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Portable Amp Cable?

post #1 of 3
12/31/10 at 7:10pm
Thread Starter 

 


Long time reader, first time poster

 

I’m a bit new to hi-fidelity audio—bear with my statements if they appear ignorant.  For the past 2 years or so, I have been using a Cowon S9 PMP with Sennheiser IE7 IEMs and the Fiio E5 amp.  I know my portable rig is only as strong as the weakest link.  I’ve been doing research on various amps (Practical Devices X5, Ray Samuels Protector, etc…), and I think I’ve settled on the Headphonia Headstage Arrow 12HE 3G (unless you talk me out of itJ).  I listen to lot a trance and electronica so I prefer something that can drive the bass of IEMs and the 9dB boost of the Arrow looked appealing.  The bass boost of the E5 (3dB, I think) with the BBE 3.0 settings adjusted provides an immersive feel I wish to improve upon.  One thing about the Arrow though, I couldn’t find if they use Mil-spec 0.1% metal film resistors but I digress.

 

This leads me to my main point.  While I’m learning a lot about amps I’m having trouble understanding the situation with wiring.  Specifically an interconnect 3.5mm to 3.5mm LOD that would connect the Cowon to the arrow (or any other amp).  I know cables are a touchy subject and I don’t want to resurrect a religious war on the subject.  After researching both sides of the argument (for and against) and reading http://www.ethanwiner.com/audiophoolery.html though, I’m still at a lost.  I’m having trouble understand how (if at all) cable upgrades would be beneficial in my situation.  I tried to self-inform as much as I can as to not waste anyone’s time, but I need help on this one.  I greatly appreciate any advice.  Please excuse any mistakes, again I’m still learningJ.

 

These are the two that I was looking at:

https://www.aloaudio.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_39_49&products_id=570

 

http://www.qables.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=383&zenid=843c79687eaa460acdb2b3ae0fb44a0a

 

I hope I’ve placed this in the right area, if not please feel free to move it to the proper topic section.

 

Thanks in advance…

 

PS: I found this http://www.mogamicable.com/category/bulk/patch/ , still studying it though.

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post #2 of 3
12/31/10 at 8:01pm

Just a few points about this, although you may have come across these already, I deem these most relevant to your concerns:

 

1) Some people can hear the difference between copper and silver; BUT, even among those who do, some criticism of it is that "synergy" with cables actually just means you're using the cables as a wide-range EQ.

 

2) AFAIK, braiding doesn't help the sound, it makes individual conductors manageable. Notice how some spool cables have their conductors braided inside.

 

3) Consider the price. I won't say there won't be any difference in sound, because I've heard some rigs react to cables differently and others don't, but consider the relative price of the cable to the other equipment. Since cables aren't the primary cause for the sound, why use a $250 cable for a $300 player with a $20 amp? It makes more sense to just upgrade the amp and the player to something with a true line out and use the under-$10 Fiio interconnect. Like get an S:Flo2 or HiFiMan 601. Sure, not as feature-packed as the Cowon, and of course the batt life sucks in relative terms, BUT you still have the S9. Bring that with you when you know you might not be able to charge soon; then use the others when you're confident that you can. Or pocket the S9 when travelling, but keep the S:Flo or 601 in a bag. If at soem point you have either player, and have already upgraded the amp, and you're curious as to what a $250 can do, then only at that point should you try it. Cables are the last you should "upgrade" barring convenience. I had someone DIY me one 3.5mm to 3.5mm IC, with Neutrik angled plugs and avionics conductors that he had spares of, but that was primarily for necessity. The short Fiio cable wasn't available yet and my only ther alternative were 0.5m-long (that's about 1.6ft) cables from the hardware store  :P

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post #3 of 3
12/31/10 at 9:25pm
Thread Starter 

 

Thanks for the quick response.  I definitely am going to upgrade the amp before the cabling (putting the horse before the cart).  I'm pretty set on the arrow.  I was thinking the same thing about  using the fiio interconnect.  The gold male connectors at a no-cost solution, add clarity to the setup.  Never seen S:Flo2 or HiFiMan 601 before.  I’m going to look more into them. 


Edited by crd88 - 12/31/10 at 9:26pm
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