Comparisons
As you could imagine based on the impressions given in the section above, comparing the R2 to other cables is fairly difficult. The result is more or less the same for any TOTL cable: overall, the R2 inspires a lot, while in certain ranges of the sound spectrum other cables may have the lead.
Plussound X8 gold plated silver:
The X8 GPS is my personal every-day cable. Therefore, comparison with this cable may be most accurate in this section. The stage of the R2 is slightly wider than the stage of the X8 (although the X8 already impresses with its insane stage!). More importantly, the stage sounds naturally wide on the R2, while for the X8 the wideness appears to be artificial. On the treble stage, the X8 scores. It is wider and more detailed as it carries the characteristics of OCC silver with gold-capped high frequencies. However, depending on your IEM, this may cause the overall sound to be slightly too bright. In that case I would definitely recommend the R2. In the mid-range, the R2 outperforms the X8. It has the most balanced and widest mid-range I have heard so far, such that even TOTL cables like the X8 GPS cannot compete. As for the bass, both cables are comparable. The gold gives good control and presence of the bass while the R2 just naturally sounds similar. The X8 GPS may be slightly more responsive with the use of fast music and has a less lagging sound.
Plussound X8 gold plated copper:
The X8 GPC gives the inverted result: While the R2 presents a wider and more detailed mid and treble stage, the lower mids and bass of the X8 GPC are cleaner, punchier and better controlled. The X8 GPC is among the fastest and most responsive cables I have heard, so it is naturally difficult for a silver cable to compete in lower stages. However, the resolution is better for the R2. For bright IEMs like the Zeus R, I personally use the GPC since the pairing with the R2 overall strengthens the mid-centricity of the Zeus. For darker IEMs like the FitEar 335 or the 64 audio A18, the R2 shows better synergy.
YY Pro Pluto:
This comparison is particularly interesting given the special character of the Pluto. For those who have not heard about this cable, it is an OCC silver based 8-braid mixed alloy, that contains gold and palladium. As a result, the treble is smoother than pure silver, the mids have clean silver character and the bass carries a slightly laid back, punchy and exciting copper-like signature.
In comparison, the R2 has a considerably wider stage. This is a phenomenon I observed many times with alloys: when two or more metal are mixed, the cable tends to have more intimate stages compared to cables made of one single material. Furthermore, the R2 is much rounder and natural compared to the analyticity and overall crispness of the Pluto. In terms of clarity, both cables are compatible. However, the R2 has the better resolution and gives, therefore, a deeper sense of 3-dimensionality. For the bass stage, the Pluto has a better bass control which is especially clean and physically pinching. On this stage, the sound resembles partially the lower stages of the X8 GPC, just with less effect and depth.
If you are looking for a very harmonic and organic sound, the R2 may be your choice. On the other hand, if you look for an exciting cable that spices up your listening experience, the Pluto will do the complementary job.
Finally, I would like to briefly highlight once more the outstanding resolution of the R2. This special characteristic leads to a very holographic sound that never fails to amaze. Even most other TOTL cables in the same price category cannot compete with the R2 in this area.
Last but not least, keep in mind that differences are mostly small here since the comparison copes with some of the best cables on the market. All cables mentioned above are marvellous. If a sentence mentioned “cable A is better than cable B in C” it means that B is really good, but A is even slightly better. Furthermore, I picked three cables that I personally cherish a lot. There are a load of other cables on the market that I tried but did not convince me as much as the listed ones.
Conclusion
The R2 is one of the best cables I have heard so far, showing a technical capability that surpasses the biggest portion of today’s market. The price tag of 1295 USD is in the upper range but fully reasonable with regard to the quality and tonality the R2 holds. Nowadays, these dimensions of pricing are rather common, and sadly TOTL cables rather rarely justify their tag. Within the realm of cables, the R2 however, will not let any wishes open. The only concern is that given the anatomy of the R2, people with strong bound to outdoor activities and public transportation may want to consider the purchase twice.
To sum up the pros and cons discussed throughout this review, I would like to start with the negative points (since there are few to none).
Negative: - Build: impractical size and choice of colour/materials for the coating.
Pro: + Build: looks and quality of handicraft is flawless
+ enormous soundstage
+ extreme resolution, clarity and detail.
+ flawless harmony on all stages
Quality: 10/10
Sound: 10/10
Value for money: 10/10
I like the word "colourful tonality" in your reviews, because I've just recently found iems that sounds really colourful. I dont know how to describe the sound to my freinds, but I know it is colorful and vivid, but not many people use this term to describe the sound.