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Counterfeit Chinese Cables

I thought that I would write this for those who are curious about one of the many counterfeit Chinese interconnect cables that are available these days. I know that there have been threads about the subject before, and I was always curious because they seem to be such a bargain. I don't really recall much about what any members actually said about the performance of these counterfeit cables, and I didn't look back and do any research, but a couple of months ago there was a thread that came around to discussing the quality of Chinese made components, and oldhvymec said something that made sense to me.

He said that people that say that what they are making is junk should consider that much of what is in our gear, and a lot of our American brands are actually manufactured there. I decided shortly after that that I would take the chance on a set of interconnects, because I suspected that the interconnects going from my pre to my amp were the weak link and needed upgrading. The interconnects going from my DAC to my pre were Kimber Select which are very good, but the other set were LAT International (now defunct) which had cost $500.00 when new, but I had reason to believe they were lacking because I have one of their digital cables that turned out to be very poor sounding in comparison to others I own.

I decided on a one meter pair of counterfeit Nordost Odin interconnects for a total of $104.00 from Aliexpress. I received them a couple of weeks later. They appeared to be well made, and the locking fake WBT rca's were very impressive and are very tight. 

First impressions after installing them were light, thin sound, lacking bass. Each couple of days brought improvements, but from the beginning I noticed that they were quieter. Now, weeks later, I can say that they are drastically better that the LAT's in every way. Detail and ambience are much better, but it's the focus and separation of instruments that is most noticeable. 

I have no way of knowing if they are really a copy of the Nordost design, but I am impressed enough that I am going to try a counterfeit Nordost digital cable.

Obviously, this isn't a comparison that is useful to most, because there probably isn't anyone here using the LAT's, and everything is system dependent. I just wanted to relay my positive experience. 

Nordost ODIN&2 RCA Fever Audio Signal Cable Double Lotus Sterling Silver Audio Cord Video CD Amplifier Tube Cable High Quality| | - AliExpress

128x128roxy54
harpo75
105 posts
 

nyc_ben - Yes that is one of them but I’ve pretty much purchased from whoever had the best price.  Although some companies put different connectors on so you need to make sure that those are the same Furutech connectors.  It’s been several years since I’ve purchased the Audioquest.  My last ones were Audioquest Sky and that was like 14 or so years ago.  I really like what the Furutech cables do.  They just sound great.  Fast and detailed yet full and smooth. Bass is fantastic with great impact but not thin.  You can really hear the character (textures) of vocals and instruments.  Imaging is truly excellent  

this is the last ones I bought:

https://m.aliexpress.com/item/3256802772422007.html?spm=a2g0n.order_detail.0.0.21a9f19c9sVNoN

I also bought raw speaker cables and made my own as I only have 4’ runs.  Purchased some Rhodium spade lugs and rubber jackets. 
https://m.aliexpress.com/item/3256803444397858.html?browser_id=46dfce44b70b485286deead1fd572ad6&aff_trace_key=b85a4958c0df41ad95e5438ecf09a76f-1658171196343-00735-UneMJZVf&aff_platform=msite&m_page_id=nwucgzgatxicayg4183280c7302348ffb2dce37235&gclid=&pdp_npi=2%40dis%21USD%2166.0%2149.5%21%21%21%21%21%402103255a16628242480911449e07c5%2112000026573820284%21sea&curPageLogUid=i7Vu8ahi4bz6&algo_pvid=2f9379b6-e08b-4e64-a23b-dc70a87f8888

Im very pleased with the cables.  In my system I’ve tried many high end cables because I used to work at an audio equipment mfr.  Tara Labs, Audioquest, the top MIT (with the big boxes), WyWires Platinum (which is what I gave up to use the Furutech, Cardas, Kimber Kable solid Silver interconnects (directly from them, detailed but thin).  The Kimber Silver top end speaker cables were good, and there several others I’ve been able to take home and test for a while. I don’t remember all the names from over the years.  I’ve rarely found a cable that I just found perfect.  Usually they excel in certain areas and give up something else.  I really like the PCOCC or OCC or whatever companies label they stick on it. 
I’m not trying to say it’s THE best.  Everyone likes and looks for something different that matches there system and taste.  It’s just extremely good and especially for the money and better then anything I’ve ever tried.  I even rewired the insides of my speakers with FS-a36 speaker cable. Then rewired the short wiring in my amps and preamp with FA-as22 interconnect wire.  Each made a dramatic sonic improvement and was very noticeable.

twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,318 posts
 

It's amusing to see how the Viborg brand is more expensive than "Tara Labs", "Nordost" and "Cardas".

agisthos
506 posts
 

IMO the store you should use is RM Digital. There are various cheaper versions of these Odin knock offs but the build does not look as as good as the ones from that store. My experience is with the power cable only.

 

I would also avoid the Odin Gold knock offs. Its not going to be using gold conductor like the real Odin Gold. All they are doing is coloring the connectors and internal conductor shield of the Odin 2 to a gold color. On the power cables you can even see they have dipped the shield in a fake gold paint and it is flaking off inside the clear teflon tube exposing the silver underneath.

What’s the point of having a cable, even a knock off, that has fake gold paint on it? It’s never going to be real gold use your head. Infact its probably going to be a worse performing cable with gold paint on the outer shield.

 

 

ozzy's avatar
ozzy
7,494 posts
 

Just received the second (3M) pair from China from the Timeless audio store.

First listen, they sound like they are already broken in! Not like the other set.

They are like the other set, very good looking and seem to have pretty good sound quality. Especially for the money.

ozzy

thyname's avatar
thyname
3,107 posts
 

Wow! I just read most of this thread. It’s disturbing to say the least. Sooner or later, if not already, someone US based with figure out a “business” out of this, buy these cables in bulk, and sell them as used genuine cables “bought from authorized dealer “. My guess is it’s easy to secure genuine boxes and original cases. Very sad

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