Low end. Cheap. Generic. Otherwise bang for buck cable thread!
Jan 13, 2021 at 1:23 PM Post #5,461 of 9,182
I am gonna post a review of the NiceHCK version LitzPS pro 8 cored pure silver cables here soon. I did an A/B against the 4 cored variant using my Penon Orbs and there is a sonic difference between the 4 cored and 8 cored variant by the way.

I noticed an increase in head stage with better space for your music. This is consistent with my findings with thicker cables in general but more cores in this case does make a difference. The 4 cored version while maintaining the highly detailed nature of pure silver sounds a touch leaner using the same tracks. It is subtle but the difference is there.

Since these cables are affordable. I do recommend the 8 cored versions over the 4 cored variants. The 8 cored version punches even higher than the 4 cored variety in value.

@Dsnuts Any info on the new 24 cores? I don't know anything but blue and grey caught my eye.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002018270814.html

c24.jpg
 
Jan 13, 2021 at 1:35 PM Post #5,462 of 9,182
Just saw those on NiceHCK web site. Must be brand new. If 16 cores is not enough hows about 24. Lol. I would assume more cores would mean fuller music notes but now the cables are gonna be like a rope connected to your eaphones. I am sure folks will chime in on details.We will see how they are.
 
Jan 13, 2021 at 1:41 PM Post #5,463 of 9,182
Jan 13, 2021 at 6:42 PM Post #5,464 of 9,182
We need at least 32 cores!
 
Jan 14, 2021 at 12:33 AM Post #5,466 of 9,182
Jan 14, 2021 at 10:59 AM Post #5,468 of 9,182
Alloys suck at conducting compared to pure metals though.
Honestly, that was why I asked. It is alloy over copper which I interpret as mostly the blue color.

Can you measure the impedance when you get it? I'm curious.
I ordered another multimeter earlier in the week so hopefully, it arrives around the same time. Both already shipped.
 
Jan 14, 2021 at 2:23 PM Post #5,469 of 9,182
Jan 14, 2021 at 4:52 PM Post #5,470 of 9,182
Honestly, that was why I asked. It is alloy over copper which I interpret as mostly the blue color.


I ordered another multimeter earlier in the week so hopefully, it arrives around the same time. Both already shipped.

Cool, i'd be keen to hear measurements of an equivalent 16 core to compare if you have one.
 
Jan 15, 2021 at 4:49 PM Post #5,471 of 9,182
@Dsnuts Any info on the new 24 cores? I don't know anything but blue and grey caught my eye.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002018270814.html

c24.jpg
Got these codes from the NiceHCK Official Store (no idea if they'll work on the NiceHCK Audio Store)

C24-1 discount code → OEXO3AFMOUVM (reduce –US $23)
C24-3 discount code → DAI2WODA6651 (reduce –US $27) I'm guessing this one is supposed to be C24-2
C24-3 discount code →0WXXZB5YRY90 (reduce -US $28)
 
Jan 15, 2021 at 6:48 PM Post #5,472 of 9,182
NiceHCK C24 cables may be a good choice for earbuds users since there appear to be no earhooks. I wear earbuds mostly cable down; earhook-less cables could still be used over-ear for IEMs and earbuds if desired.

Looks like they're marketed somewhat accordingly:
1610754384942.png


Interestingly, only C24-2 variant is described as SPC+AlloyCopper. C24-1 and C24-3 variants are described as just SPC.

C24-2
1610753313888.png
C24-1
1610753434856.png
C24-3
1610753500204.png
 
Jan 15, 2021 at 8:04 PM Post #5,473 of 9,182
Got these codes from the NiceHCK Official Store (no idea if they'll work on the NiceHCK Audio Store)

C24-1 discount code → OEXO3AFMOUVM (reduce –US $23)
C24-3 discount code → DAI2WODA6651 (reduce –US $27) I'm guessing this one is supposed to be C24-2
C24-3 discount code →0WXXZB5YRY90 (reduce -US $28)
The code does not work for me.
My experience with NiceHCK is progressively sad...
Starting with them promoting "graphene" cables :frowning2:
 
Jan 15, 2021 at 9:26 PM Post #5,475 of 9,182
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..
20210115_204708.jpg

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.

20210115_211557.jpg
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.
20210115_211408.jpg
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...
 
Last edited:

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top