pataburd
Headphoneus Supremus
(MOVED FROM THE CABLES . . . TWEAKS THREAD)
Just a brief, preliminary report on the UP-OCC recable that Zach, at Enigma Audio, did for me, by special request. The cable is Ultra Pure Ohno Continuous Cast, 24AWG, 7N, solid core, single crystal silver (for signal) and copper (for return). In hindsight, cryoed wire would have been nice, but this cable was not cryo-treated.
I'm not sure how much break-in time to give this cable, although silver typically takes awhile. After about 50 hours the highs are smoothing out, but still retaining excellent refinement, detail and roundedness. This is not a thin, anemic treble response from the silver wire. Instead, I'm getting exceptional clarity and a tonal purity and openness that is really quite special. Mids are very open and crystal clear. Bass is deep and punctual, and definitely fuller--more foundational and supportive--than what I recall from the stock cable. I am hoping that with an additional 100+ hours the bass will acquire even more weight and definition; but even for now, it's quite respectable, particularly given the stock K501's inherent bass response. (Reader note: this is a "Version I, bass-heavy" pair of K501.)
Right now, with the Bada PH-12 back down south on Fitz's bench, I'm running the RAM-modded Samsung DVD HD-841, Denon AVR-1905 (headphone out from the a/v receiver), the EVS IC100 (UPOCC copper) interconnects, MAC cables and PowerVar AC conditioners.
Lee Ritenour's "Festival" disc, with its Brazilian, rhythmic flair, sounds excellent. Vocals are incredibly detailed and expressive. Acoustic guitar is presented with wonderful body, as well as complex tonal and harmonic character. Bass and drums have quite adequate impact and dynamics. This UP-OCC recable brings out the best from the K501, preserving their remarkable coherency and expansive soundstage, but adding a level of high frequency refinement, layers of detail, rightness of speed, bass definition and noticably improved dimensionality over the stock cable.
Another 100 or so hours, I am guessing, should only bring about further improvements. And when the Bada PH-12 returns . . . well, I can only imagine how much better the K501 will sound, then! : )
Thanks again, Zach, for your very solid, professional-looking and quality feeling work on this recable. It really does the K501, my favorite pair of open headphones, BTW, sonic "justice." : )
UPDATE:
After another 25 hours, the bass is really filling out and coming across with more punch, shapeliness and articulation. Spatial separation and sense of instrument/performer placement is truly exceptional. The native cohesion of the K501 is taken to another level with this cable.
Just a brief, preliminary report on the UP-OCC recable that Zach, at Enigma Audio, did for me, by special request. The cable is Ultra Pure Ohno Continuous Cast, 24AWG, 7N, solid core, single crystal silver (for signal) and copper (for return). In hindsight, cryoed wire would have been nice, but this cable was not cryo-treated.
I'm not sure how much break-in time to give this cable, although silver typically takes awhile. After about 50 hours the highs are smoothing out, but still retaining excellent refinement, detail and roundedness. This is not a thin, anemic treble response from the silver wire. Instead, I'm getting exceptional clarity and a tonal purity and openness that is really quite special. Mids are very open and crystal clear. Bass is deep and punctual, and definitely fuller--more foundational and supportive--than what I recall from the stock cable. I am hoping that with an additional 100+ hours the bass will acquire even more weight and definition; but even for now, it's quite respectable, particularly given the stock K501's inherent bass response. (Reader note: this is a "Version I, bass-heavy" pair of K501.)
Right now, with the Bada PH-12 back down south on Fitz's bench, I'm running the RAM-modded Samsung DVD HD-841, Denon AVR-1905 (headphone out from the a/v receiver), the EVS IC100 (UPOCC copper) interconnects, MAC cables and PowerVar AC conditioners.
Lee Ritenour's "Festival" disc, with its Brazilian, rhythmic flair, sounds excellent. Vocals are incredibly detailed and expressive. Acoustic guitar is presented with wonderful body, as well as complex tonal and harmonic character. Bass and drums have quite adequate impact and dynamics. This UP-OCC recable brings out the best from the K501, preserving their remarkable coherency and expansive soundstage, but adding a level of high frequency refinement, layers of detail, rightness of speed, bass definition and noticably improved dimensionality over the stock cable.
Another 100 or so hours, I am guessing, should only bring about further improvements. And when the Bada PH-12 returns . . . well, I can only imagine how much better the K501 will sound, then! : )
Thanks again, Zach, for your very solid, professional-looking and quality feeling work on this recable. It really does the K501, my favorite pair of open headphones, BTW, sonic "justice." : )
UPDATE:
After another 25 hours, the bass is really filling out and coming across with more punch, shapeliness and articulation. Spatial separation and sense of instrument/performer placement is truly exceptional. The native cohesion of the K501 is taken to another level with this cable.