[betula]

Then consider the WyWires Platinum. An outstanding value at 1/3 the price of the Hapa.

How does it compare to Meze's silver plated cable?

 

[incredulousity]

I have that cable too. The Meze is soft and pretty. It is a joy to wear and handle. The WyWires is less attractive and supple.

That said, the Meze sounds way better than a stock cable, and definitely doesn’t suck. It’s not as good as Forza Noir Hybrid HPC or any of my other midgrade cables.

The Meze SPC doesn’t come close to the WyWires or Hapa in all parameters.

 

[betula]

I have that cable too. The Meze is soft and pretty. It is a joy to wear and handle. The WyWires is less attractive and supple.

That said, the Meze sounds way better than a stock cable, and definitely doesn’t suck. It’s not as good as Forza Noir Hybrid HPC or any of my other midgrade cables.

The Meze SPC doesn’t come close to the WyWires or Hapa in all parameters.

What parameters exactly?
I would love one of you guys to elaborate a bit on sonic improvements.

 

[incredulousity]

All the trite usual ones we always talk about. I have a less flippant answer to this, but major stuff to do, and no time for a needed dissertation at the moment. Sorry. I can edit at a future time.

 

[Andrewteee]

How does it compare to Meze's silver plated cable?

I was going to ask this too. I love this cable--it really sounds fantastic and looks nice to boot.

 

[ckhirnigs113]

The look and feel of the Meze silver-plated cable is top notch. It is very lightweight and flexible. I sadly can’t comment on the sound as I didn’t get to use mine because it came with a 4.4mm connector and I only have single-ended tube amps. I tried to find a good deal on a used 6.3mm version, but I ended up giving up. I guess most people that have the cable aren’t looking to sell!

I’m content now with my ZMF 2K Copper cable, but I admit my OCD doesn’t like the mismatched look of copper with the black and silver Elite. 90% of the reason I wanted the Meze cable was because of how good it matched the aesthetic of the Elite. I still couldn’t talk myself into buying one new though. Even my OCD has limits on how much it is willing to spend on accessory purchases!

 

[ColSaulTigh]

The look and feel of the Meze silver-plated cable is top notch. It is very lightweight and flexible. I sadly can’t comment on the sound as I didn’t get to use mine because it came with a 4.4mm connector and I only have single-ended tube amps. I tried to find a good deal on a used 6.3mm version, but I ended up giving up. I guess most people that have the cable aren’t looking to sell!

I’m content now with my ZMF 2K Copper cable, but I admit my OCD doesn’t like the mismatched look of copper with the black and silver Elite. 90% of the reason I wanted the Meze cable was because of how good it matched the aesthetic of the Elite. I still couldn’t talk myself into buying one new though. Even my OCD has limits on how much it is willing to spend on accessory purchases!

Get a quality adapter. Don't spend $4 on Amazon, but get one from Meze, Norne, or any of the other quality cable makers out there. Ones that use quality connectors. You'll be just as pleased, and even get a few extra inches out of the cable (giggity).

 

[KelFab]

I have the Meze silver plated and find the Lavricable Grand better, in just a word the sound is clearer like a veil has been lifted.
@ckhirnigs113 i can recommend you this adapter, well made with an original pentacon connector : https://www.ebay.com/itm/184717002733?hash=item2b01fdc7ed:g:8y0AAOSwnT9hnQZE
I have it among others from the same seller / maker and it’s build like a tank and works flawlessly.

 

[KelFab]

The 4.4 connector is recessed about 1 cm inside the neutrik 6.3 housing, so with different terminations it gives that :


Furutech 4.4 FT-7445(R)



Furutech 4.4 CF-7445(R)

Meze 4.4


Sennheiser ie900 4.4​

one of the advantages of the angled adapter is the lower risk of breaking it or the socket or the cable connector in case of being huddled while connected.
The only drawback I see is that the 4.4 female connector is a bit recessed in the neutrik 6.3 housing, but it’s for having the shortest connexions possible between the pentacon and the 6.3. I use it also with cables using the 4.4 furutech, which is the biggest and it works as you can see on pics. Once the 4.4 male has been engaged in the socket it’s guided till totally plugged so no risk of scratch. So it’s more an aesthetic drawback. But I talked with Sean (the maker) about this point and he told me he’ll think about making a new version with 4.4 out flush to the housing. It could be worth it to ask him about this point.

 

[ThanatosVI]

We're closing in on the first Anniversary of the Elite.

A year later it positioned itself at the top of my lineup. I love all my headphones but the Elite brings overall the most enjoyment to me.

 

[betula]

We're closing in on the first Anniversary of the Elite.

A year later it positioned itself at the top of my lineup. I love all my headphones but the Elite brings overall the most enjoyment to me.

True. Other flagships might do one or two things better, but the Elite as an overall musical package is unique; it keeps your attention and rewards you with sweet musical treats. Addictive is the word I would use. Even after several months of ownership.

 

[ckhirnigs113]

I have the Meze silver plated and find the Lavricable Grand better, in just a word the sound is clearer like a veil has been lifted.
@ckhirnigs113 i can recommend you this adapter, well made with an original pentacon connector : https://www.ebay.com/itm/184717002733?hash=item2b01fdc7ed:g:8y0AAOSwnT9hnQZE
I have it among others from the same seller / maker and it’s build like a tank and works flawlessly.

Well I already sold the 4.4 Meze cable, but I appreciate the recommendation. Another reason an adapter wouldn't have worked in my particular situation was due to the length of the 4.4 cable. It was far too short for my needs. I've been spoiled by my 10-ft ZMF 2K cable.

 

[ckhirnigs113]

My thoughts on the Elite are finally live if anyone is interested in my ramblings. I'm a big fan. Thought maybe the enjoyment might wear off but it's been almost a year now and I still tend to reach for the Elite first, among many many other choices.

Did you get a chance to try any after-market cables with the Elite while you had it for your review? You had great things to say about the headphones using the stock cable, so I can't help but think you might have heard an even better sound with a nicer cable.

Disclaimer: I haven't even plugged in the stock cable myself since so many owners talked about the improvements from moving to a quality upgraded cable, like the silver-plated option from Meze. I've used various ZMF cables (OFC and 2K Copper) with my set, and it sounds great with both of them.

 

[Arcamera]

Much as I love the Elite, I admit I'm also excited to hear the 109 Pro. Looking forward to seeing what they can do at that level/price point and design. I enjoy keeping some headphones less technically good, but still very good for their level-- it's satisfying in its own right.

 

[project86]

Did you get a chance to try any after-market cables with the Elite while you had it for your review? You had great things to say about the headphones using the stock cable, so I can't help but think you might have heard an even better sound with a nicer cable.

Disclaimer: I haven't even plugged in the stock cable myself since so many owners talked about the improvements from moving to a quality upgraded cable, like the silver-plated option from Meze. I've used various ZMF cables (OFC and 2K Copper) with my set, and it sounds great with both of them.

I actually use an Audio Art HPX-1SE cable with the Elite. I did spend some time with the stock cable and it's fine, but the upgraded cable lets more of the character shine through. If you look close in my pics, you'll mostly see the Audio Art with those cool Eidolic Rhodium mini-XLR connectors.

I'm not a cable nut by any means, but I appreciate quality craftsmanship and superior materials. And with a high quality headphone like the Elite (or the Empyrean for that matter), I think it's worth it. Most all of my headphones have aftermarket cables, from the likes of Audio Art, Norne, Forza, Effect, Toxic Cables, and Moon Audio.