eyeteeth
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x
Review: Oritek X-1 cable
- Thread starter eyeteeth
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Inter
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Based on all the reviews you mentioned and your own and also some very helpful emails from Ori, I sent him my money a few days ago.
I have no idea what to expect.
My current IC's are some rather cheap ($50) Audioquest IC's.
They arrived in Norway this evening, which means they will be in my greedy hands probably saturday morning.
Should be interesting.
I have no idea what to expect.
My current IC's are some rather cheap ($50) Audioquest IC's.
They arrived in Norway this evening, which means they will be in my greedy hands probably saturday morning.
Should be interesting.
eyeteeth
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Hey that's great Inter! It's good to see someone break away and explore independently from the herd!
The X-1 will let you hear the full sonic glory of Ghost Reveries.
Or at least your other gear, which I'm unfamiliar with. I hope they're good.
How do you find Opeth's Ghost Reveries? Sonically it's a big step up from the others. Artistically that a personal matter.
The X-1 will let you hear the full sonic glory of Ghost Reveries.
Or at least your other gear, which I'm unfamiliar with. I hope they're good.
How do you find Opeth's Ghost Reveries? Sonically it's a big step up from the others. Artistically that a personal matter.
looka like I'll be giving these a try, ayone know if he was them ready to ship or is there a wait. my last small cable manufacter purchase is now 2+months w/o the cable. I know I will eventually get it but the wait is a killer.
eyeteeth
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Quote:
They're ready to ship.
And like I pointed out in the Grover UR thread comparisons to the X-1, (posts #154, 157, 159, 162, 164 & 166), they're already burned-in and if you don't like them you get your money back.
Don't you hate when a new cable arrives, it disappoints and you're told to "give it 100 hours to burn-in". My skeptical side tells me the cable maker wants to introduce the psychological element into the listening. He doesn't want you to hear the cable in the bright light of day. Good for Oritek for having the guts not to hide behind burn-in.
I want some others to try the X-1 'cause it's damn lonely at the top!
| Originally Posted by jp11801 ayone know if he was them ready to ship or is there a wait. my last small cable manufacter purchase is now 2+months w/o the cable. I know I will eventually get it but the wait is a killer. |
They're ready to ship.
And like I pointed out in the Grover UR thread comparisons to the X-1, (posts #154, 157, 159, 162, 164 & 166), they're already burned-in and if you don't like them you get your money back.
Don't you hate when a new cable arrives, it disappoints and you're told to "give it 100 hours to burn-in". My skeptical side tells me the cable maker wants to introduce the psychological element into the listening. He doesn't want you to hear the cable in the bright light of day. Good for Oritek for having the guts not to hide behind burn-in.
I want some others to try the X-1 'cause it's damn lonely at the top!
markl
Hangin' with the monkeys.
Member of the Trade: Lawton Audio
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Quote:
OK, so he probably has a cable cooker of some kind.
[But even when cooked, there's still a (greatly reduced) burn-in effect.] Yeah, not every cable maker has a cooker, not many do, it adds greatly to the amount of time it takes to make a cable. That doesn't mean they're "hiding behind burn-in", though. It means the customer just has to be aware that their new cables are going to go through the process on their own gear, that's standard procedure that most customers are aware of in advance.
I agree though, burn-in is my *least* favorite part of the whole cable-swapping game, it SUCKS! If you don't like it straight out of the box, and if there is no burn-in effect and the cable doesn't change, chances are you are going to be even more sour and bitter about the cable's performance after going through the process and still having a bad cable, not less so. I think you would be more inclined to reject rather than accept.
| Good for Oritek for having the guts not to hide behind burn-in. |
I agree though, burn-in is my *least* favorite part of the whole cable-swapping game, it SUCKS! If you don't like it straight out of the box, and if there is no burn-in effect and the cable doesn't change, chances are you are going to be even more sour and bitter about the cable's performance after going through the process and still having a bad cable, not less so. I think you would be more inclined to reject rather than accept.
Quote:
Was that 199 for a one meter and just one set? The web site looks more expensive like $289 for one> one meter cable. I want one but at almost $300 it's a tough call, if it's 199 for a one meter you will have a second member
x-1 club
| Originally Posted by eyeteeth This is an incredible cable. It's ludicrously low priced at $199 (after 30% discount). |
Was that 199 for a one meter and just one set? The web site looks more expensive like $289 for one> one meter cable. I want one but at almost $300 it's a tough call, if it's 199 for a one meter you will have a second member
x-1 club
bobeau
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Quote:
I believe you missed this
"It is our policy is to offer deep discounts for direct sales, see discount below."
"Discounts (effective 8-May-2005):
first 2 pairs: 30%
third or more: 35%"
| Originally Posted by jp11801 Was that 199 for a one meter and just one set? The web site looks more expensive like $289 for one> one meter cable. I want one but at almost $300 it's a tough call, if it's 199 for a one meter you will have a second member x-1 club |
I believe you missed this
"It is our policy is to offer deep discounts for direct sales, see discount below."
"Discounts (effective 8-May-2005):
first 2 pairs: 30%
third or more: 35%"
Quote:
gotta stop having beer for breakfast thanks!! I read it wrong thought I needed to buy 2 pair instead of up to 2 pair
| Originally Posted by bobeau I believe you missed this "It is our policy is to offer deep discounts for direct sales, see discount below." "Discounts (effective 8-May-2005): first 2 pairs: 30% third or more: 35%" |
gotta stop having beer for breakfast thanks!! I read it wrong thought I needed to buy 2 pair instead of up to 2 pair
eyeteeth
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Quote:
Hey why are ya woopee-ing me?
Quote:
Yeah I can't verify that they're hiding behind it. I think it's to their advantage though. "Not that good after 100 hours you say. Give it another 50. You'll find the soundstage should open up, and the highs become airier, less metallic".
We worked hard for the money, why should we work hard to hear how good their cable is? I said it in the Grover thread, I'm going to accord a cable the same amount of respect and effort as sources, amps, speakers, etc. I'm not going to put myself in meditation mode to try to detect that little extra touch of whatever. Show me what you're made of right here, right now, knock me out or get out. Maybe I'm unfair or unreasonable, but I'm not interested in riding the equipment merry-go-round. I can't afford to upgrade on an annual basis and I don't know that I'd want to even if I could. I need to find keepers and forget about the rest. I believe there are lots of guys like me?
I'm in this for my love of music. My budget is limited, it always will be and it is my wish to get the most bang for my buck as I possibly can. I have no patience for moderate improvements, half measures or side-steps. I'm not very good at hearing tweaks. Or at least their significance seems far less to me than to others. I refuse to imagine it sounds better. Any equipment change has to be a head and shoulders, no BS, unmistakable improvement over it's predecessor. And it has indeed been a case of disappointment related to cables. Nearly every review reads the same. They are interchangeable, "blacker backgrounds". Your description of the transparency of the UR could be a description of the X-1. But it's a Darwinian world and there will usually be something that at some point raises the bar and sets a new standard. If they raise it high enough it becomes a classic I presume.
I've heard the UR and X-1 side by side and for me the bar was well raised by the X-1 in the under $200 market. I think I'm getting an accurate, neutral, uncolored, revealing listen through a Benchmark DAC1, ATC amp and ATC speakers. They tell me more than the Sennheiser HD-600's do by a good 30%. I listen through the speakers daily and know what to expect from familiar recordings. I knew my cheap phonostage was sort of flat sounding but still enjoyable, now the X-1 has made it less so. I'll use the less revealing Grover UR on it until it's upgraded. I would expect it possible others don't get quite the impact I got. Or transparency is not what they need most in their system or for their preference. I honestly don't know. There have been so few listeners.
I know a guy who hates accuracy and loves artificially warm and lush. There does not exist an argument that he is not right. He is right for his desires and I think that's perfectly cool. For some or for many the Grover UR will be the porridge that is just right and the X-1 too hot to handle. For me the X-1 is nirvana.
You're a person of true integrity in my opinion and a comparison could tell you if the torch of affordable transparency has been passed. A new level of transparency is here now for me and I'm having a heck of a good time listening to music. That's all I really know for sure.
As for the merits of already burned-in as I see it:
Your new cable arrives burned-in, it is what it is, it will never change.
Instantly ready to face the music! To stand or fall on it's immediate merits.
I like that, it suits me.
You don't like the new cable? It's nothing special?
Sweet! Return to sender!
You've just saved yourself a pile of time and effort.
Quote:
You're absolutely right Michael.
Maybe it should be an option for the customer 'To be or not to be' burned in.
I think it's cool that you do and the fact that you do, lends me to believe your products to be worthy additions to many systems.
Obviously the joys of break-in are not my bag, but i can see how it would be for another. Thanks for the other perspective.
Now the gradual revelations of the dance of the seven veils by a woman is completely different!
Quote:
Quote:
Yes it is a messed up web site.
| Originally Posted by markl
|
Hey why are ya woopee-ing me?
Quote:
| Originally Posted by markl [But even when cooked, there's still a (greatly reduced) burn-in effect.] Yeah, not every cable maker has a cooker, not many do, it adds greatly to the amount of time it takes to make a cable. That doesn't mean they're "hiding behind burn-in", though. It means the customer just has to be aware that their new cables are going to go through the process on their own gear, that's standard procedure that most customers are aware of in advance. That's my *least* favorite part of the whole cable-swapping game, I agree it SUCKS! If you don't like it straight out of the box, and if there is no burn-in effect and the cable doesn't change, chances are you are going to be even more sour and bitter about the cable's performance after going through the process and still having a bad cable, not less so. I think you would be more inclined to reject rather than accept. |
Yeah I can't verify that they're hiding behind it. I think it's to their advantage though. "Not that good after 100 hours you say. Give it another 50. You'll find the soundstage should open up, and the highs become airier, less metallic".
We worked hard for the money, why should we work hard to hear how good their cable is? I said it in the Grover thread, I'm going to accord a cable the same amount of respect and effort as sources, amps, speakers, etc. I'm not going to put myself in meditation mode to try to detect that little extra touch of whatever. Show me what you're made of right here, right now, knock me out or get out. Maybe I'm unfair or unreasonable, but I'm not interested in riding the equipment merry-go-round. I can't afford to upgrade on an annual basis and I don't know that I'd want to even if I could. I need to find keepers and forget about the rest. I believe there are lots of guys like me?
I'm in this for my love of music. My budget is limited, it always will be and it is my wish to get the most bang for my buck as I possibly can. I have no patience for moderate improvements, half measures or side-steps. I'm not very good at hearing tweaks. Or at least their significance seems far less to me than to others. I refuse to imagine it sounds better. Any equipment change has to be a head and shoulders, no BS, unmistakable improvement over it's predecessor. And it has indeed been a case of disappointment related to cables. Nearly every review reads the same. They are interchangeable, "blacker backgrounds". Your description of the transparency of the UR could be a description of the X-1. But it's a Darwinian world and there will usually be something that at some point raises the bar and sets a new standard. If they raise it high enough it becomes a classic I presume.
I've heard the UR and X-1 side by side and for me the bar was well raised by the X-1 in the under $200 market. I think I'm getting an accurate, neutral, uncolored, revealing listen through a Benchmark DAC1, ATC amp and ATC speakers. They tell me more than the Sennheiser HD-600's do by a good 30%. I listen through the speakers daily and know what to expect from familiar recordings. I knew my cheap phonostage was sort of flat sounding but still enjoyable, now the X-1 has made it less so. I'll use the less revealing Grover UR on it until it's upgraded. I would expect it possible others don't get quite the impact I got. Or transparency is not what they need most in their system or for their preference. I honestly don't know. There have been so few listeners.
I know a guy who hates accuracy and loves artificially warm and lush. There does not exist an argument that he is not right. He is right for his desires and I think that's perfectly cool. For some or for many the Grover UR will be the porridge that is just right and the X-1 too hot to handle. For me the X-1 is nirvana.
You're a person of true integrity in my opinion and a comparison could tell you if the torch of affordable transparency has been passed. A new level of transparency is here now for me and I'm having a heck of a good time listening to music. That's all I really know for sure.
As for the merits of already burned-in as I see it:
Your new cable arrives burned-in, it is what it is, it will never change.
Instantly ready to face the music! To stand or fall on it's immediate merits.
I like that, it suits me.
You don't like the new cable? It's nothing special?
Sweet! Return to sender!
You've just saved yourself a pile of time and effort.
Quote:
| Originally Posted by michaelhwolff In addition, even if the manufacturer has the ability and equipment to burn in the cables. I have a complete room dedicated to breaking in stuff, two fry cleaners for initial frequency break in, 2 cd players, preamp, amp, and cheap speakers for real-time break in. Everything is put on the Fry for 4 days and then on the appropriate equipment for the real-time. This process can take up to 3 weeks. However, some customers want the experience of hearing the break in process, I think they feel that it becomes more personal for them to hear the changes. Or, they may not want to wait the extra days or weeks for the process to be completed.at the manufacturer. Other customer's like to have them broken in by the manufacturer and are willing to wait whatever time is needed. It's just a matter of preference. The option are always given and it is the customer's choice. Regards, Michael W. |
You're absolutely right Michael.
Maybe it should be an option for the customer 'To be or not to be' burned in.
I think it's cool that you do and the fact that you do, lends me to believe your products to be worthy additions to many systems.
Obviously the joys of break-in are not my bag, but i can see how it would be for another. Thanks for the other perspective.
Now the gradual revelations of the dance of the seven veils by a woman is completely different!
Quote:
| Originally Posted by jp11801 Was that 199 for a one meter and just one set? The web site looks more expensive like $289 for one> one meter cable. I want one but at almost $300 it's a tough call, if it's 199 for a one meter you will have a second member x-1 club |
Quote:
| Originally Posted by bobeau I believe you missed this "It is our policy is to offer deep discounts for direct sales, see discount below." "Discounts (effective 8-May-2005): first 2 pairs: 30% third or more: 35%" |
Yes it is a messed up web site.
Inter
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Sorry for not replying sooner. I was hoping to try the new cables with the Gilmore straight outta the box, but as I said in the PM, it will be another 1-2 weeks before that will happen. I'll still try the cables with my current setup don't worry!
I really dig Ghost Reveries. It is a wholly excellent album from start to finish. It's not produced by Steven Wilson, which is a set back to me, but it is still very nicely produced. It just lacks that Blackwater Park touch (which is my favourite Opeth album of all time).
| Originally Posted by eyeteeth Hey that's great Inter! It's good to see someone break away and explore independently from the herd!
The X-1 will let you hear the full sonic glory of Ghost Reveries. Or at least your other gear, which I'm unfamiliar with. I hope they're good. How do you find Opeth's Ghost Reveries? Sonically it's a big step up from the others. Artistically that a personal matter.
|
Sorry for not replying sooner. I was hoping to try the new cables with the Gilmore straight outta the box, but as I said in the PM, it will be another 1-2 weeks before that will happen. I'll still try the cables with my current setup don't worry!
I really dig Ghost Reveries. It is a wholly excellent album from start to finish. It's not produced by Steven Wilson, which is a set back to me, but it is still very nicely produced. It just lacks that Blackwater Park touch (which is my favourite Opeth album of all time).
eyeteeth
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Oh damn.
That's the thing with being an early listener of something, no one else knows what you're talking about.
Yep the Blackwater touch is confirmed as gone.
| Originally Posted by Inter Sorry for not replying sooner. I was hoping to try the new cables with the Gilmore straight outta the box, but as I said in the PM, it will be another 1-2 weeks before that will happen. I'll still try the cables with my current setup don't worry!
I really dig Ghost Reveries. It is a wholly excellent album from start to finish. It's not produced by Steven Wilson, which is a set back to me, but it is still very nicely produced. It just lacks that Blackwater Park touch (which is my favourite Opeth album of all time). |
Oh damn.
That's the thing with being an early listener of something, no one else knows what you're talking about.
Yep the Blackwater touch is confirmed as gone.
bobeau
Headphoneus Supremus
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eyeteeth,
Just wanted to let you know I'm all up for trying a demo set of these cables once I fix my L3000s and have them burned in, by Dec. Kinda curious why more aren't giving these a shot... sure you're a one man army in this thread, but if something evokes this kinda passion in just one person methinks they are worth a listen.
Just wanted to let you know I'm all up for trying a demo set of these cables once I fix my L3000s and have them burned in, by Dec. Kinda curious why more aren't giving these a shot... sure you're a one man army in this thread, but if something evokes this kinda passion in just one person methinks they are worth a listen.
skullguise
Headphoneus Supremus
Just tried to connect to linked site on first post. Getting a "cannot find server" error. Anyone else having this issue? I'll try again later....
Ori
Member of the Trade: Oritek Audio
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Oritek Audio site and email are temporarily down this weekend (29-30/Oct), sorry about that...
Apparently some Verizon fiber link was damaged in Sothern California and they can't estimate when it will be fixed. Modern technology...
Apparently some Verizon fiber link was damaged in Sothern California and they can't estimate when it will be fixed. Modern technology...
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