Firstly I would like to thank Curious cables for sending me
this sample to review, the cable has been used in my main reference system for
a few weeks now with plenty of hours of use.
*disclaimer: This sample was provided for the
purpose of writing a review, no incentive was given to write a favourable
review. All opinions expressed are my own subjective findings.
Gear Used: HP Laptop > USB cable > JDS Labs OL DAC
> Head “n” HiFi Desktop O2 amp > German Maestro GMP400 / Grado SR60e Wood
/ Noble Sage
Info:
Packaging and Build quality:
The Curious USB cable comes in a nice little black cardbox,
with a bright yellow brand sticker on the top. Inside you will find the cable
loosely coiled and held like this by a little Velcro strap, also included is a
little thank you card stating the differences you may hear with the Curious
cable. I like the simple packaging; it’s attractive and serves its purpose.
The cable is extremely well built, with tight connectors on
each end and excellent strain relief. The cable is quite stiff so careful
placement is key, the 5v power line is external and gently coils around the
rest of the cable. It is a well built cable that should last a long time.
Do cables make a difference?
This debate is for the end reader to decide, I am a believer
in small differences in cables, and that synergy is also important. USB cable
differences I believe are smaller than analogue cable differences, but YMMV.
Sound:
Now I am a little sceptical about digital cable differences,
but having a reliable connection is important and I do understand that there
are benefits to having the power and signal cables separated. Most people will
say that all a USB cable does is send 1s and 0s and providing they arrive
without many errors, all cables will sound the same.
This cable is not going to turn your terrible sounding
system into a great sounding system. That is not what it is meant to do. It
does however to my ears bring a slight enhancement over a standard monoprice
cable. The most noticeable difference to me was the lows, they gained a little
more body and depth to them sounding more accurate and articulate. The highs
with the stock monoprice cable are a little sharper and the sound is a little
more fatiguing, a little more artificial and strained.
Vocals came across smoother with the curious cable;
everything seemed more natural and better balanced. Bass guitars sound fuller
with more defined notes, the soundstage is deeper and more holographic,
instruments sound more realistic. The highs extend more effortlessly with again
better tone to them, no metallic tinge and never becoming splashy.
The Curious cable sounds more dynamic, and less 2D than the
stock monoprice cable. It is more enjoyable and easier to listen to, the
monoprice cable just sounds a bit flat and boring in comparison.
These differences are not night and day, but I tested with
various tracks and it was more noticeable on some over others.
Conclusion: Take what you want from my review, believe me or
not, I honestly believe there is a small difference in the sound. Separation is
increased, the sound is more natural and notes are better defined with more body
to them (monoprice sounds flat in comparison). The sound is more articulate and
dynamic in my opinion, whether or not this is worth the price only you can
answer this, but I will say it’s a great cable.
Sound Perfection Rating: 10/10 (well built and to me brings
a degree of better sound)
Comments
Post a Comment