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HD580 replacement cable worth it for me?

post #1 of 25
2/12/04 at 9:27pm
Thread Starter 
Using:

Audigy 2 w/ kx drivers
mid-high Meta42
Sennheiser HD580's
Foobar 2000(resampling to 24bit/48khz, using convolver)
Listening to LAME encoded(alt-preset extreme) mp3s (rock mostly, also some techno/classical)

I've seen the zu and the moon cables, for $200 and $130 respectively, which are a little too expensive for me. Since my source is mp3s, I would consider paying ~ $100 for a cable.

I would view it as an investment since it would also work with the HD650's when I eventually buy a pair

So.... would a cable be noticable? And, if so, where are some good places to get decent ones that aren't SOOO expensive?
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post #2 of 25
2/12/04 at 10:42pm
i just got a set of the oehlbach cables from meier-audio. i was very doubtful that cables would make a difference, but i really do believe that the sound improved a considerable amount.

their service was excellent. i paid 63 dollars for them. i placed my order on the 7th, they shipped on the 9th, and i recieved them today (the 12th) and i'm in the US! they said to expect 10 days for them to arrive, it took 3 days! anyway, i think these are the way to go if you want to spend under 100 dollars.

http://home.t-online.de/home/meier-audio/
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post #3 of 25
2/12/04 at 11:48pm
The Oehlbach seems like the most cost effective solution. The other aftermarket cables run around $150 for Cardas and about the same for the Stefan Art cable as well. The Zu cable is so expensive because it's a silver cable. For the 580's and a computer source I'd say the Oehlbach is about what you'd want.
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post #4 of 25
2/13/04 at 12:56am
kelesh,

Check out hajime's website:

http://www.bayleyaudio.com/

He uses magnet wire in his replacement cable for the 580/600/650. I've had a pair for about 3 weeks. With my home rig (NAD 541/XP7). There is nice detail and its a bit more forward than the Equinox. Dare I say bright, but in a good sense. Its thicker than the Equinox, but just as flexible. I'd recommend the Diamondback. Chris is great to deal with.

Regards - reynman
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post #5 of 25
2/13/04 at 1:42am
Thread Starter 
hajime's cables aren't braided which seems troublesom. How much do they cost? i will do a search for discussions about them.
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post #6 of 25
2/13/04 at 1:48am
Thread Starter 
The Oehlbach looks rather thin and flimsy. How can a thin cable like that actually improve the sound noticably?

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post #7 of 25
2/13/04 at 2:00am
Quote:
Originally posted by reynman
kelesh,

Check out hajime's website:

http://www.bayleyaudio.com/
Rey,

Thank you for the mention.
Quote:
Originally posted by kelesh
hajime's cables aren't braided which seems troublesom. How much do they cost?
Hello there,

When I was testing various builds of the cable I found braiding caused negative effects to the sound. The lack of braiding means it is only partially shielded, but unless you place it within around three inches of a power cord you shouldn't run into trouble.

I am currently working out a new price for the cables. They take a lot of work to build and I may be discontinue them and sell them as a kit. This would be an even less expensive cable option for the DIY'ers of the forums.

I own a pair of Meier Audio Oehlbach cables and find the sound from them to be very pleasent. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them. I will refrain from giving a more detailed opinion as I'm a competitor.

If you have any questions feel free to email me.
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post #8 of 25
2/13/04 at 2:57am
Quote:
Originally posted by kelesh
The Oehlbach looks rather thin and flimsy. How can a thin cable like that actually improve the sound noticably?
they are close to twice the size of the factory cables, but i guess they could have added a thick layer of expandable sleeving to make them look bigger.
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post #9 of 25
2/13/04 at 3:13am
Thread Starter 
wow, they are bigger than I thought. when you say "twice the size" do you mean "twice the area (pi r^2)" or do you mean twice the diameter?

I searched and could not find a comparison of the Oehlbach to the Blue Moon or any other cable for that matter.

I will see how much a 4 foot blue moon costs, and then make my decision.

Both cables can be purchased with paypal, I am so happy!
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post #10 of 25
2/13/04 at 4:07am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally posted by Born2bwire
The Oehlbach seems like the most cost effective solution. The other aftermarket cables run around $150 for Cardas and about the same for the Stefan Art cable as well. The Zu cable is so expensive because it's a silver cable. For the 580's and a computer source I'd say the Oehlbach is about what you'd want.
Well, I will be buying a pair of HD650's sooner or later, so just assume that's what I'm using with this system.

Are the Oehlbach's still all I want?

Blue Clou's are $89, but they have had some slightly negative reviews, as have the red clou's.
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post #11 of 25
2/13/04 at 5:37am
Thread Starter 
It appears to be the Oehlbach's for $55 + shipping, or a $150+ cable option, which is just too pricey imho.
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post #12 of 25
2/13/04 at 11:24am
kelesh,

I had the Red Clous for about 1 1/2 years with my 580s. They are an improvment over the stock cables, but when I heard the Equinox it was a big difference. More balanced sound and a bit forward and a lot more flexible!

Regards - reynman
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post #13 of 25
2/13/04 at 12:59pm
I talked about my experiences (to date) with the Oehlbach and Dragon Blue here:

http://www5.head-fi.org/forums/showt...threadid=57759

Let me know if you need specific answers, and I'll try to answer.
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post #14 of 25
2/13/04 at 2:55pm
Thread Starter 
How can the blue dragon's be had for $108.35 shipped, as you described in your post?
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post #15 of 25
2/13/04 at 5:50pm
That's the Blue Dragon IC, in silver, with Cardas connectors. The headphone cable is $140, shipped.
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