19 custom IEM/TF10/Shure/IE8 cables reviewed (Effect Pearl, Apollo, & Odin added 3/20/13)
Dec 3, 2012 at 9:31 AM Post #529 of 687
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Doing some more reading on CH cables. Can anyone explain what the difference between copper/silver/hyrbid wires are? Not really sure what the differences are.

 
The Silver Ray cable is stranded occ copper wire coated with high purity silver with teflon insulation.
The Hybrid Ray cable uses both stranded silver plated occ copper wire with teflon insulation and stranded occ copper wire with teflon insulation.
The Copper Ray uses stranded occ copper wire with teflon insulation.

A lot of people like silver wire because it makes the sound stage/imaging better and helps tighten up the sound. Basically, it gives greater definition, but it's not "warm" sounding like copper is, and the bass can have less punch/oomph. One way people try to overcome this is by having one(or more) wires be silver, and one (or more) be copper. That way you get the nice top end and tightness, and a bit more oomph.

I am assuming that Chris actually mean to write that the Silver ray is a SILVER wire... not silver coated copper. Since his link about IEM cables talks about silver wire here.
EDIT: Since making this post I've been notified that Headphone lounge has since moved away from solid silver to a silver-coated copper for their main wire for increased flexibility/better sound. They have silver and 1% gold wire, but you have to ask for it. Talk to them for the specifics on strengths/weaknesses of each.
 
If you are a "believer" in cables affecting sound (after getting the Whiplash Hybrid V3, I am a big believer in cables affecting sound!) In essence;
- Silver Ray (highs) - Better sound stage/imaging. Better highs/top end. The low end may feel less punchy/more tight but less warm and impactful.
(EDIT: This remains the same... but pure silver does this more than silver-coated copper.)
 
- Hybrid Ray (both) - In a perfect world, this should be the best of silver and copper. Good highs and warm lows. It's probably just going to be "better" but if you want clearer sound or more emphasis on top or bottom then chose the silver or copper wire.
 
- Copper Ray (lows) - Usually this is the cable type that comes with IEMs, though the quality of copper is not always that high. It's warm, friendly, can be fuzzy and less clear, smaller soundstage but very warm and musical. Good copper makes improves the soundstage/imaging, but not as much as silver...
 

What do you want to emphasize? Go for that...
NOTE: I have not listened to the new CH cables. This is surmise on His old Silver Ray and other wires/posts around this place.
 
Dec 3, 2012 at 4:22 PM Post #530 of 687
Quote:
 
The Silver Ray cable is stranded occ copper wire coated with high purity silver with teflon insulation.
The Hybrid Ray cable uses both stranded silver plated occ copper wire with teflon insulation and stranded occ copper wire with teflon insulation.
The Copper Ray uses stranded occ copper wire with teflon insulation.
 
What do you want to emphasize? Go for that...

NOTE: I have not listened to the new CH cables. This is surmise on His old Silver Ray and other wires/posts around this place.

 
Thanks so much for this detailed explanation! Hm... might consider going silver seeing how I'm going through an EDM phase right now.
 
Dec 7, 2012 at 9:31 PM Post #531 of 687
I am guessing that most, if not all, of these cables could be made with four, two pronged IEM connectors instead of the standard two with two prongs. Id love to be able to use these with the JH3a system.
 
Dec 8, 2012 at 6:14 PM Post #533 of 687
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I am guessing that most, if not all, of these cables could be made with four, two pronged IEM connectors instead of the standard two with two prongs. Id love to be able to use these with the JH3a system.

Love the design on those CIEM's! Yours?
Quote:
whiplash has something for the jh3a system

Toxic Cables make for the JH3a also - upon request.
 
Dec 9, 2012 at 9:19 PM Post #534 of 687
Thanks for the kind words yall. I can do cables for JH3a upon request. It's just not that popular of a termination so it's not up on my page.
 
Dec 10, 2012 at 12:59 AM Post #536 of 687
Thanks guys, your the best. I'm probably going to order my JH3a around Christmas then look at my cabling options once I can afford to (I am a student at the moment so a ~$2000 JH3a is already pushing it). I have heard great things about your cables and might end up going for the TWag V3. Thanks for the comments, saved me a lot of worry about my cabling possibilities.

Love the design on those CIEM's! Yours?

Hahaha they will be soon, ordering them in a few weeks. I'm thinking that spiral design in my photo or a totally clear shell with the flying lady outline (silver for the left and gold for the right) in the brushed steel looking finish .
 
Dec 10, 2012 at 7:15 AM Post #538 of 687
In all honesty, I really can't believe it's the end of the year already. I remember last holiday like it was yesterday.

However I must admit, when I look at the calendar it reminds me that CES in Las Vegas is coming up!!

Dangerous stuff. Very very dangerous!
Hahahaha.

Craig
 
Dec 10, 2012 at 3:59 PM Post #539 of 687
Hey guys does a JH/Westone socket fit into a Miracle?
 

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