AKG K702 + Cardas Fat Pipe Cable Impressions and Questions

After some hesitation, I decided to upgrade my K702 with the Cardas Fat Pipe Cable sold by Headroom. I read multiple reviews about the AKG K702 cable upgrade bringing those cans to another level. I had my doubts of course, but I kind of forced myself to bite the bullet and decided to give it a try, especially with Headroom generous 30 days satisfaction guarantee.

I received the cable this afternoon, it was shipped very fast by UPS two days air. It doesn't feel very heavy as I expected, it's rather very flexible with a very strong plastic odor!

In the first moment of hooking the cable to my K702 and Ultra Micro Amp and playing the tracks I'm used to; I noticed the difference. I felt like the Cardas cable has addressed all the weak points of the K702. The laid back mids are brought forward, with more extension in the treble and bass. Improved details and transparency, and extra smoothness in the highs that removed any trace of harshness I used to experience. 

But the new K702 doesn't feel more musical or more enjoyable, actually it's been turned into a powerful analytical tool that picks every little, tiny detail and shoves right it into your face!

Compared to both my K340 and K400, the upgraded K702 has more clarity, detail and transparency. But I still miss the natural tonality of the K340 and K400. I feel like the Cardas cable has taken the treble and bass of the K702 to the max level, and to my taste it doesn't sound natural or balanced, despite being cleaner than the original cable.

I wonder if the HD800 sounds the same for its users, because the upgraded K702 sounds very similar to the descriptions I read from those who tried the HD800 and didn't like it. May be technological advancement and musicality don't go hand by hand anymore!!

Any opinions?

After further comparison, I decided to return the cable. It sounds slightly more detailed but at the same time totally unnatural. 

No Acix, there is improvement but it doesn't sound right. That's what I meant. I can't put a finger on it though.

I'm doing a comparison right now. I feel like the original cable feels more natural sounding. I'll keep you posted.

Thanks Acix! I appreciate your advice. Actually I've been using the K701/2 in the past 2-3 years, I jumped into vintage AKGs only recently and I'm really surprised by the difference. The K702 is more advanced than the K400, K340 in resolution and detail retrieval but it doesn't sound as relaxed and fun as the other two. The Cardas makes a noticeable improvement for sure but not for $200. And for those who don't like the K702 it's not recommended to invest in those cables, because they don't change your HP into another HP, it's still the same with subtle improvement.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prog Rock Man 

If you are unhappy with the sound, I would return the cable. The cable itself cannot influence the sound quality of your headphones, any changes in what you hear are down to placebo, psychoacoustics and the hype around such products.

Actually I shipped it this morning. Even with the improvement it's making it doesn't worth 200 bucks IMO. I'd rather pay that money for another HP. But for those who believe that the K702 is the ultimate HP I believe they'll be happy with that upgrade.