Low end. Cheap. Generic. Otherwise bang for buck cable thread!
Oct 25, 2018 at 11:34 PM Thread Starter Post #1 of 9,163

Dsnuts

Headphoneus Supremus
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I figured since there is a forum for boutique higher end cable thread I would start this thread to have a forum for cheaper, affordable, great functioning, sounding cables that don't cost a kidney.

Please post about your cable finds that people can actually afford.

All areas of the webz is fine except for
Banned seller.. (****) Please refrain from providing links of this site. What is banned is banned.

Thanks goes out to Hakuzen for measuring all these. https://www.head-fi.org/threads/low...uck-cable-thread.891911/page-19#post-14637360

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/low...uck-cable-thread.891911/page-39#post-14758757


hakuzen

This is the newest set of links provided by hakuzen for his measurements and cables.
List of cables. KZs measurements and discussion. Measurement rig evolution. DIY symbios



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Oct 25, 2018 at 11:39 PM Post #2 of 9,163
I will start off first with this. NiceHCK will have these 8 core SPC cables in all connector types in single ended and balanced options for $17. On 11/11 sales day.

I own several of these an can honestly say these are heads and shoulders better than any stock cable for just about any earphones manufacturers include on their earphones. If your earphone has a mmcx or 2 pin. Ya these will be $17 but you will be surprise just how good these Chi fi cables are.

HTB1z.paKXmWBuNjSspdq6zugXXaH.jpg


https://www.aliexpress.com/store/pr...?spm=a2g1x.12024536.productList_2717667.pic_1
 
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Oct 26, 2018 at 12:02 AM Post #6 of 9,163
Those are pricey ..... you haven't discovered TRN 8-Core cables yet .... Available in 2-pin 0.75mm / 0.78mm and MMCX with 2.5mm TRRS balanced or 3.5mm Standard.

They are going as cheap as US$8/- shipped on Aliexpress. I paid US$8.80 for mine.

HTB1s.UPXjDuK1Rjy1zjq6zraFXak.jpg


HTB17bIQXcnrK1RjSspkq6yuvXXau.jpg
 
Oct 26, 2018 at 12:12 AM Post #8 of 9,163
Linsoul HC-08 HiFi OCC 8 Strands 19 Core Braided Earphone Cable for Audiophile IEM Earbud 3.5mm/2.5mm Balanced MMCX

upload_2018-10-26_9-41-21.png


LINK
 
Oct 26, 2018 at 1:21 AM Post #12 of 9,163
A budget cables thread is a brilliant idea. :ksc75smile:
 
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Oct 26, 2018 at 1:52 AM Post #13 of 9,163
A budget cables thread is a brilliant idea. :ksc75smile:


I own one of these **** pure silver cables and have been very impressed with its extremely supple ergonomics and amazing looks. Sonically it doesn't hold a candle to the Effect Audio cables I've heard of course, but for the money delivers a nice clear sound with a wide soundstage and accentuated treble that is stereotypical of silver cables, and could be a cheap way of experimenting if you haven't owned a silver cable before.
Please be aware the 2pin connectors do not work with IEMs that have recessed sockets, although there could always be a variant of this cable found elsewhere on Aliexpress that has different connectors. I also like the fact they sell these with both 2.5mm and 4.4mm plugs.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/***...lgo_pvid=07e794d1-91bc-460e-b96f-0b4b8b1df4d6

https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1rGKAgKySBuNjy1zdq6xPxFXaZ/****-4-Core-Pure-Silver-Cable-2-5-3-5-4-4mm-Balanced-Earphone-Upgrade-Cable.jpg_640x640.jpg
I agree but sadly they are a banned name here
 
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Oct 26, 2018 at 8:00 AM Post #14 of 9,163
Those are pricey ..... you haven't discovered TRN 8-Core cables yet .... Available in 2-pin 0.75mm / 0.78mm and MMCX with 2.5mm TRRS balanced or 3.5mm Standard.

They are going as cheap as US$8/- shipped on Aliexpress. I paid US$8.80 for mine.

HTB1s.UPXjDuK1Rjy1zjq6zraFXak.jpg


HTB17bIQXcnrK1RjSspkq6yuvXXau.jpg

I received mine earlier this week. The silver-gold is nice-looking and uses very good quality connectors. I bought them in mmcx 2.5mm and 3.5mm termination. Truly impressive for <$10. Sadly, no chin-slider, will get the NICEHCKs for 11/11 sales. Does the silver plated ones turn green with oxidation?

Also, KZ with their new 8-core at $11.
HTB1Zj.ZXifrK1RjSspbq6A4pFXab.jpg

HTB1lkZZXiLxK1Rjy0Ffq6zYdVXaz.jpg
 
Oct 26, 2018 at 9:10 AM Post #15 of 9,163
As a budget consience consumer of all things audio. I figured this thread needed to be created since it makes complete sense. It is good that there are high end cable threads but.

For me at least there is no possible way I am gonna spend $1000 on a cable. More power to you if you do. I can think so many possible different ways to spend a 1K worth of money on audio besides cables.

Ever since buying up the cheaper chi fi cables. I quickly realized cheaper cables actually has an effect on my earphones in a positive way. So not only do they look and feel way better than any stock cable but they also enhance the sound of my earphones.Especilly in balanced.

As per @mathi8vadhanan question about them cables turning color. They do turn color in spots especailly around the connector area but not a big deal. This is actually a good thing. Means it actually has a silver coating. lol. No change in sound or function. I don't espect these cables to have the highest end finish on the cables to prevent from turning color. Still worth owning a few.

I know and own many **** cables but unfortunately we have to refrain from posting anything about them. Thanks. Just know that if there is a NiceHCK cable there is about 3 more **** version of the same cable. Probably made by the same OEM like their IEMs.

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