High End Cables Thread (digital, analog, power)

[Roasty]

i had the DPS4.1 and i have a few Obsessions in the house. I'd say they are a bit on opposite sides of the spectrum. the TWL is clean and more neutral, and the Furutech is more laid back, and somewhat thick sounding. i feel a nice in-between is the TWL Digital or the Cardas Clear.

 

[KaiserTK]

For those who've compared DPS-4.1 and TWL Obsession, would you mind commenting on their differences? I have DPS 4.1 (w/ Legato gold and FI-48 R plugs) on dac & amp. I'm wondering if the Obsession represents an upgrade or a sideways move. I'm looking to maintain frequency extension on both ends with some warmth, but I've gotten hooked on faster transients lately. I'm also always looking for improvements in staging and palpability. My recent Grand Activation/QSA cables have brought that to the next level, and I want to keep or improve on that.

Besides the Obsession, my shortlist consists of Sablon Prince, Snake River Takshaka, and QSA-Lanedri Gamma Revelation-- just not sure I want to venture into that price bracket yet. Are there any other cables that fit the "DPS-but-better" bill?

I would recommend simply upgrading the DPS to FI-50 plugs. I haven't tried it myself, but a couple others have noted the flagship NCF plugs made a huge change (better across the board).

 

[BlakeT]

Besides the Obsession, my shortlist consists of Sablon Prince, Snake River Takshaka, and QSA-Lanedri Gamma Revelation-- just not sure I want to venture into that price bracket yet. Are there any other cables that fit the "DPS-but-better" bill?

Yeah, I love my QSA cables, but, certainly not wallet friendly.

The Snake River Takshaka on your list got some high praise over on WBF, from a user with an absolute SOTA system. I got a new LPS and looking for a power cord, so I've been considering Snake River after reading that review, along with some others, as I don't want to spend more on the power cable than what the LPS cost.

 

[theveterans]

Yeah, I love my QSA cables, but, certainly not wallet friendly.

The Snake River Takshaka on your list got some high praise over on WBF, from a user with an absolute SOTA system. I got a new LPS and looking for a power cord, so I've been considering Snake River after reading that review, along with some others, as I don't want to spend more on the power cable than what the LPS cost.

I like Snake River cables too. While Takshaka is their TOTL, I have the signature series amp hybrid power cord and it’s impressively open and transparent sounding power cord for DAC/source. The Boomslang AES that I use is a pretty good choice as an upgrade vs Blue Jeans or Mogami especially for organic timbre and natural presentation but there are more transparent AES cables out there for those chasing the more resolution, more aggressive style presentation

 

[kingoftown1]

I would recommend simply upgrading the DPS to FI-50 plugs. I haven't tried it myself, but a couple others have noted the flagship NCF plugs made a huge change (better across the board).

I've considered going this route, and also the possibility of upgrading the plugs to QSA. I think part of me wants to find a suitable replacement altogether so that I can continue to use the DPS elsewhere in my system (or secondary/hp system).

@Roasty that's unexpected, but helpful. By chance, did your DPS have gold Furutech plugs? I tend to find mine has a touch of extra weight in the lower mids and bass, and maybe the tiniest bit of glare in the upper mids, but overall it does seem relatively extended, open and lively (despite not being quite as fast as some others).

 

[TheR0v3r]

Furutech Digiflux. There is a new version with NCF connectors I haven't heard yet. Might get good deals on the older model.

I’m using the Furutech Digiflux NCF (AES). It’s exceptional. IMHO.

P.S. No experience with the non-NCF Digiflux.

 

[Roasty]

I've considered going this route, and also the possibility of upgrading the plugs to QSA. I think part of me wants to find a suitable replacement altogether so that I can continue to use the DPS elsewhere in my system (or secondary/hp system).

@Roasty that's unexpected, but helpful. By chance, did your DPS have gold Furutech plugs? I tend to find mine has a touch of extra weight in the lower mids and bass, and maybe the tiniest bit of glare in the upper mids, but overall it does seem relatively extended, open and lively (despite not being quite as fast as some others).

sorry, I missed this post.
mine was NCF rhodium.

 

[shaylin3]

Add a new test line

[S+] Price>=8xk

16. David Laboga Ethernet-Ruby

Full, fleshy, soft and warm, good 3D sound field, strong tension, enthusiastic and energetic, excellent musicality,

The low frequency is shocking and authoritative, with excellent elasticity, relaxed and fascinating, without deliberately strengthening the extension and details.

If we only talk about low frequency, the DL RUBY of these tested cables should be the closest to my ideal appearance

If you feel that the system is too bright, too stimulating, too cold, and too acoustic, David Laboga is a very good choice.

-------------------------------------------------


Pick a few S-grade cables and the image in your mind after listening to them for the first time

A.Crystal Cable Da Vinci

B.Vertere Acoustics Pulse-HB

C.David Laboga Ethernet-Ruby

D.Shunyata Sigma X

-------------------------------------------------

 

[gianni60]

Best cables i tried and i have Vyda Laboratories,made in Italy,in pure silver solid core,can see the web site

 

[slumberman]

Best cables i tried and i have Vyda Laboratories,made in Italy,in pure silver solid core,can see the web site

Better than the Celeste? I remember you really liking yours.

 

[Jefecesti]

Greetings!

I’m in a big trouble and a need of fellow headbangers assistance and great advise!

I’m about to receive a new iFi Valkyrie dac/amp which has 4.4 mm output. I currently have Meze Elite Silver Plated PCUHD cable with XLR plug. I have XLR to 4.4 mm adapter, but it’s very chunky to use and causes interferences and output bending.

Should I buy a new cable or add XLR to 4.4 mm adapter cable? How much does that adapter cable affects the sound signature? If I buy a cheap chi-fi adapter cable, does it mean that it’s the weak link and disturbing that Meze’s cable and amp/dac chain’s beautiful harmony?

What should I do:

• Cheap chi-fi adapter cable?
• Quality hi-fi adapter cable?
• New chi-fi cable?
  • Does anyone have experience with GUcraftsman cables: https://www.amazon.com/GUCraftsman-Strands-Headphones-Replacement-MrSpeakers/dp/B09TPB1143?th=1?
• New at least the level of Meze Elite Silver Plated PCUHD cable?
  • Anyone have any experience with Norne silvergarde cables with the Elites?
• Or something out of the box?
  • How easy it’s to change the Meze cable plug from XLR to 4.4 mm pentagon? Can local audio shops do it? Is it easy to DIY?