[KB]

Coming Soon - ALO SXC 18awg HD800

Ken @ ALO

 

[IPodPJ]

Very nice, Ken! What is that thick gold part below the Lemo connector? On most aftermarket cables this part is thin and barely holds any heatshrink. How did you do this?

 

[arrowmark]

Can you describe the improvements in sound from your new cable?

 

[KB]

Quote:

Originally Posted by IPodPJ /img/forum/go_quote.gif Very nice, Ken! What is that thick gold part below the Lemo connector? On most aftermarket cables this part is thin and barely holds any heatshrink. How did you do this?

Thank you.

The connector which is the same part producer that Sennheiser uses unfortunately is made for the original Sennheiser HD800 cable which is a super thin 36awg wire! You know that saying, its smaller than a human hair, this is true. So in order for the comparatively enormous 18awg SXC wire to fit safely I am having to modify these connectors quite a bit, we are talking lathing and production of custom parts along with some pretty fancy surgical soldering.

Ken

 

[KB]

Quote:

Originally Posted by arrowmark /img/forum/go_quote.gif Can you describe the improvements in sound from your new cable?

So far its got a much "fuller" impact, much more fun to listen vs stock cable... still listening though its too early to fully descript.

Ken

 

[krmathis]

Clean looking cable indeed!

 

[IPodPJ]

Ken, is there a way you can loan me a balanced version to audition? I'd like to compare it to my current APureSound and then write a mini-review for you.

 

[KB]

Quote:

Originally Posted by IPodPJ /img/forum/go_quote.gif Ken, is there a way you can loan me a balanced version to audition? I'd like to compare it to my current APureSound and then write a mini-review for you.

Sure no problem, but its going to take a while to get that made and out the door. I can not commit to anything time wise at the moment.

Ken

 

[zelo]

Hi Ken,

I am really interested in balanced version of this cable as well. Any chance if you have more information, like any options for the connectors and price. Thanks a lot.

 

[KB]

Quote:

Originally Posted by zelo /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hi Ken, I am really interested in balanced version of this cable as well. Any chance if you have more information, like any options for the connectors and price. Thanks a lot.

Thanks Zelo,

I will be doing a balanced, mini and of course the 1/4 plug. Price, I am working on.

Thank you for your post.

ken

 

[mrarroyo]

Very nice offering you have here Ken! I wish you good luck.

 

[KB]

I am also making (have made) an all copper version (ALO OCC Cryo) to see how this compares with the silver plated copper SXC version. Vinnie and a customer of mine had a small mini meet with a pair of HD800, and R10s running off a Red Wine Audio HPA and they report that the HD800 could make due with a bit more bottom end. I tend to agree that the HD800 is inherently speedy with plenty of top end detail and transparency. Myself I like a lush bass with a thicker Heaviside bottom end. The silver plated copper SXC is not bright at all but does tend to be a wee bit faster than the 100% bare copper version. I will post some photos of the ALO OCC copper version soon. I think in the end its going to be purely a personal preference but I did want to have the option or all copper or the silver plated SXC wire.

Ken

 

[mrarroyo]

Ken, stop it! The last thing I can afford is an SXC re-cabled HD800. Boy does it look nice.

 

[IPodPJ]

Quote:

Originally Posted by KB /img/forum/go_quote.gif I am also making (have made) an all copper version (ALO OCC Cryo) to see how this compares with the silver plated copper SXC version. Vinnie and a customer of mine had a small mini meet with a pair of HD800, and R10s running off a Red Wine Audio HPA and they report that the HD800 could make due with a bit more bottom end. I tend to agree that the HD800 is inherently speedy with plenty of top end detail and transparency. Myself I like a lush bass with a thicker Heaviside bottom end. The silver plated copper SXC is not bright at all but does tend to be a wee bit faster than the 100% bare copper version. I will post some photos of the ALO OCC copper version soon. I think in the end its going to be purely a personal preference but I did want to have the option or all copper or the silver plated SXC wire. Ken

You want more bottom end? Incorporate 100 ohm of impedance resistance into your cable. You can read about the adapters I had made in the cable forum.

 

[KB]

I spent the weekend doing some more HD800 cables. I prefer the copper cables I am making for the HD800s.

The stock cable comparably - Was horribly thin and boring, had a deep lack of bass and rather tinny. Of course I was really pleased when going back and fourth between the cables. Its pretty much what you would expect from a 36awg gauge headphone cable. I have no idea what the engineers were thinking? I am sure there is some theoretical reason for them to decide on this stock cable. I mean I am sure it sounds good compared to some other off the shelf stock cables. Moreover I think the comparatively enormous ALO cable is really not going to be for everyone due to its sheer hugeness. But if you want to very best sounding cable for your HD800, this is it. I hardly ever make smart a&& statements about the stuff I make but these are just too yummy to sit on my hands.

The SXC Cryo (silver plated copper) was fully warm enough as its not solid silver but I did find it to be faster than the OCC copper version I am making see below. So to me I rather prefer the OCC copper myself, it is a very good match for the HD800 - your preference might like the SXC though, but for me the 100% OCC copper was the choice.

The ALO 100% OCC copper, did a good job taming the really high highs in my assessment everything was nice and full. What really floored me about the 2 cables was how wide and deep the sound stage was vs. the stock cable.

Ok enough rambling!

Tada..! the final version.

Ken