GUcraftsman headphones/earphones cables

fortunate son

100+ Head-Fier
Sensational cable for the HD700 and HE6SEV2
Pros: Flexible, much lower price than other silver cables, no mechanical noise when you touch it, very well made, perfect length, very noticable sonic improvements across the board (more "there" there).
Cons: None.
Agree with other positive reviewer comments.
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sojibshariyar

New Head-Fier
Pros: Amazing Quality, Zero Noise, Less Distortion
Cons: High Price(But its worth the price compared to other pricy cable on the market)
Personally satisfied with result and sound quality is amazing
fortunate son
fortunate son
I agree with sojibshariyar.

Adnan Firoze

100+ Head-Fier
Pros: Amazing craftsmanship, excellent resolution, zero noise, solid build, completely artistic look, honesty in material usage, super fast shipping
Cons: Kind of pricey - but only slightly.
This is not an advertisement but it is definitely a recommendation. Nothing was handed to me for free. I bought these cables with my money and on top of that, I don't even know the guy who makes these cables but I know that he is probably the best IEM cable maker I have tried - and believe me, I have tried a lot including stuff from Moon Audio.

Okay, so it was a giveaway right there that this has to do with IEM cables. I came across one (just a single review) of this Asian guy Gu who makes good cables. Thought I might give it a try. Went for his cheapest one and ordered a balanced one to use with my UE 900s. And oh boy was I in for a surprise! I was overwhelmed. Here's why:

The Presentation (pictures at the end)

Would you look at that? That's a velvetty cardboard little box and inside there is a cloth cover. Below that, lied the cable. There was a 2.5 to 3.5mm converter for the convenience and which is not even mentioned in his Aliexpress store. Just see the pictures, guys. This is too much - I mean, what more can you ask for? I paid like $59 or something and seems like something more premium than any Audioquest box I have ever seen. A real plyester bag, for a cable! Wow! That too inside a real box that you are gonna keep. Trust me.

The Material

According to the difference price ranges you will get your high priced pure silver coated to .5N OCC copper cables from this guy. It may range from as low as $35 and as high as ten times that. The best thing is, this guy is no BS. He will show you a certification and you can just go take it to your local jewellery store to see if you want to see how much silver purity and your local tech shop to test the purity of copper. I think this transparency is what sets him apart from other "independent" cable makers. There are hundreds of other stores on Aliexpress that would rip you off. But not this guy! You get what you read/see.

The Braid(s) and Strands

Like the other review on Headfi about Gu's craftsmanship, his braids are different from others. He uses a sort of his own design of a crysallish shape of braids. See the pictures besides my "very think and awesome" Fearless Audio S8F stock cables side by side. His braids can be picked out by anyone acquainted to him just by eeing the braids. No other cable maker has the same design. And ohh the strands. They speak for themselves. Again, what you see is what you get. More like, what you are promised is what you will get.

Sound

Okay okay! I don;t want to go on a war about the debate between cables making sonic difference. Let's just say I DO believe in balanced vs. unbalanced and also a crappy vs. a great cable. As the ladder clims - you reach the point of diminishing returns of course. But, yes cables do play a role in the sound if it's an analog cable that you will probably run from your DAP to your ear. It IS a big deal! And yes, it makes a difference!

With Gu's cable with the UE900s I can totally hear a staging improvement along with tighter bass, punchier mid-bass and the best part - a much clearer presentation all across the place with supreme instrument separation. But it is very neutral sound - nothing over emphasized (but of course it's job is to retain the character of your IEM without making any noise - at it does it better than any that I have heard before). Still, you may be surprized what an ipgraded IEM cable can do. Again, note that this was my first try with Gu's cables and so it was the cheapest too. But I believe it made the most upgrade in my sound.

Then after he earned my respect (and money), I ordered a pricier cable for my recently acquired Fearless Audio s8 Freedom which I absolutely love - and also can go as far to say that it will give the Andromeda a run for her money. I particulatly ordered the "GuCraftsman 6n OCC Silver 2 pin IEM Cable meant for 64 audio U12t, Tia Fourte" for $128 (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/GUC...urte-Oriolus-re2000-Legend-X/32982536849.html).

And holy macaroni! The surprize factor was less this time because, hey, now I know what to expect. Now, I have the IEMs with the cables in my ear running from my X5 MK3. The sound is full bodied (than stock), cleaner. I wouldn't say that it has made a different IEM out of an already amazing IEM. That's not its job. But I can hear every instrument separately with a pitch black background even from a DAP that is known for some noise! On top of that, I am listening to Rage Against the Machine and I can pick out the so-rare-to-find cowbell noise from "Killing in the name of" So go figure!

Price (and "keyword" Craftsmanship)

Yes, Gu is pricier than his competition. Oter stores will offer you something of the same specs for cheaper but Gu will give you the real thing, as promised. On top of that, there's a reason for the Craftsmanship.

Gu's craftsmanship is what you are paying for - cosmetic and sonic. More on the sonic side of course but also for the hand made "honest yet premium" (honest and premium - tangibly and also sonically) cables!

Thank you Gu. You are an artist of IEM cables. Hats off to your craftsmanship.

Link to Gu's Store: https://www.aliexpress.com/store/3879013

IMG_0111.JPG IMG_0113.JPG IMG_0114.JPG IMG_0115.JPG IMG_0116.JPG IMG_0117.JPG IMG_0118.JPG IMG_0119.JPG IMG_0120.JPG IMG_0121.JPG IMG_0122.JPG IMG_0123.JPG IMG_0124.JPG IMG_0125.JPG IMG_0126.JPG IMG_0127.JPG IMG_0128.JPG IMG_0129.JPG IMG_0130.JPG IMG_0131.JPG
hakuzen
hakuzen
nice review, thanks! although i've not found measurable tonal or distortion conclusive differences, i clearly notice sound difference when AB comparing cables (transients? definition?), and these cables from Gu are on top of my list. glad you also appreciate them
warriorpoet
warriorpoet
Just upgraded to the same 6N silver cable for my S8 Pro, and I have exactly the same experience. Considering the quality of the stock cable (which is exceptional), I wasn't expecting a tonal upgrade, but there it is! Really an incredible cable.

hakuzen

Headphoneus Supremus
Pros: very good conductivity, while thin and light
doesn't degrade noticeably the sound, so you can appreciate your gear resolution
awesome oriental look
Cons: strain relief of jack is a bit short and stiff
this is my fast review of some GUcraftsman cables.
i purchased them (he400i copper, mmcx copper, mmcx silver, all three with 2.5mm trrs balanced) at their retail price (discounted at 11.11). so i'm not affiliated to this seller in any way.

forgive the quality of the pics (my photo skills are near zero, and i'm red/green colors blinded), my english (not my mother nor my aunt language), and the lack of detailed info. this is my first review, fast one because i haven't got the time now to extend.


GUcraftsman

GUcraftsman is a new aliexpress seller. the name suggests he is an individual craftman, but there could be other craftmen in the team making their cables, i don't know. couldn't find any other site where he sells his cables.
link of his aliexpress shop:
https://www.aliexpress.com/store/3879013
links of the cables i've purchased and tested:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/-/32887680475.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/-/32887728749.html
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/-/32889002978.html

i've purchased some cables to various craftmen in the past (and i keep doing it now). got big satisfaction every time. examples; the guy of impact audio cables in the US, and Ghent in China.
they inspire me more confidence. artisans use to love their work, and they put effort and care on their creations. that's why i decided to try Gu's cables, and titled this review as "enthusiast craftsman".

he makes cables by demand, terminations for many types of headphones (the actual inventory of his shop doesn't reflect all the possibilities; you can ask for your custom needs), and jacks (4.4mm, 3.5mm, and 2.5mm balanced, 3.5mm single end, and lightning).

wire used is only of two types at this moment:
8 cores of 0.08mm*19strands (equivalent to 27awg per core), PVC sleeved, equivalent to 24awg (roughly) per signal (2 cores), of 6N OCC copper, or silver plated 6N OCC.
this wire provides quite good conductivity, while keeping good flexibility.
edit: more types of wires available now; cheaper 5N OFC, and others.



physical (look and construction)

the presentation is awesome.
black box. a bag, acrylic textile, has a good size, enough to carry your cable, earphones, and even an small dap. the best thing of the bag is its logo, Gu's logo, in white, which i guess it means Gu-Craftsman in chinese.
a very few cable sellers provide a rigid box instead of a bag. i prefer that rigid box to the bag, because your earphones are more protected, but the box needs to have enough size to not compress the earphones (risk of damaging them).
the cable comes into a zip plastic bag. a nice strap is attached to the cable.
the overall look is minimalist, maybe japanese style. black and white, and some not vivid colors, like grey or brown.

the color of the wire comes from the combination of the conductor, plus a colored translucent thin pvc sleeve.
copper variant color is light brown, slightly shiny. silver color is shiny grey. in the product description page, it's said that the sleeve is enough strong to avoid green de-coloration/oxidation. time will tell.
the pics doesn't reflect true color, because i had to use a warm artificial light when taking the photos.

PB270310c.JPG
(colors in this pic are near to real ones)

i'm in love with the splitter and chin slider (which is tight, it doesn't slide by its own). they are metallic, aluminum probably; the shape and text remind who and where they are made in, according with the minimalist design.
i think he has chosen the right size and shape (find too big other solutions); it's very elegant.

PB270315c.JPG

ear guides are optional (applies to iems cables). they are molded heat shrink plastic.
i chose cables with ear guides due to two reasons: plugs are more protected, the guides act as strong strain reliefs; there is no risk of being backwards molded with mmcx (you can find this issue with 2-pins plugs, because manufacturers use different orientations).

the plugs are black, alo audio branded or styled, according with the mentioned aesthetic. 2.5mm trs for hifiman are oyaide styled. strain reliefs are good in these hifiman plugs (short heat shrink plastic inside, longer and softer thermoplastic/silicone? outside). strain relief in jack is a bit short and rigid heat shrink plastic; this could be improved.

PB270352c.JPG PB270333c.JPG

the wire is enough flexible. it doesn't get tangled, it's not springy, and didn't found noticeable microphonics.
i've found softer and more flexible wires, because the conductor is thinner and not so tight twisted and/or the sleeve material is TPU or kind of silicone. here, the sleeve is a stronger thin PVC; guess this protect the conductor better from scratches and cuts, and prevent de-coloration (as advertised), but it's a bit rougher and stiffer than softer plastics..

one thing that caught my attention, is the braid work. most 8 cores wires i've seen are differently braided; the result is like a prism, while this is like a cylinder.

PB270354c.JPG

i like the color of silver variant. shiny grey, original choice after seeing so many shiny white ones.
about the color of copper variant, i might prefer the orange tone of naked copper, but this moderately shiny light brown is ok. it's between the naked copper and the dark brown we are seeing lately.

silver variant (with detail of the gift, for purchasing three cables, an alo audio 2.5mm balanced female to 3.5mm male):
PB270331c.JPG PB270322c.JPG

copper variant:
PB270339c.JPG


"sound"


cables don't sound anyhow. they only conduct the signal. they can only degrade the signal.
the goal is trying to minimize that degradation. interference from outside can degrade the signal. twisting the strands into the cores, and also the cores, prevents some kind of interference. braided screens and other sleeves prevent other kind of interference, but this adds weight and stiffness, and it's not so important for earphones wearing. at least, this is what i've understood after some reading sessions.
other kind of "degradation" is internal: attenuation (and may be others) due to resistance of the conductor. all the materials advances look for better conductivity, less resistance: fewer impurities (purity grade), more linear structure (single crystal, occ).. but the impact grade of these advances on signal degradation compared to the difference of price is still questionable, imo.

i've compared frequency response and distortion using different types of wire (same conditions), and the difference, if any, is not noticeable. so no tonal variation. there is an exception of this, when using sensitive balanced armatures (hybrids included) earphones; resistance of the cable is added to output impedance of your source; above 1Ω (total) can alter tonal response noticeably (high frequencies specially). this is another reason to seek for minimal resistance cables. in my experience, i'd aim to cable resistance below 200mΩ (equivalent to 26awg conductor) per signal.

each time i listen to and compare cables, the more convinced i am about the difference consists mainly in something which affects to thickness and definition, to transients. this would explain why we perceive more detail (thinner), or fuller sound (warmer=thicker), which can be erroneously interpreted as tonal variations.

measured dc resistance of the three cables (L+, R+, L+, R-, in mΩ), and weight, plugs and strap included, of two of them:
he400i copper: 142 143 133 135
mmcx copper: 136 143 127 130 (26.85g)
mmcx silver: 135 133 124 128 (27.5g)
equivalent to 24awg (roughly) per signal (2 cores). quite good conductivity!.

i've tested them. xduoo x20 balanced with toneking t4, and zishan dsd ak4495 + ghostaudio miniA1 amp + he400i (single end).
when compared with 7n occ thicker cables, after trying hard, i barely notice any difference, which is great. minimal degradation.
when compared with stock he400i cable.. oh, man, the difference is quite noticeable immediately: this cable respects headphones resolution; you get less distortion, cleaner sound, so more detailed. amazing.

when saw Gu uses the same wires for all their hand-crafted cables, supposed that he chose that wire carefully. so the wire is true 6n occ, as claimed; i still don't know if the wire of silver color version is the same than copper version or it is silver plated copper.

i'd go silver for warm (thick) sounding phones, and copper for thin ones. maybe silver sounds a bit thinner.
edit: after listening comparison of both, i can't find differences between them, even you get darker sound with silver (or spc) one.
anyway, any of the two cables are a safe bet, so aesthetics criteria is also acceptable when choosing (the color of silver cable pairs great with stainless steel color).

conclusions

once again, an artisan doesn't disappoint me. massively produced cables made by operators, equivalent to this, cost the same, and the work is not as fine as in this cable.
i really like the aesthetics, comfort, and performance of this cable.
there is another matter which i consider an special plus, specially after finding problems when dealing with some chinese vendors: Gu is a skilled worker with huge knowledge of audio, very communicative, enthusiast, love his work, provides every info you ask for, solves issues with ease, can make custom cables, and is very efficient, kind, and cordial. highly recommended.
hakuzen
hakuzen
thank you. yup, i've been doing some ab between Gu's cables and other "expensive" chinese cables recently, and Gu's cables are on top of sound quality. really good wire and great look. glad you tried and liked them!
warriorpoet
warriorpoet
I just got the 6N silver cable in. Quality is unreal, and sound is revealing. Really a beautifully constructed, top quality cable for a lot less $ than might be expected. Absolutely no complaints whatsoever.
progdvd
progdvd
I have 6n occ pure copper. Provided pictures don't do its justice. Color is bit different more beautiful and that braid is perfection. Look and feel, girth and weight, is out of this world. Puts all other cables to shame. Ear-hooks are most comfortable I have ever tried on any cable... Worth every dime.
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