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Headphoneus Supremus
The OEM 4M OFC Focal cable cost $1K to replace. From that perspective any cable at the same price seems like a good option.
I have not tried any other cables with my Utopia, other than just aftermarket spc balanced cables which I wouldn't consider an upgrade. I do have silver dragon cables for my noble encores which I like very much. I know a lot of people here don't believe in cables... I believe it because I hear the difference with my not so golden and pretty old ears. Much better imaging with clearer spacial resolution, separation, etc. I am hopeful that the Lazuli cables will prove their worth in cost. I hope I can report back and say worth every penny! If not, they will go right back. 4 week build time
I'm also a cable believer, but I also believe in diminishing returns as the cable impedance gets close enough to zero. I don't doubt the labor time and parts that go into some of these cables do come close to justifying the absurd prices (I own a Kimber-Axios 12-strand Cu cable, which is truly a work of art). I'm not sure at what price/labor/parts/impedance point it becomes overkill, but I'm sure that point exists...
Looking forward to your feedback on the Lazuli cable...
Wow, your Kimber cables are expensive too, not much cheaper than the Lazuli cables. Obviously, you kept yours because they are worth it. What do you like about them compared to the stock cables?
True about taking time to switch the cables for comparing. My poor short term memory... just can't remember what I heard, but blame it on the placebo effect!
All I know is that I better be able to justify. And there seems to be a number of experts that I admire who seem to believe they are justifiable. A significant upgrade. What kind of worthy upgrade costs 1300!? I feel the need to find out, of course.
Well, it wouldn't be the first time if I thought that something was crap and then wonder, hey, how come that reviewer likes everything? Even crap, lol
TSAVJason
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True about taking time to switch the cables for comparing. My poor short term memory... just can't remember what I heard, but blame it on the placebo effect!
All I know is that I better be able to justify. And there seems to be a number of experts that I admire who seem to believe they are justifiable. A significant upgrade. What kind of worthy upgrade costs 1300!? I feel the need to find out, of course.
Well, it wouldn't be the first time if I thought that something was crap and then wonder, hey, how come that reviewer likes everything? Even crap, lol
I'm also a cable believer, but I also believe in diminishing returns as the cable impedance gets close enough to zero. I don't doubt the labor time and parts that go into some of these cables do come close to justifying the absurd prices (I own a Kimber-Axios 12-strand Cu cable, which is truly a work of art). I'm not sure at what price/labor/parts/impedance point it becomes overkill, but I'm sure that point exists...
Looking forward to your feedback on the Lazuli cable...
like to think that cables is just an accessories to complete the set and give piece of mind as we don't know the quality of cables stocked with the headphone, with after-market cables, we know.
What?
What we know is that focal voices the headphones to work with the included cable. I have confidence focal did their due diligence to put together a quality cable with their flagship headphone.
While I'm sure all the third party cables are good, they make their living selling audiophile porn. I'm not saying third party cables are voodoo, I'm just saying some of the claims are unprovable.
That said, all the reputable brands make excellent cables. Some are like jewelry and are very pretty. Many are more comfortable than stock. And many here that have paid a lot for these cables will swear (over and over again) how much they love their cables.
The benefits, or differences, between cables is probably directly proportional to how fine tuned your hearing is, and somewhat proportional to how much you paid for your cable Personally, I'm blessed with mediocre hearing, so while I clearly hear the benefits of the utopia headphones, I haven't been able to discern difference between cables. Don't be afraid to admit it if you cannot either. To those that can hear the difference and have the money to spend, I salute you. To those that don't, don't worry, be happy.
I wasnt a cable believer too, until i got my utopia. I bought some cheap balanced cable and it sounded worse than the stock cable. No, i am not making this up, as i can hear loss of details.I'm in the never hear any differences between cables camp.
There are a few other factors though may result in me paying more for a cable (up to a point) -
a.) Microphonic scratching and thumping noises when touching the cable = annoyance. Worth paying a little more for a cable that doesn't.
b.) Comfort.
c.) Aesthetics.
d.) Build quality.
e.) Patience/time required to build my own vs just buying one.
Still I've heard no differences in cables, and what few measurements there are (e.g., innerfidelity measured no differences in the output of the HD650s no matter the cable used) leave me unwilling to invest heavily in them. There are massive differences in transducers though, and I'd rather leave the extra $ in the bank and use it toward another set of HPs. Swapping out HPs, depending on the type of music I'm listening to, and my mood, makes more sense for me. Works for me.
I wasnt a cable believer too, until i got my utopia. I bought some cheap balanced cable and it sounded worse than the stock cable. No, i am not making this up, as i can hear loss of details.
I think there are difference between good and bad cable.