[Dick Danger]

I know I'm not the only one with these ICs here. I was just wondering if anyone else that has a pair has noticed them getting a little more flexible with time? Mine are still very stiff and it's getting annoying.

 

[GuffMorgan]

I've noticed with my Zu cables (though mini-mini and mini-rca) that they have indeed lost some of the stiffness that they originally had. They're still a little rigid, but nothing horrible.

 

[akwok]

The Oxyfuels don't loosen I don't think, they're stiff like that FOREVER!

 

[Thaddy]

That was the main reason I sold mine. While they are really nice IC's, they are just too damn stiff to use. Zu should stop shipping them with viagra...

 

[GuffMorgan]

Ah, that's one of the reasons I sold off the K271 cable I got from them and had the Cardas made, that, and the tech flex sound got on my nerves whenever the cable rubbed against something while I was listening to them. Though I may have to try their HD650 cable if I ever get around to getting the HD650.

 

[Flea Bag]

Dick Danger, from what you've posted I've assumed that you must be moving around your components a fair bit for the IC stiffness to bother you. I've got a pair of tech+link ICs from Meier-Audio and they're stiff like nuts too but once I had them in place, I felt really secure about thier solid construction.

You could look at the good side of it though and realise that stiff cables are usually excellent at protecting the wires within. According to a study, a lot of cables contained in over-flexible and thinly insulated jackets have shown to have flaws that deteriorate sonic performance overtime. In some cases, cables have been twisted apart in more flimsy cable insulators like single-layer tech-flex.

 

[blessingx]

Mine has been unplugged nearly since I got them. Bought them for a desktop card/DAC system and since they don't bend much I can't use them there.

 

[Dick Danger]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flea Bag Dick Danger, from what you've posted I've assumed that you must be moving around your components a fair bit for the IC stiffness to bother you.

Actually these cables are the reason I've had to move my equipment. I had a Corda-Cross sitting next to my amp, the Oxyfuels made that impossible, they just wouldn't make the bend.

 

[RnB180]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flea Bag You could look at the good side of it though and realise that stiff cables are usually excellent at protecting the wires within. According to a study, a lot of cables contained in over-flexible and thinly insulated jackets have shown to have flaws that deteriorate sonic performance overtime. In some cases, cables have been twisted apart in more flimsy cable insulators like single-layer tech-flex.

please link me to the "study".

Just for thought, stiffness can also be result of low strand count, wire guage and solid versus stranded, teflon vs PVC which have nothing to do with beefy wire protection.

for example, a 20 awg stranded conductor will last longer then a 20 awg solid core conductor during use. since solid core is stiffer then stranded stiffer does not mean better durability.

Since RCA interconnects are static cables, wire protection is even less of a concern. what will cause them to deter sonic performance? aside from connector oxidation.

 

[Flea Bag]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RnB180 please link me to the "study". Just for thought, stiffness can also be result of low strand count, wire guage and solid versus stranded, teflon vs PVC which have nothing to do with beefy wire protection. for example, a 20 awg stranded conductor will last longer then a 20 awg solid core conductor during use. since solid core is stiffer then stranded stiffer does not mean better durability. Since RCA interconnects are static cables, wire protection is even less of a concern. what will cause them to deter sonic performance? aside from connector oxidation.

Hello RnB180. I hope you weren't doubting my information. You could have re-phrased your question "please link me to the 'study'" with more tact instead of sounding so challenging. Not what I expect from someone who has been here for a while and has over 2000 posts! Perhaps I was a bit sensitive but there are three negative features in your question that say otherwise. I'm not here to hammer you though and I hope we won't start an arguement.

I've seen the benefits of a sturdy cable discussed in a few places quite a long time ago. However, I no longer have those links, just a single one which can be found on LAT International's site. The study also mentions how hand-made cables can sometimes be unreliable.

About the stiffness-strand-type issue, I'd just like to mention that a thick, solid cable will usually offer you better longevity and protection than a flimsy, tech-flex one. Usually.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dick Danger Actually these cables are the reason I've had to move my equipment. I had a Corda-Cross sitting next to my amp, the Oxyfuels made that impossible, they just wouldn't make the bend.

Gee... Sounds pretty bad... I have a minimum bend radium of about 10cm with my Tech+Links before I start to feel a little insecure about pushing it any further. I too had to let my cable affect positioning between my tube buffer and amp. Hope it works out for you! Good luck!

 

[RnB180]

the faq insults every cable company and indulges in its own self praise. I have read that faq before and take it with a grain of salt. I doubt your sources because you have just proven the source of your "study" is a cable marketing commercial.

If you have a study by researchers and 3rd party members, not a company's commercial, let me know.

btw, arent zu cables hand made and use techflex? so according to LAT faq you linked, your own source contradicted your original post's intent.

 

[michaelhwolff]

Quote:

About the stiffness-strand-type issue, I'd just like to mention that a thick, solid cable will usually offer you better longevity and protection than a flimsy, tech-flex one. Usually

Gosh, it would seem that the answer to this would be not to bend your IC's or speaker cables in a small radius.

 

[RnB180]

Quote:

About the stiffness-strand-type issue, I'd just like to mention that a thick, solid cable will usually offer you better longevity and protection than a flimsy, tech-flex one. Usually.

thick solid cables dont mean anything. You can not judge a cables performance on thickness or feel. A lot of times assemblers just use filler with small guage wire to make a big looking cable.

once again, since RCA interconnects are static cables, "plug and forget", how does longevity in protection come into play?

I know of a high end cable company, that specializes in tiny thin interconnects utilizing kapton insulation. think skinny shoelace, fatter is not always better. but you have ignored my prior question, in regards to durability. What kind of extra durability would a pair of RCA interconnects require over others?

now discuss what you define as flimsy? a cable with added flexibity? do you consider techflex bad? If so, why do you consider exapandable sleeving bad?

 

[Relax]

Although the link Flea Bag provided was perhaps a little weak on fact and a little heavy on opinion, I do not see any reason for him to have been attacked in such a condesending and cynical manner so quickly.

I feel as though I need to apologize to Flea Bag for being part of a forum that would so quickly attack a person for stating their own opinions, and I am a new guy...

 

[Thaddy]

Ever heard Magwires? Pretty thin cable they are...and good sounding as well