Articnoise
Headphoneus Supremus
I've settled with 3.933 for a while since three new FW published from Oct 2020. Comparing with other two, 3.933 was the most transparent, clarity and emotional for my rig.
Recently I received RAL i2S cable to replace a $60. Oh man, even after just 2 days burn in, the difference is HUGE.
RAL is like a magnifier, unveils and reveals all the micro details, the separation, tonal clarity, sound stage, razor clearness, airy, esp with high, blacker background.
I have gone through the latest three FW again with RAL, as I was bit disappointing with 3.933, which was my fav with old HDMI cable.
Now 3.933 sounds quite forward, on the face, pin point instrument, extreme details, but lack of low end and I was bit detached from the music itself but the audio, though I've been constantly amazed by the extra details I didn't hear from the same album in the past. Having said that RAL is still much less harsh on highs than the old $60.
I switch to 4.076, it feels everything decreases a little bit, I still don't feel the engagement as in the past.
Finally the 4.075, I can tell straight away it's not the extact clinical presentation of 3.933, the sound stage retrieves bit further back which is my liking. I have more bass, and most important the connection with my music again.
It's interesting that RAL made my FW opinions opposite from other HDMI cable, I'm enjoying music with 4.075 and believe it will last a long time until Kingwa gives us another FW boost.
I'm extremely happy with RAL investment, perfect in my rig from DI20HE (internal P) to PS DSD senior.
Clinical presentation and lack of low end is not what I have experienced with the DI20HE and 3.933.
You may not like what am about to say, but if the new cable change the sound the way you describe it - well isn’t it the sound of the cable? Which if I don’t misread your post has not been burn in yet.
Many audio gear has stunning micro details, separation, transparency etc but still is not that great IMO, because they are to analytical, to bright and lack fullness and coherence.