HD650 upgraded cable...which one?

[Golden Monkey]

Narrowing this down to three distinct flavors, and looking for a recommendation. Prices listed with any options, and assuming a 10' cable. Choices:

A Pure Sound V3: 4-conductor sliver plated copper braid. Added 1/4" Furutech plug and Cardas connectors. $295

Moon Audio Silver Dragon V2: 4-conductor pure silver braid. Cardas GRSQ Rhodium/Silver plated stereo 1/4". $250

Cardas HD650: 4-conductor pure copper, Litz braid. Cardas GRSQ Rhodium/Silver plated stereo 1/4". $185

Zu Mobius? A bit pricey, but maybe...

Right now, I'm leaning towards the APS V3, being that it's sort of a "best of both worlds" with the silver/copper combo, but it's also the prieceyist (excluding th Zu). Any impressions, comparing these cables to each other, or against the stock cable (if you only have familiarity with one of the above)? What do you like about your choice, and where does your particular cable lack (ie: what does it do that you DON'T like)? Thanks for helping me mak an informed decision, folks!

 

[Kees]

Cardas is better for HD600 than HD650.
The rest is a matter of taste. If I remember correctly the Silver Dragon is a little bit softer sounding than the APS. Equinox is considered to be good too.

 

[HeadphoneAddict]

I would pick the APS cable - almost all my full size cans get the APS eventually. All gains and nothing to lose.

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f21/re...cables-301979/

 

[pataburd]

If you can find the RAL/Senn cable, grab it. NOTHING wakes up the HD5/6xx like the Paradise Cryo-silver!!

 

[rapzoo]

I have tried the Cardas, Equinox and Silver Dragon v2 on my 650s. The Silver Dragon is definitely my favorite. It is fast with great, natural sounding detail yet very smooth. The Cardas was an improvement over the stock cable but nothing special. The Equinox was impressive with its overall balance, however, it seemed to have a definite glare in the upper mids that really detracted from both male and female vocals.

I am planning on comparing the RAL silver cable to the Silver Dragon this weekend.

 

[Kees]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rapzoo /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have tried the Cardas, Equinox and Silver Dragon v2 on my 650s. The Silver Dragon is definitely my favorite. It is fast with great, natural sounding detail yet very smooth. The Cardas was an improvement over the stock cable but nothing special. The Equinox was impressive with its overall balance, however, it seemed to have a definite glare in the upper mids that really detracted from both male and female vocals. I am planning on comparing the RAL silver cable to the Silver Dragon this weekend.

Interesting. I'd love to hear about it.
The RAL is my favorite at the moment, but it has been more than a year ago that I heard the Silver Dragon.

 

[fault151]

I prefer the Cardas

 

[drarthurwells]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kees /img/forum/go_quote.gif Cardas is better for HD600 than HD650. The rest is a matter of taste. If I remember correctly the Silver Dragon is a little bit softer sounding than the APS. Equinox is considered to be good too.

Cardas is perfect with the HD600/580 in my high resolution HP set-up.


Cardas emphasizes the tone coloration of the HD650 in my system - may be a real good combo in lean tone and moderate resolution systems though.

 

[pataburd]

I've owned both the Moon SDV2 and RAL cryo-Silver recabled K701, and preferred the RAL.

 

[ronnielee54]

I bought a pair of HD580's that came with one of Alex's cables (APS). The man does excellent work. A true craftsman. It is a definite improvement over the stock cable.

 

[jujulio]

i'have heard about zu mobius cable but they're quite expensive... Mobius&#8482 Sennheiser headphone cable ZuAudio - Phone (800) 516-8925

 

[pataburd]

The RAL is by-far-and-away the best HD5/6xx cable, IMHO. They easily bettered the Cardas and Headphile BlackMaxx V2 for me. Others have reported the RAL's superiority over the likes of Moon, Equinoxe and Zu Mobius. The RAL is clean, dynamic, extended and detailed, really waking up the HD650 like nothing else I've tried or heard reported elsewhere.

 

[BayouSlide]

I'm very happy with my Soloz Cardas cable upgrade...great value and significant improvements. Couldn't be happier with my HD650s now in my system.

 

[Bizzel]

A vote for the APS v3 here. I didn't notice a change in detail but the soundstage, bass tightness and treble extension are much improved. Not cheap but worth it because it really does complete the 650s.

 

[jp11801]

another nod for the APS v3 great cable the SAA would also be another solid choice. While I understand the RAL love didn't they have unresolved customer issues or am I thinking of someone else?