Arctic Cables Discussion Thread

[NCUS]

I initially came to this thread for some impressions of a ion (+) cable as an update to the stock and meze 99 2.5mm cables for my Stellia. I read through 20 pages, now I am convinced that a pure silver cable, even though is 3~400 more, would be a better bang for my money……damn, this hobby
Anyway, since this is my first high-end aftermarket cable purchase, I have two very specific questions. I didn't see them being discussed much in this thread. Sorry if they are dump questions , am still learning about cables~

Some info of my usage and purpose: headphone in mind is of course a Stellia. I maily use it with a DX300, a LPG, or a IFI micro iDSD BL. Mobility is very important to me. I fly a lot, Stellia makes these long and tedious trips much much less painful.
So I am looking for a 1.5m banlaced 4.4mm cable for both home and mobile use. Here are my two questions:

1. For a 1.5m cable, how big a difference in sq could the 4x or 8x make? Is signum lighter and more mobile friendly compared to signum+? Are there any particular reasons that most head-fiers in this thread seem to opt for plus version?
2. Since two of my main sources are unbalanced. I also need to buy an 3.5mm adapter. Between a AC signum adapter, and some cheap adapters from aliexpress (something like this) , how much difference is there in term of sq and usability?

Thanks for reading~ Any inputs would be greatly appreciated.

The issue with 8X vs. 4X may be microphonics if you move around. Thicker cables are heavier from my experience and generate more friction when they scrape against things, like your shirt, which for me usually means more microphonics. Arctic told me the Signum+ is more of everything versus the Signum in terms of sound quality, so I ended up buying the +.

I bought a cheap Chinese made 2.5mm adapter from Amazon. 2.5mm plugs are fragile but I still wasn't expecting it to bend after 2 weeks of use. So, I'm bit skeptical.

 

[InstantSilence]

For best silver experience, artic cables or Norne?

 

[noplsestar]

For best silver experience, artic cables or Norne?

Well, you’re in an arctic cables thread. What answer do you expect?

 

[noplsestar]

The issue with 8X vs. 4X may be microphonics if you move around. Thicker cables are heavier from my experience and generate more friction when they scrape against things, like your shirt, which for me usually means more microphonics. Arctic told me the Signum+ is more of everything versus the Signum in terms of sound quality, so I ended up buying the +.

I bought a cheap Chinese made 2.5mm adapter from Amazon. 2.5mm plugs are fragile but I still wasn't expecting it to bend after 2 weeks of use. So, I'm bit skeptical.

I had a 4wire of Arctic cables. Later I bought a 8wire. No difference in microphonics - meaning: I hear no microphonics at all when moving around. Same goes for bending. The 8wire is extremely soft!

 

[guyuemuziye]

To be honest, I trusted Roy at AC, when investing in the signum+ rather than signum. This was my first really high-end cable, and I recall thinking, that I am in the deep anyway, so why not go all in I am still enjoying this cable either with my Stellia’s of my Arya’s....Good luck with your decision....

I had a 4wire of Arctic cables. Later I bought a 8wire. No difference in microphonics - meaning: I hear no microphonics at all when moving around. Same goes for bending. The 8wire is extremely soft!

The issue with 8X vs. 4X may be microphonics if you move around. Thicker cables are heavier from my experience and generate more friction when they scrape against things, like your shirt, which for me usually means more microphonics. Arctic told me the Signum+ is more of everything versus the Signum in terms of sound quality, so I ended up buying the +.

I bought a cheap Chinese made 2.5mm adapter from Amazon. 2.5mm plugs are fragile but I still wasn't expecting it to bend after 2 weeks of use. So, I'm bit skeptical.

Thank you guys. I am more and more leaning towards 8x now. I'll playing with the different configurations with connecters and terminations for a while and then shoot my wallet with a series of clicks.

 

[noplsestar]

@guyuemuziye please also keep in mind that the Stellia is not the smallest headphone. A 4wire might simply look a bit odd with a TOTL headphone. I can’t tell you for sure if there would be a BIG difference in SQ between 4wire and 8wire (of the Silver cable) but there was a huge jump between 4wire copper and 8wire silver. I would recommend to go for the Signum+ (just to be sure)

 

[guyuemuziye]

@guyuemuziye please also keep in mind that the Stellia is not the smallest headphone. A 4wire might simply look a bit odd with a TOTL headphone. I can’t tell you for sure if there would be a BIG difference in SQ between 4wire and 8wire (of the Silver cable) but there was a huge jump between 4wire copper and 8wire silver. I would recommend to go for the Signum+ (Just the be sure)

That is a good point. I have a Meze 99 2.5mm cable, it is a very light-weight and comfortable cable, almost prefect for mobile use. However, it looks a bit awkward on Stellia. Also it sounds good enough for its asking price, but the rolled-off high and muddier low-end just always made me feel sorry for Stellia.
It is a relief to know that the Signum+ is as soft as a 4x cable. I once owned a ALO SXC 8 for my iems. It is a great cable but just way too stiff to use on the go. Whenever I move my head, the iem would fall out of my ears...... However, now we are talking about over-ear headphones, so that's not gonna happen. Microphonic is more of a issue. I am very happy to know that you found no microphonics on Signum+

 

[subguy812]

I initially came to this thread for some impressions of a ion (+) cable as an update to the stock and meze 99 2.5mm cables for my Stellia. I read through 20 pages, now I am convinced that a pure silver cable, even though is 3~400 more, would be a better bang for my money……damn, this hobby
Anyway, since this is my first high-end aftermarket cable purchase, I have two very specific questions. I didn't see them being discussed much in this thread. Sorry if they are dump questions , am still learning about cables~

Some info of my usage and purpose: headphone in mind is of course a Stellia. I maily use it with a DX300, a LPG, or a IFI micro iDSD BL. Mobility is very important to me. I fly a lot, Stellia makes these long and tedious trips much much less painful.
So I am looking for a 1.5m banlaced 4.4mm cable for both home and mobile use. Here are my two questions:

1. For a 1.5m cable, how big a difference in sq could the 4x or 8x make? Is signum lighter and more mobile friendly compared to signum+? Are there any particular reasons that most head-fiers in this thread seem to opt for plus version?
2. Since two of my main sources are unbalanced. I also need to buy an 3.5mm adapter. Between a AC signum adapter, and some cheap adapters from aliexpress (something like this) , how much difference is there in term of sq and usability?

Thanks for reading~ Any inputs would be greatly appreciated.

Either will give the Stellia the lift Stellia needs. Excellent cable. I think it is fairly priced relative to many other companies out there. That cable gave the Stellia the nod over the Verite Closed. I sold the VC.

 

[NYanakiev]

Just got my new AC Pallas (palladium plated silver cable). Will be posting some impressions in due course!

Awesome build quality and already looking like a fantastic pairing for my Focal Utopia!

 

[NYanakiev]

Just got my new AC Pallas (palladium plated silver cable). Will be posting some impressions in due course!

Awesome build quality and already looking like a fantastic pairing for my Focal Utopia!

OK- this cable is fantastic and an audible improvement over the stock Utopia 2021 cables!

I bought it for use with my Hugo 2+2Go and Astell&Kern SP2000 but will be ordering a 4 pin XLR adapter for use with the Focal Arche as well.

 

[NYanakiev]

This combo sounds absolutely sublime too!

 

[buzzlulu]

Looks BEAUTIFUL!
I am anxiously awaiting my new totl Arctic Opera Palladium coated Silver cable which I will be using with my Utopia's and Sony Z1R all fed by a HeadAmp GSX MK2. Source is my totl 2 channel Linn Klimax DS and dCS Rossini.

 

[subguy812]

Looks BEAUTIFUL!
I am anxiously awaiting my new totl Arctic Opera Palladium coated Silver cable which I will be using with my Utopia's and Sony Z1R all fed by a HeadAmp GSX MK2. Source is my totl 2 channel Linn Klimax DS and dCS Rossini.

All of your gear sounds quite nice and the Arctic cable brings the cherry on top of the sundae.

 

[vrs805]

As a silent head-fier, I usually don't post on discussion forums but just want to say thanks to Val for the excellent customer services. The Pallas cable for my HD800S is an enjoyable upgrade. It has not past 50-hour mark yet, but I think the improvements in detail and separation are quite audible compared with my previous SPC cables- especially with instrument busy tracks. For the first time I feel there is nothing left unresolved in the music, although it is also the first time I've spent so much on a cable upgrade

 

[InstantSilence]

I reached out to artkc
Looking for a pure copper for audeze but never got respos.