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

Bought a pair of these copy Odin 2 rca interconnects which didn’t sound good upon arrival but  I am astonished what I am hearing after a few weeks of break-in.  I have them on my modest midfi 2nd system and they make my Fritz speakers come alive.  So much detail, clarity and 3D sound.  Not sure if its the synergy with the system or speaker cables but these are keepers. Also using an Ali copy Kimber Kable 12TC diy speaker wire with 100% copper spades.  All in about $80.  Amazing value to say the least.  Granted these are a comparison to WBC Mogami interconnects and I have not compared them to high quality expensive branded cables.  

@evank 

Did you ever order and receive a pair of Odin 2 speaker cables? I saw where you got the Valhalla’s but thought I read somewhere you also ordered the Odin 2’s after what tweak1 said. 
 

I got a pair of silver speaker cables from Florida but they’re not as good as the cheap Chinese occ copper cables I’ve been using. These Odin knock offs sound intriguing.

Post removed 

I keep getting response notifications and then there is nothing posted here. Someone must be posting and deleting.