So I have a few things to share regarding the Meze balanced cables for 99C.
I purchased (actually pre-ordered) the pure copper version and during the last 14 days I have been testing them. As a DAP, I have Fiio X7 first generation with AM3 balanced module. I have NOT listened to balanced audio before this cable purchase and I was curious how different it is.
The build quality of the cables seems pretty good. The weaving job is fine, considering the fact they have 4 wires per channel the end plugs are very well taken care of. However, the plugs seems to be slightly bent (a first cable I purchased had this problem very noticeable and the plugs would not actually fit the female counterparts in the headphones. I sent them back to Meze and they immediately sent me another cable, which has this problem solved - props to Meze customer support!). I hope that buildwise the will last my everyday use.
Soundwise, it took me endless hours to test them thoroughly. When I compared them directly with stock Meze cables on the regular AM3 3.5mm (non-balanced) output, at first there did not seem to be any difference. However, after multiple back-and-forths, they are a bit more clear, the separation is slightly more noticeable. The biggest advantage, however, is their resistance to noise. Even when a strong source of interference, the noise is not present at all.
The biggest surprise came when I plugged them to the AM3 2.5 mm balanced output. Oh boy. As I previously said, I consider myself "balanced audio virgin", and even though I had some expectations, that experience exceeded them by far. Sound clarity, separation, imaging, dynamics, everything was much better (hard to quantify) compared to the non-balanced output. I listen to wide spectrum of genres (orchestral, instrumental, acapella, liquid Drum'n'bass, etc.), and every single one seemed much more enjoyable to listen. Yes, I am well aware of the "placebo effect", but this was not the case.
To summarize, I definitely recommend them to anyone that has a decent source of balanced audio available. For me, these cables was worth the price, they were a means to me to explore the beauty of balanced audio. Hopefully Meze restocks them soon so more of you guys can share your impressions.
Note: I also purchased the Brainwavz angled hybrid pads, they seem to add more soundstage and separation. However, they seem to kill low midrange-midrange and I am still working on a decent equalizer settings to make them comparable with stock Meze 99C pads. Any recommendations by you guys, who own the Brainwavz?
No joke.
