Mini Review: RnB Audio Black Diamond Mini

[Skylab]

Well, having finally (I hope) settled on the wonderful Xin Supermacro 3 V6 as my portable amp, I had one last thing to deal with in my portable rig - the interconnect between the amp and my iPod. Since my iPod has the Red Wine Audio iMod, what was the headphone out is now a line out, so I needed a sturdy, VERY short, and good sounding interconnect between the two.

I stumbled on a photo of the RnB Black Diamond Mini on Ebay of all places, and realized I could reach out to RnB right here on Head-fi, and so I bought one.

Boy am I glad I did. It is very sturdily constructed -- I bet I could hang from it. And it's VERY short (see pic below) which is great -- it makes the rig as compact as it can be.

I was using an 8" Cardas cable jumper prior to getting the RnB. But the RnB, to me, has a subtly more open, and smoother "sound" than the Cardas. I'm not someone who has heard huge differences in cables, but it does seem that the RnB was subjectively both smoother and more transparent than the Cardas. And it is most certainly better constructed, and ergonomically better for my rig.

So I give it a VERY high recomendation to anyone needing a high quality, short cable like this. Good stuff!

 

[tyrion]

myo, makes some nice cables. I just received my Senn replacement cable and love it. No impressions until it's fully burned. I've been experimenting with small mini to mini cables with my ipod > TDII > Hornet. I am sure I will be trying one of these in the near future.

 

[Glod]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tyrion myo, makes some nice cables. I just received my Senn replacement cable and love it. No impressions until it's fully burned. I've been experimenting with small mini to mini cables with my ipod > TDII > Hornet. I am sure I will be trying one of these in the near future.

Indeed, the Grace Five Two Senn replacement cable he makes is a very interesting cable. Mine is burning in as well as I write.

This time I will listen during the whole burn-in time. It already has more than 130hrs on it and I haven't heard any major changes since about the 100hrs mark. I think I'll give it 200hrs before I consider it completely done. Catch words to shortly describe it at this moment are, IMO: very linear (like the Equinox), soundstage depth and what I can only describe as a subtle joyful touch to the sound.

 

[RnB180]

Glad youre enjoying the cable!

this review has actually spurred some interest in me about the iMods,
Compared to the the dock line out from a stock iPod, what differences did you hear with the iMod?

Ive been using the iRiver and micro stack or my Laptop with the micro stack. for my transportable rig.

However Ive been looking into a portable rig for pocket purposes. but want some real high end sound.

The iMod is very interesting indeed.
but im scared to drop that kind of cash for the iPod, iMod, and new amp (probably Ray's Hornet or Micro v6), and a smaller set of portable cans all at once.

 

[tyrion]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glod Indeed, the Grace Five Two Senn replacement cable he makes is a very interesting cable. Mine is burning in as well as I write. This time I will listen during the whole burn-in time. It already has more than 130hrs on it and I haven't heard any major changes since about the 100hrs mark. I think I'll give it 200hrs before I consider it completely done. Catch words to shortly describe it at this moment are, IMO: very linear (like the Equinox), soundstage depth and what I can only describe as a subtle joyful touch to the sound.

I've just returned from vacation. My brother has been at the house taking care of my dog and burning the cable. I love the way this cable draws me into the music. The music comes alive with this cable. My HD-650's have never sounded this good.

I am going to order the latest version of the Diamond Reference Mini for my Hornet/ipod. If it's anywhere as good as the G52, then I am in for an enjoyable experience.

 

[Skylab]

I posted my feelings about the iMod here: http://www6.head-fi.org/forums/showthread.php?t=142788

I cannot overstate how much difference the iMod makes. It's awesome.