexible and non-microphonic. One of the best for the HD650.

I just got the Equinox LE Balanced for a week (also order a special balanced to single-end adaptor). Smooth and warm, intimiate and engaging. Light and flexible, and good workmanship. One warning - read the documentation first before installing. Not 100% burn-in yet, but it sounds very nice with my Rudistor RPX-100 (also being burn-in).

Equinox and Equinox LE is the same cable. The LE is comestically slight different to mark the 5 years anniversary of Stefan Audio Arts. Sonically they are identical. (Well, the connectors may be different, but I am not 100% sure).

I haven't tried the Moon-Audio Silver Dragon. But some said it is a bit bright, which may not be a bad thing for HD650.

Cardas is, apparently, at the lower end of the league. Yes, it makes some difference, but not as impressive as the others. I have listened to it, but did not own one.

Hope this helps.
F. Lo

The sonic signature of the HD650 rest with the drivers and the cans itself. The cables do little to change that, but just enhance the sound overall.

This is my impression at least after listening to some of them.

FWIW.
F. Lo

Hey Francis. Thanks for those great impressions. From what I have heard and been told, the RAL makes the biggest (not necessarily the best) difference to the sound. I was also told that it can, depending on amps and other system components, alter the inhernet sonic character due to its all silver construction. The Equinox is very balanced, and seems to enhance the HD650s traits rather than alter (color) them.

Xenithon,

I do believe there is some synergy aspects. My RAL-recabled HD650 works great with the WA6. Music is more airy, weighty, and the extension at both ends of the sound spectrum extends beautifully. One thing is obvious, the RAL response better to fast change in dynamics than the Equinox. For complex orhestral passages, the RAL handles the dynamics gracefully, letting the drivers to do their job.

One thing that I would say is silver does not necessarily make things harsh, thin or bright. When properly implemented, silver can provide speed, depth and air at the same time, and in a silky smooth fashion. I also owned a pair of RAL Paradise interconnect, and still consider it is one of the best IC I have owned. It is even better, in my experience, than the more expensive AudioNote AN-Vx which is also all silver, which I subsequently sold.

But of course, I am speaking out of my own experience, and that can be subjective at times

Francis