@jetter Was not implying disrespect to Mogami cable users. Mogami was just an example could have mentioned Blue Jeans Cables ect.
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.
- ...
- 920 posts total
@dayglow I was reading too much into what you wrote. Thanks for letting me know. No problem at all! |
As a recent Mogami 3103 cable purchaser with an enjoyable mid-fi system using WiFi Auris Sabre DAC streamer, a serviced ‘80s pro audio solid state amp with lots of head room, a small REL sub and a pair of beautiful Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary speakers, I’ve enjoyed this thread :) Blessed only with average ears, I instantly heard an increase in current reaching the Lintons, as compared to Amazon 12 gauge wire. Wasn’t instantly all good, as the speakers lost some imaging until I reduced the gain coming into the vintage Crown amp from the DAC. |
The question is why would anyone knowingly buy a "fake" cable? They might claim curiosity or some might even believe they are able to copy the R&D of the cable makers. I think many want brand recognition most can’t afford a true "Valhalla" cable and fewer won’t pay the cost of admission for various reasons. I really don’t like to be put on the defensive from somebody I don’t know and who I suspect is an arrogant snob. So if you must know I have been buying emotiva power cords and have capped my budget to around $100 or less. I have ordered the fake nordost because somebody on this thread bought one and said the quality is decent. So not having much to lose it sounded like it was worth a try, I won’t be receiving it untill the end of the month so we will see. I don’t have a ton of money to spend but I’m always tweaking and upgrading because it’s fun and just part of the hobby. Getting a nordost fake or real does not give me bragging rights because nobody I know gives 2 shits or would know that a nordost power cord is a high end product. I live in a small rural town in N.H. by the Canadian border and I don’t know anybody that is an audio enthusiast. You my friend just sound like a troll. |
- 920 posts total