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

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@tksteingraber 

I really appreciate your assessment of that power cord. Based on your opinion of it I will avoid it. Thanks.

 

I received this Odin Gold power cord yesterday (EU version), installed it on my analogue active crossover (where I didn't think it would have much impact) and HOLY CRAP. from the very first second, the scene widened, deepened, mids are smooth and liquid, detail is there but zero agressivity, this is so far the best power cord I've tried in my system - and it's a cheapie! Small gauge, tho, so probably not suitable for power amps or subwoofers.

Now my impressions are from a brand new PC, so we will see how it evolves after burn in, but in all logic it can only get better (after some rollercoaster with difficult moments of course). Fingers crossed!

 

https://fr.aliexpress.com/item/1005004190080033.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.0.0.21ef5e5bR51SKw&gatewayAdapt=glo2fra

@rolox 

I can't wait to get my second one so that both my LSA Voyager GaN amp and my Audiolab 6000 CDT are synchronized 

FYI I ordered from DIY HiFi and got a response saying they are closed until the 7th

Well, my second chinese order was for some spades and AC plugs that I placed with the Furukawa Flagship Store went astray.

I ordered 2 items. One item was received but contained only half of the item. The other item never arrived. (Been over a month now). Very poor communications. I guess I am SOL and I’ll just have to accept the fact that I got stiffed, glad it wasn’t too expensive.

So, others be careful don’t buy anything from this supplier.

ozzy