I would like to thank CCPH for providing me with this cable in return for my honest opinion.
Introduction
CC PH is a Philippine-based cable manufacturing company run by Ren Lazibal. Ren is part-time cable-maker, full time audiophile – first and foremost an enthusiast who is very active on multiple fora and blogs. Ren has an impressive collection of iems and daps, that even I am partially jealous of. In fact, we first came in contact discussing the Plenue S after it was released. His personal preference is a neutral signature, which is partially reflected in his iem cable. But more importantly, his mission is to offer a good price to quality ratio - in both build and sound.
The build
The Nuovo has a relatively standard copper cable look. The four wires have a pinkish/orange copper colour, and are braided together in a standard cross braid. The jack is a good quality and slim fitting black plug, and higher up a transparent plastic sphere serves as a slider. The cable is finished up top with black memory wire. The cable is a bit stiffer than a standard stock cable, but still very supple and easy to wind in a slim case. Overall the cable is very well built, and of the quality and class you might expect for its price.
Modular system (balanced adapters)
The real star of the system however, is the modular system that is included for a marginal extra fee of $30. The cable is terminated with a 3.5mm trrs balanced jack for the Plenue S/Hifiman/ZX2 players, but two other adapters are included: one that terminates as 2.5mm trrs (for AK and Onkyo etc.), and an adapter for regular 3.5mm trs. The modern audiophile is spoiled with choices for daps, and balanced outputs are growing in popularity. The only frustrating thing is when you have either two different ones, or switch from one dap to the next, or simply want to try something at a store or show. For this reason CC PH offers a very practical system that is cheap and easy to use on all systems.
Sound Impressions
The Nuovo has a very neutral tuning with a slight midcentric character that isn’t overly warm or bright, and doesn’t create particularly thin or thick notes (though closer to the thicker side). The mid-bass is fairly controlled, and gives warmth to the presentation without overdoing it. There is a slight coloration in the upper midrange; it is slightly brighter, giving vocals good presence and overall clarity. The treble has sufficient sparkle, although the upper treble, like the overall signature is predominantly smooth.
Comparisons
Lear C8 ‘Libra’
The Lear cable has a similar modular system as the Nuovo, but consists of a hybrid copper and SPC configuration with a more SPC-like tone. With a brighter upper midrange, its focus leans toward clarity and note articulation, while instruments have slightly better definition. The Nuovo on the other hand is smoother, especially in the upper mids, while also having slightly thicker and warmer midrange. The Lear’s upper treble is more prominent and sharper defined, while the Nuovo is again smoother and non-fatuiging. Overall, the Lear is slightly more U-shaped and detailed compared to the Nuovo, which has a fuller and more linear midrange.
Audiominor ‘Mahogany’ Copper Litz
The chocolate brown Audiominor shares a similar tonality, with a slightly more enhanced mid-bass presentation making for an overall warmer atmosphere. While the cable has similar transparency, the CC PH has a bit more tendency to sibilance on occasions with the Audiominor being slightly smoother in the lower treble, though overall the signatures are very similar.
Conclusion
With a high quality build and ingenious modular system, Ren’s CC PH cable has a lot to offer, even for the non-believers. Add a relatively flat and smooth signature, and everybody goes home a winner. With his excellent service, Ren offers a personal touch and is extremely pleasant to deal with – just be prepared to engage in lengthy discussions about anything related to music.
*Last two photos credit to Ren Lazibal
Introduction
CC PH is a Philippine-based cable manufacturing company run by Ren Lazibal. Ren is part-time cable-maker, full time audiophile – first and foremost an enthusiast who is very active on multiple fora and blogs. Ren has an impressive collection of iems and daps, that even I am partially jealous of. In fact, we first came in contact discussing the Plenue S after it was released. His personal preference is a neutral signature, which is partially reflected in his iem cable. But more importantly, his mission is to offer a good price to quality ratio - in both build and sound.
The build
The Nuovo has a relatively standard copper cable look. The four wires have a pinkish/orange copper colour, and are braided together in a standard cross braid. The jack is a good quality and slim fitting black plug, and higher up a transparent plastic sphere serves as a slider. The cable is finished up top with black memory wire. The cable is a bit stiffer than a standard stock cable, but still very supple and easy to wind in a slim case. Overall the cable is very well built, and of the quality and class you might expect for its price.
Modular system (balanced adapters)
The real star of the system however, is the modular system that is included for a marginal extra fee of $30. The cable is terminated with a 3.5mm trrs balanced jack for the Plenue S/Hifiman/ZX2 players, but two other adapters are included: one that terminates as 2.5mm trrs (for AK and Onkyo etc.), and an adapter for regular 3.5mm trs. The modern audiophile is spoiled with choices for daps, and balanced outputs are growing in popularity. The only frustrating thing is when you have either two different ones, or switch from one dap to the next, or simply want to try something at a store or show. For this reason CC PH offers a very practical system that is cheap and easy to use on all systems.
Sound Impressions
The Nuovo has a very neutral tuning with a slight midcentric character that isn’t overly warm or bright, and doesn’t create particularly thin or thick notes (though closer to the thicker side). The mid-bass is fairly controlled, and gives warmth to the presentation without overdoing it. There is a slight coloration in the upper midrange; it is slightly brighter, giving vocals good presence and overall clarity. The treble has sufficient sparkle, although the upper treble, like the overall signature is predominantly smooth.
Comparisons
Lear C8 ‘Libra’
The Lear cable has a similar modular system as the Nuovo, but consists of a hybrid copper and SPC configuration with a more SPC-like tone. With a brighter upper midrange, its focus leans toward clarity and note articulation, while instruments have slightly better definition. The Nuovo on the other hand is smoother, especially in the upper mids, while also having slightly thicker and warmer midrange. The Lear’s upper treble is more prominent and sharper defined, while the Nuovo is again smoother and non-fatuiging. Overall, the Lear is slightly more U-shaped and detailed compared to the Nuovo, which has a fuller and more linear midrange.
Audiominor ‘Mahogany’ Copper Litz
The chocolate brown Audiominor shares a similar tonality, with a slightly more enhanced mid-bass presentation making for an overall warmer atmosphere. While the cable has similar transparency, the CC PH has a bit more tendency to sibilance on occasions with the Audiominor being slightly smoother in the lower treble, though overall the signatures are very similar.
Conclusion
With a high quality build and ingenious modular system, Ren’s CC PH cable has a lot to offer, even for the non-believers. Add a relatively flat and smooth signature, and everybody goes home a winner. With his excellent service, Ren offers a personal touch and is extremely pleasant to deal with – just be prepared to engage in lengthy discussions about anything related to music.
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