Xangsane Cryo OCC vs Sterling Silver XLRs

Sterling Silver is all over eBay as well from Chinese retailers.  I'll let my ears judge if indeed hear some sonic benefits from the cables.  I didn't think OCC copper would provide enhancements but for some reason it's apparent when I switched from Mogami interconnects to Neotech NEI-3002.  Then going up to NEI-3001 was yet another improvement that was immediately apparent.

I'm in the camp that I should hear sonic benefits immediately, and if that's not the case then it's not a good buy for me and it's returned.

I'm excited for the potential of these new cables and will report back with real insight.  

An alternate option with the Xangsane XS-1105AG cable is to buy it in bulk ($60 USD/m) and DIY terminate using Viborg XM203AG and XF203AG solid silver conductor XLR connectors (~$40 USD/ea), which works out to roughly the same price as the terminated XS-1105AG with Xangsane connectors.

I offer this because I have been disappointed by an otherwise good cable with subpar connectors. Scant little detail about the metallurgy or construction of the included Xangsane connectors is provided. On the other hand, I have found the Viborg brand to be of consistently solid design, quality, and good fitment, with performance squarely on par with some much more expensive boutique hardware.

@ted_b I skipped the DIY method as the XS-1105 is $918 for 12m on AliX from the Xangsane store and $668 for 12m directly from Xangsane US website.  I paid $886 for the 2 cables and with the option of returning them if they are not to my liking.  Terminating the cables would have me stuck with $900 worth of cables that I cannot resales because I'm sure the resale value of these are not good based on the lack of reviews (written or YouTube).

Also, I had issue with terminating thicker XLR cables.  Thin Mogami cables were straightforward and simple with the copper Viborg XLR connectors.  When I tried to terminate thicker cables I've had issues and quite simply fails on XLR and RCA connectors.  I switched over to EIZZ XLR connectors that are solderless screw connectors to complete the Neotech NEI-3002 and 3001s.

If I keep the Xangsane and meet someone or get recommendation from a company that can termite the Xangsane cables to the Viborg silver connectors, I would definitely be interested in reterminating these cables.  I originally was interested in purchasing Neotech NEI-1002 MkII to be terminated with the Viborg silver connectors being terminated by Audiophonics or Hifi Collective.

@stillbuyingtoys Ah, of course, that makes perfect sense - no reason to DIY anything given you have the option to return for a refund if dissatisfied.

I am curious about the Xangsane silver although I suspect it may be a bit thin and dry in comparison to my present configuration (Belden 8428 18 AWG tinned OFC) and therefore I harbor no expectations. Awaiting your detailed evaluation.

stillbuyingtoys

The preassembled 1105 literature states that they have rhodium over pure copper XLR connectors.  Additionally, they do not appear to be solid runs, but more of a solid group/stranded one. I also await your experience with them.

ted_b

In terminating bulk 1105 to XLR connectors, with the multiple shields and the absence of a drain wire, it would seem to make sense to solder a small wire to the shields at each end for simpler termination to the shield pin.