Vortex Cables Alida
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Disclaimer:
I don't usually review cables, this is in fact my first - reason being, I am as yet to be fully convinced as to the differences they make to sound - I appreciate a sensitive topic, but just to make it clear before I kick off! I've had one scenario where I was certain of a significant difference - that being changing the stock cable from the Penon Serial to the Hansound Nyx, the difference was incredibly obvious, especially to the mids where they went from being somewhat lifeless and pushed back, to much more 'lush' and present in the mix. That was about two years ago, and I've as yet been able to repeat with any IEM and cable - yes I've had scenarios where I 'think' something sounds different, but I can't say with certainty. I feel a lot of it is due to the time it takes to switch a cable and possibly my inability to remember what I had heard. So I guess you might wonder why the heck I bought this cable, or indeed any other cable? Read on after my next disclaimer...
Also, as I always note - I am not a 'professional' reviewer, simply a lifelong hobby/passion/addiction for music and technology. I will not deep dive into technical details, nor clearly will I talk about anything here with regards to how this cable sounds versus another. I bought this cable because it looks fantastic, and is beautifully built - plus to match with a recently purchased IEM, the Kinera Loki. This is a short review that captures what you get for your money, and a selection of photos that try to capture how stunning this cable looks. I intend to keep trying with regards to sound differences, as there are far too many people I trust in this hobby that absolutely swear by how cables can impact sound.
I purchased the cable from @MusicTeck at a reduced price in exchange for a short review. Thanks as always to Andrew for the wonderful service. The Vortex Alida has an RRP of $509 and is available from MusicTeck HERE
Unboxing
The Vortex Alida arrives in a slim rectangular box. It has a nice premium look and feel.
Inside you see the cable, Con-X accessories, case, leather cable clip and warranty card. The inner lid reminds me a bit of a mouse mat, not sure if that's intentional but I suspect it could be used as one, but have yet to try!
The cable itself has a braided finish which feels of very high quality and looks stunning in my opinion. Vortex describe the construction as follows:
The ConX MMCX connectors come in this separate box along with an MMCX removal tool:
I love the rugged look and feel of the 4.4mm jack - it is incredibly durable, and the discreet styling blends well in my opinion with any audio source.
The cable arrives with the 2-pin connections attached as standard. It is definitely very handy to have the option to switch to MMCX using the ConX system.
The y-splitter has the Vortex logo and again of very high quality. It does not have a neck cinch however, which is worth considering.
The cable as noted is of beautiful quality and feels very premium - I must note however that it is somewhat unwieldy and not ideal if the intended use is for true portable, i.e. out and about walking which in my opinion it is not ideal. Personally, I would not have ever intended to use a cable like this outdoors anyway - it is very much for my higher-end IEMs and for use at home.
Which brings me to the reason I chose this cable - to match with my recently purchased Kinera Loki which has a custom finish. I felt the grey of the Alida would match well with the navy shells, giving an overall premium finish.
Finally, a shot with the Lotoo Paw Gold Touch Ti.
In conclusion, the Alida is a beautiful cable and is perfect match for the Kinera Loki from an appearance and aesthetics perspective. From a sound quality perspective, maybe time will tell and I will finally understand!
Closing shot: pictured with the excellent TIMSOK TS-316
I don't usually review cables, this is in fact my first - reason being, I am as yet to be fully convinced as to the differences they make to sound - I appreciate a sensitive topic, but just to make it clear before I kick off! I've had one scenario where I was certain of a significant difference - that being changing the stock cable from the Penon Serial to the Hansound Nyx, the difference was incredibly obvious, especially to the mids where they went from being somewhat lifeless and pushed back, to much more 'lush' and present in the mix. That was about two years ago, and I've as yet been able to repeat with any IEM and cable - yes I've had scenarios where I 'think' something sounds different, but I can't say with certainty. I feel a lot of it is due to the time it takes to switch a cable and possibly my inability to remember what I had heard. So I guess you might wonder why the heck I bought this cable, or indeed any other cable? Read on after my next disclaimer...
Also, as I always note - I am not a 'professional' reviewer, simply a lifelong hobby/passion/addiction for music and technology. I will not deep dive into technical details, nor clearly will I talk about anything here with regards to how this cable sounds versus another. I bought this cable because it looks fantastic, and is beautifully built - plus to match with a recently purchased IEM, the Kinera Loki. This is a short review that captures what you get for your money, and a selection of photos that try to capture how stunning this cable looks. I intend to keep trying with regards to sound differences, as there are far too many people I trust in this hobby that absolutely swear by how cables can impact sound.
I purchased the cable from @MusicTeck at a reduced price in exchange for a short review. Thanks as always to Andrew for the wonderful service. The Vortex Alida has an RRP of $509 and is available from MusicTeck HERE
Unboxing
The Vortex Alida arrives in a slim rectangular box. It has a nice premium look and feel.
Inside you see the cable, Con-X accessories, case, leather cable clip and warranty card. The inner lid reminds me a bit of a mouse mat, not sure if that's intentional but I suspect it could be used as one, but have yet to try!
The cable itself has a braided finish which feels of very high quality and looks stunning in my opinion. Vortex describe the construction as follows:
The ConX MMCX connectors come in this separate box along with an MMCX removal tool:
I love the rugged look and feel of the 4.4mm jack - it is incredibly durable, and the discreet styling blends well in my opinion with any audio source.
The cable arrives with the 2-pin connections attached as standard. It is definitely very handy to have the option to switch to MMCX using the ConX system.
The y-splitter has the Vortex logo and again of very high quality. It does not have a neck cinch however, which is worth considering.
The cable as noted is of beautiful quality and feels very premium - I must note however that it is somewhat unwieldy and not ideal if the intended use is for true portable, i.e. out and about walking which in my opinion it is not ideal. Personally, I would not have ever intended to use a cable like this outdoors anyway - it is very much for my higher-end IEMs and for use at home.
Which brings me to the reason I chose this cable - to match with my recently purchased Kinera Loki which has a custom finish. I felt the grey of the Alida would match well with the navy shells, giving an overall premium finish.
Finally, a shot with the Lotoo Paw Gold Touch Ti.
In conclusion, the Alida is a beautiful cable and is perfect match for the Kinera Loki from an appearance and aesthetics perspective. From a sound quality perspective, maybe time will tell and I will finally understand!
Closing shot: pictured with the excellent TIMSOK TS-316
