[IAMBLEST]

hmm, this is strage. Are you sure you didn't change anything else?

100% sure.
 
Computer volume is at 100% as usual.  Same programme (Jriver Media Centre 19), Same tracks i use, all i did was literally change the cables over and let them run in.
 
With the old cables, i used to let them run in overnight, it volume all the way down i could barely hear anything unless i put my ears right up to them.  Now, i have to switch back to normal gain and crank it all the way down and i can still hear it.
 
When i first plugged the new cables in it was v similar to my standard ones, but after a couple of days they REALLY have opened up.  This is no trick at all..i had my friend come over and he could hear the headphones from across the room when they were just running in and he asked why i left them so loud, he looked at the HA-1 and it was on -80dB...so yeah with these cables im just keeping my volume knob at 9-10oclock rather than 2-3 oclock. 

 

[Richsvt]

Can I rely on your word? Does it teally improve the SQ compared to the stock cable?

What can I say? This is such a subjective thing. What sounds great to me may not to someone else. From my experience (and my opinion), the cable does make a difference. There are a lot of factors going on here. Headphones, source player, source files, listening environment all affect the sound. I buy cables to help me egonomically (the stock was too stiff and unyielding) and I do believe there is some expansion on sound. Again, this is my opinion. No one has to agree with me. It's my money and listening preference so I chose what I like. YMMV.

 

[citraian]

100% sure.

Computer volume is at 100% as usual.  Same programme (Jriver Media Centre 19), Same tracks i use, all i did was literally change the cables over and let them run in.

With the old cables, i used to let them run in overnight, it volume all the way down i could barely hear anything unless i put my ears right up to them.  Now, i have to switch back to normal gain and crank it all the way down and i can still hear it.

When i first plugged the new cables in it was v similar to my standard ones, but after a couple of days they REALLY have opened up.  This is no trick at all..i had my friend come over and he could hear the headphones from across the room when they were just running in and he asked why i left them so loud, he looked at the HA-1 and it was on -80dB...so yeah with these cables im just keeping my volume knob at 9-10oclock rather than 2-3 oclock. 

Maybe someone can shed some light on why the new cables are louder... It's really strange since I didn't encounter this before...

 

[whirlwind]

This cable is such an improvement over the stock. I mean, aesthetics aside, it really opens up the bass and allows such detailed placement of instruments that I am intoxicated every time I listen to it. Never fails to leave me smiling...

Trevor's Draug 2 for my hD800 also opened up the bass....thanks Trevor....it is an awesome cable ...it is total quality and I woulld refer it to all with an HD800

 

[Mahdi8]

  Trevor's Draug 2 for my hD800 also opened up the bass....thanks Trevor....it is an awesome cable ...it is total quality and I woulld refer it to all with an HD800

Made me jealous. I got my Original Draug a month before Draug 2 was released

 

[IAMBLEST]

  Trevor's Draug 2 for my hD800 also opened up the bass....thanks Trevor....it is an awesome cable ...it is total quality and I woulld refer it to all with an HD800

 
did you notice them being more efficient to run? like the volume doesnt need to be as loud to get to your listening level? or has my amp just opened up more and benefited from more run in?

 

[whirlwind]

 

  Trevor's Draug 2 for my hD800 also opened up the bass....thanks Trevor....it is an awesome cable ...it is total quality and I woulld refer it to all with an HD800

 
did you notice them being more efficient to run? like the volume doesnt need to be as loud to get to your listening level? or has my amp just opened up more and benefited from more run in?

I really have not noticed that, but it could be that I have not paid that much attention to that.
 
I can't say that I have really noticed that, though.

 

[IAMBLEST]

That's the thing. It's not my ears playing tricks on me. I can't get the volume knob anywhere near where I used to now. The fact I had to shift it into normal gain was the biggest eye opener for me.

 

[citraian]

This is the first time I ever heard of such a thing and I'm no stranger of custom cables, especially Norse/Norne. I find this interesting. Maybe Trevor can shed some light...

 

[IAMBLEST]

Ok later tonight I'll connect the stock cables back in and see if that makes a difference and see what volume I need to run the system at to get to my listening levels

 

[IAMBLEST]

Ok here are some tests using volume at my listening level, knowing this isnt precise science by any means: i just started each song from no volume to the volume where i usually listen then wrote it down. Gain was on High for both.
 
OPPO HA-1
Sennheiser HD800s
 
Using Norne Draug 2 Balanced
Tracks:
 
The Blue Nile: Sentimental Man = -15dB
Fleetwood Mac - Go Your Own Way = -13dB
Depeche Mode - Barrel of a Gun = -14dB
CHVRCHES - the mother we share = -12dB
 
Using Sennheiser CH800S Balanced
Tracks:
 
The Blue Nile: Sentimental Man - Comfortable Volume = -10dB
Fleetwood Mac - Go Your Own Way = -7.5dB
Depeche Mode - Barrel of a Gun = -9dB
CHVRCHES - the mother we share = --9dB
 
OPPO HA-1
Audeze LCD3
 
Using Norne Draug 2 Balanced
Tracks:
 
The Blue Nile: Sentimental Man - Comfortable Volume = -13.5dB
Fleetwood Mac - Go Your Own Way = -12.5dB
Depeche Mode - Barrel of a Gun = -15dB
CHVRCHES - the mother we share = -15dB
 
Using Stock LCD3 Balanced
Tracks:
 
The Blue Nile: Sentimental Man - Comfortable Volume = -12.5dB
Fleetwood Mac - Go Your Own Way = -10dB
Depeche Mode - Barrel of a Gun = -11dB
CHVRCHES - the mother we share = -11dB
 
maybe not as huge a difference as I thought when you actually measure it, but bear in mind the stock cables have hundreds of hours of use, but the Norne have around 50 hours each.

 

[reddog]

Thanks for the measurement of the cables. The new cable really had a pronounced effect upon your HD 800's. My new Vanquish cables have surprised me, to my subjective ears, the bass has seemed to open up a bit. Furthermore with the new cable I do not have to turn the volume knob as high as I did with the stock.

 

[IAMBLEST]

Thanks for the measurement of the cables. The new cable really had a pronounced effect upon your HD 800's. My new Vanquish cables have surprised me, to my subjective ears, the bass has seemed to open up a bit. Furthermore with the new cable I do not have to turn the volume knob as high as I did with the stock.

Ok I'm glad it's not just me. I really notice the difference between the two cables.

 

[reddog]

Ok I'm glad it's not just me. I really notice the difference between the two cables.

I especially notice the difference between the stock balanced and the Norne balanced cable. Using my Norne XLR cable, I rarely go past the 12 a clock position. I notice the effect, using my single-ended adapter, but not as pronounced with my lyr2. Furthermore I barely notice the effect using my Asgard 2. It seems, perhaps, the cables are more efficient and coupled with a more powerful amp, the volume need not bleed adjusted as high. I wish I had scientific instruments, to measure, what I am perceiving.

 

[Shembot]

Has anyone directly compared the Solv X and the Arcane? I'm thinking of buying my final endgame cable and I'm torn.