So, having gotten back into the IEM game with a set i really love, i started falling down the table rabbit hole of sexy cables again (fell victim to this for my LCD-2 and iSine). Mind you, i don't believe the garbage about the cables making one iota of measurable difference (assuming one is reasonably well made... crap in = crap out), but i still wanted something good looking.
Long story short, wound up grabbing this guy:
Amazon.com: 16 Core Upgrade Silver Plated MMCX Cable
Gotta say, overall pretty damn happy with it. It certainly looks the part with the iBassos..
In terms of build, it is just about 2x the thickness of the stock iBasso 12s, and the same length (up to the adaptor). The heatshrink on the ear guides is still flexible enough to adjust as needed (i have felt a few that were stiff plastic, and hated that), and the mmcx connectors a tight, though rotate a little more freely than the stock cable. The silver CF motif is well done, and nicely compliments the monitors, and feels well constructed.
The 3.5mm connector end feels well built, with the same clear heatshrink protruding a few mm to give some flex protection. Connecting it gives the solid click expected, and nothing feels loose or weakly connected. The silver CF also matches the mmcx connectors, and fits flush with the steel body; it feels like one solid piece.
The rest of the cable feels well built, with the braiding consistent and tight; no pinched wires or other obvious defects. The y-split is nice, though i wish it was made with the silver CF as well. The chin slider fits very well however, and practically disappears when not in use; it actually snugs against the split, and does not slide around. I also really like that that there isn't an ounce of branding to be seen anywhere on the cable. Nothing on the split or plug.. overall, very clean.
I wish i could give something about the sound, but again... i don't buy into that (no, a cable isn't going to change things). I acknowledge a poorly made cable will hamper quality, be it poor solder joints, damaged wire, etc.. but as it is, the cable sounds just as good as the 12s. I genuinely tried A/Bing the two; given how hard it is to disconnect the mmcx, i didn't want to keep doing that for long. In the end, it feels like the same sound that i enjoy about the IT04, and thats all i want.
EDIT: Broke out the multimeter - each measurement stabilized at .35ohm for each pole... hard to argue with that..
Hopefully no one minds the mini-review... wound up longer than expected, but i figured i would share some thoughts...