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

roxy54

@juanmanuelfangioii 

What are you talking about Juan? Who said the Chinese are paying taxes. He meant US taxes.

I'd like to do an audit of all of your possessions and see how much you have supported the CCP.

I agree with juan*, but it's only a few dollars, so...

FYI, my system is balanced, meaning all ICs are XLRs

Audit this. If you are paying any tax on Ali Express it is not being paid to the taxing authority in the state you reside in. only a fool would think that.

Oh, I have a few thing but I do not blatantly support counterfeit products or buy direct from CCP controlled entity’s.

Unlike you my preference is to support small businesses in North America and the EU.

A few dollars multiplied by how many transactions?

The Counterfeit Cable Cartel’s.

 

 

@juanmanuelfangioii 

Audit this. If you are paying any tax on Ali Express it is not being paid to the taxing authority in the state you reside in. only a fool would think that.

I am such a fool.  So I would like to ask what proof you have of your assertion?

Okay @melm you are right: I stand corrected on the Tax. This also should also allow prosecution for selling counterfeit goods in those states. LOL FAT CHANCE  

AliExpress and Alibaba, AliExpress’s parent company, certainly have an economic presence in the US. AliExpress has warehouses and drop shippers all over the US, while Alibaba has U.S sellers and small businesses.

Therefore, they are required to collect sales tax.

It is noteworthy to know that unless your state has an AliExpress nexus, you will not be charged a sales tax on your AliExpress orders. This is true even if your state is one of the 45 states that have state sales tax.