This is a short review of a very special cable; the Rhapsodio “2.98” silver/gold OCC litz alloy 8-strand cable. The cable get its name from its relative high gold count of 2% (98% silver). This cable is without a doubt the most special cable I’ve ever heard – but just to be clear, I’m not saying it is by definition the best sounding cable; it just has a very different, and truly unique sound than a standard silver or silver/gold alloy cable. Most cables, especially silver cables, will generally speaking have a tighter bass providing a clear and open sound, with a cleaner background and more treble energy; usually giving a slight recess to the lower mids, basically giving a more V-shaped signature to an earphone. The 2.98 does something very different – for it is a truly midforward cable, which imposes a different effect on an iem’s signature.
Impressions
Listening is done with the Rhapsodio Solar, a 10BA driver ciem with a balanced signature with a full midrange, but enhanced bass and treble giving it a slightly more V-shaped signature compared to completely neutral (full review). With the standard silver-plated copper (SPC) cable, the Solar has a clear midrange with good size, and abundant treble sparkle with great energy. Bass is enhanced, but fast and clean.
With the 2.98, the mid-bass is slightly enhanced, but most of all more resolving. Overall bass impact increases, and hits with more authority. The midrange is inherently warm, though not particularly airy. The lower midrange gets more fill and size, and overall the midrange is slightly more forward. The warmth reduces the background clarity; it does not have a particularly clear background like you would expect from a silver cable. But its resolution is above average compared to standard silver cables, and uncovers more detail in the lower/mid midrange by means of definition rather than brightness. The upper midrange is slightly less enhanced, but a great deal smoother. Treble is articulate and detailed, though tonally the focus is on the midrange.
The sound is overall fuller due to the greater lower/mid midrange presence and noticeable warmth; but less airy and sparkly up top. Notes are thick and carry a lot of weight, giving it more of an authoritative sound overall. This effects the soundstage accordingly; the standard V-shape which gives a monitor the perception of an airier, wider soundstage feels slightly reduced in width.
Ergonomics
Despite its 8 wires, the 2.98 8-strand is a very thin cable; a great deal thinner than the 8-strand cables I’ve had so far, even besting one of my favorite 4-strand cables, the Toxic Silver Widow, by a great deal (but that cable has pretty thick wires). Its Kevlar reinforced center makes it very supple. The cable is completely microphonic free, although I am personally never bothered by microphonics anyhow since I do my listening on the go (from my experience microphonics are worst in contact with hard surfaces like desks). But it is an important factor for many people to note.
Concluding thoughts
As I stated in the introduction, the 2.98 really is a very special piece of work. It has the unique ability to add some more body and warmth to a V-shaped monitor – I know most people don’t ‘believe’ in cables, but I don't think this is an exaggeration. It is best matched with an iem that has an excellent midrange, like the Rhapsodio Solar, Empire Ears Zeus or the Heir 8.A I had before. But even then, its sound will not be to everyone’s liking and this is very important to note. But those who like it, absolutely love it. Its warm, full sound with thick notes can bring the best out of certain genres, but will be less applicable to others. I alternate the Solar ever so often between the standard SPC and 2.98 cable, and will change my music accordingly. With the 2.98, I’ll listen to heavier or alternative rock; bands like Chevelle, Django Django, Beck or Soulwax if any of those is familiar to you. For some reason, it also sounds spectacular with reggae, so I’ll listen to classics as UB40 and Bob Marley. With the standard SPC cable, I will listen to classic rock where you prefer a more cleaner, airier sound with that nice sparkle on top, or EDM for instance. It’s hard to say if it is my favorite cable or the ‘personal best of all time’, but again, it’s without a doubt one of the most unique I’ve heard so far, and trust me – I’ve had a few.
Rhapsodio 2.98 silver/gold OCC litz
http://www.rhapsodio.com/products/cables/litz-series/
4-strand = $380
8-strand = $550
(silver alloy 3.5mm jack + $30)
Note: the cable reviewed was the 8-strand + silver jack.
Impressions
Listening is done with the Rhapsodio Solar, a 10BA driver ciem with a balanced signature with a full midrange, but enhanced bass and treble giving it a slightly more V-shaped signature compared to completely neutral (full review). With the standard silver-plated copper (SPC) cable, the Solar has a clear midrange with good size, and abundant treble sparkle with great energy. Bass is enhanced, but fast and clean.
With the 2.98, the mid-bass is slightly enhanced, but most of all more resolving. Overall bass impact increases, and hits with more authority. The midrange is inherently warm, though not particularly airy. The lower midrange gets more fill and size, and overall the midrange is slightly more forward. The warmth reduces the background clarity; it does not have a particularly clear background like you would expect from a silver cable. But its resolution is above average compared to standard silver cables, and uncovers more detail in the lower/mid midrange by means of definition rather than brightness. The upper midrange is slightly less enhanced, but a great deal smoother. Treble is articulate and detailed, though tonally the focus is on the midrange.
The sound is overall fuller due to the greater lower/mid midrange presence and noticeable warmth; but less airy and sparkly up top. Notes are thick and carry a lot of weight, giving it more of an authoritative sound overall. This effects the soundstage accordingly; the standard V-shape which gives a monitor the perception of an airier, wider soundstage feels slightly reduced in width.
Ergonomics
Despite its 8 wires, the 2.98 8-strand is a very thin cable; a great deal thinner than the 8-strand cables I’ve had so far, even besting one of my favorite 4-strand cables, the Toxic Silver Widow, by a great deal (but that cable has pretty thick wires). Its Kevlar reinforced center makes it very supple. The cable is completely microphonic free, although I am personally never bothered by microphonics anyhow since I do my listening on the go (from my experience microphonics are worst in contact with hard surfaces like desks). But it is an important factor for many people to note.
Concluding thoughts
As I stated in the introduction, the 2.98 really is a very special piece of work. It has the unique ability to add some more body and warmth to a V-shaped monitor – I know most people don’t ‘believe’ in cables, but I don't think this is an exaggeration. It is best matched with an iem that has an excellent midrange, like the Rhapsodio Solar, Empire Ears Zeus or the Heir 8.A I had before. But even then, its sound will not be to everyone’s liking and this is very important to note. But those who like it, absolutely love it. Its warm, full sound with thick notes can bring the best out of certain genres, but will be less applicable to others. I alternate the Solar ever so often between the standard SPC and 2.98 cable, and will change my music accordingly. With the 2.98, I’ll listen to heavier or alternative rock; bands like Chevelle, Django Django, Beck or Soulwax if any of those is familiar to you. For some reason, it also sounds spectacular with reggae, so I’ll listen to classics as UB40 and Bob Marley. With the standard SPC cable, I will listen to classic rock where you prefer a more cleaner, airier sound with that nice sparkle on top, or EDM for instance. It’s hard to say if it is my favorite cable or the ‘personal best of all time’, but again, it’s without a doubt one of the most unique I’ve heard so far, and trust me – I’ve had a few.
Rhapsodio 2.98 silver/gold OCC litz
http://www.rhapsodio.com/products/cables/litz-series/
4-strand = $380
8-strand = $550
(silver alloy 3.5mm jack + $30)
Note: the cable reviewed was the 8-strand + silver jack.
