Review: iBasso CB13 (OCC Silver + Copper MMCX IEM Cable)

Firstly I would like to thank Paul at iBasso for sending me this cable to review, it has been used with multiple monitors over a period of time.

*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.

Tech Specs:

Material: 5n OCC silver + 6n OCC copper

Connector: 2.5mm 4-pole balanced / MMCX

Cores: 8

MSRP: $199

Packaging and Build Quality:

The CB13 comes in a small plastic anti-static bag with the specs on the front along with the model number. The packaging is nothing fancy, but it does the job; I would have liked to have seen it come in a little box though.

The CB13 is a very well built cable, the braid is even and the cable is thick, the jack has great strain relief and the MMCX connectors click into monitors tightly. I feel like this cable will last a long time and even though it is not a boutique handmade cable, it still feels top notch.

Ergonomics and Cable Noise:

The CB13 is a relatively thick cable, but the jacket is soft and thus the cable is pliable and never gets in the way. The parts that route up and over your ears don’t have memory wire but I prefer this and have not had any issues with it. There is a chin slider to take up the slack, overall the CB13 is a very comfortable and soft cable in use.

There is no cable noise I can detect from the CB13 which is an excellent thing.

Sound:

 The CB13 is an excellent cable for the money, I will open with that because the CB13 allows you to keep the core signature (much like the Eros II) but focuses on adding more air and control to the sound. The CB13 is not a hugely coloured cable, lows are still full and articulate yet have a touch more control to them, reigning in any bloat that the stock cable might have. Next up with have the midrange which is injected with more clarity and also a more open soundstage, the smaller details are easier to pick out with the CB13. The highs gain some air and a hair more extension, but they are also very natural without a hint of harshness.

The CB13 is a cable that allows you to detect the finer details with ease; it is a smooth but highly detailed cable that has openness to the sound that works wonders with most IEM’s. Even putting it on the modest Westone UM Pro10 brought some excellent improvements and cleared up the slight veil that they have, whilst adding another level of detail and separation.

Conclusion: The CB13 is a cable that is a pleasure to use, along with also being highly transparent and detailed sounding. It is soft and pliable, and will bring another layer of detail and separation to your monitors. For the price, it is a great cable and one that will work with most monitors providing you are not looking for a cable that drastically changes the sound signature.