Karma Cable Interconnects & Tonearm Cables

[karma67]

So after using this new cable for a few months today i made a pair of interconnects and a tonearm cable up for you peeps to have a listen.
This cable beats everything ive used to date im happy to say,in fact when i first made up the cable it was a bit of a revelation.

It uses OCC copper throughout,extremley well balanced with an open and airy top end,mid to highs reveal more detail that my previously used cables,audioquest colorado and columbia,so much so i flogged both after hearing these

The tonearm cable is screened completely,in my system its dead silent,no hum what so ever even at full volume.. OCC copper is again used and partnered with KLE Silver Harmony RCA plugs.

Id like to invite people to try them in their system and hopefully experiance the same as me,the new pair will be used all week to give them a chance to settle in,then i will start a loan list.
For now heres some pics.

IC's

https://i.postimg.cc/zvJvfFBR/IMG-3377.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/7hm6JJGt/IMG-3376.jpg


Tonearm cable,

https://i.postimg.cc/vHX4KkBF/IMG-3364.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/43Hnm31s/IMG-3365.jpg

[Ian7633]

After lots of experimenting with your other cables , comparing them with what I already had plus other more exotic stuff and coming to the conclusion that you are making very promising gear I can't wait to get my hands on these new ones. It also looks like you've made improvements to the final finish too. Good work matey.

[Bigman80]

They look far better than your first cables, Jamie.

Proper fit and finish.

Well done for persevering and I'm glad you've got the results you were looking for.

[Mikeandvan]

I was thinking of changing my tonearm cable, how much are these? Arm is Jelco 750D.

[Bluebeat13]

I like the idea of the croc clip earth, is that yours?

[karma67]

hi mike,ive not given it any thought yet to be honest,i just wanted to get 'them' out there for people to try.
your welcome to pop round and hear them if you like or i can bring them to you,what evers easier.

[karma67]

I like the idea of the croc clip earth, is that yours?

yes thanks,it makes it very quick and easy to connect to the ground post of my phono stage

[karma67]

They look far better than your first cables, Jamie.

Proper fit and finish.

Well done for persevering and I'm glad you've got the results you were looking for.
cheers oli :cool:

[Mikeandvan]

hi mike,ive not given it any thought yet to be honest,i just wanted to get 'them' out there for people to try.
your welcome to pop round and hear them if you like or i can bring them to you,what evers easier.

Be good to hear the tonearm cable in my system, I currently use a Van damme pro grade xke, a cheap cable, but apparently good quality. Never thought about tonearm cable before when I've concentrated on so much else in my vinyl set up, so be good to see what difference it makes.

[karma67]

Hi mike, its not a bad cable to be fair, my zeta used a cable with the van danme,however you can do better. I’ll be in touch.

[Johnny nocash]

As per instruction Jamie, put me on the list. I would require a 1 metre pair though mate, hope that's not a problem.

[thingfish]

5 meter pair for me please Jamie.

[Bigman80]

It doesn't work like that, thingfish.

Jamie will make a loan pair, probably 1m and then he will send that one pair out in loan for people to try.

[karma67]

As per instruction Jamie, put me on the list. I would require a 1 metre pair though mate, hope that's not a problem.
Nope 1 meter is what they are.

It doesn't work like that, thingfish.

Jamie will make a loan pair, probably 1m and then he will send that one pair out in loan for people to try.
Yes that’s the plain:cool:

[STD305M]

Hi Jamie
Think i need to try them.
Nice looking cables mate.
Very well done :goodluck:

Steve...

[karma67]

No probs Steve.

[nonuffin]

Can I go on the list as well please?

[karma67]

Can I go on the list as well please?

no probs.

[karma67]

Loan list
Ok so if anyone would like a listen to the cables Please copy and paste the list and add your name to the bottom.


1.YNWaN
2. Johnny nocash
3.nonuffin

[AJSki2fly]

Loan list
Ok so if anyone would like a listen to the cables Please copy and paste the list and add your name to the bottom.


1.YNWaN
2. Johnny nocash
3.nonuffin
4. AJSki2fly

[karma67]

turntable chassis ground now added,this will be the loan tonearm cable.:cool:

https://i.postimg.cc/ZY62Jg0W/IMG-3388bbb.jpg

1.YNWaN
2. Johnny nocash
3.nonuffin
4.mikeyb
5.rexton.

[karma67]

some more ms audio starlines upgraded with solid silver pins.
https://i.postimg.cc/BQsK1NpM/IMG-3395.jpg

[karma67]

so the cables are all done,and have had a good weeks use,all boxed up now and off to the first on the loan list.
if anyone else would like to hear them please put your name down. :cool:

https://i.postimg.cc/t4Ps9fWD/IMG-3397.jpg

[nonuffin]

Just to let you know Jamie I am on holiday for a week on the 28th, so if that is the time for my turn just skip me for the next one on the list

[karma67]

hi dominic,
thats fine.

[brian2957]

Cables look excellent Jamie . If they sound half as good as they look you'll be on to a winner mate :)

[karma67]

Thanks Brian , I hope that get a good response.

[Stormin'Norman]

Added to list

YNWaN

2. Johnny nocash

3.nonuffin

4.mikeyb

5.rexton.

6. Stormin'Norman

Many thanks
Norman

Sent from my S550 using Tapatalk

[karma67]

No problem Norman,

1.YNWaN. currently has cables

2. Johnny nocash

3.nonuffin

4.mikeyb

5.rexton.

6. Stormin'Norman

[AJSki2fly]

No problem Norman,

1.YNWaN. currently has cables

2. Johnny nocash

3.nonuffin

4.mikeyb

5.rexton.

6. Stormin'Norman

Hi Jamie

If you look st post 20 I added my name at position 4, I know seem to have been dropped off somehow, would you please adjust the list so I can try.

Thanks

Adrian

[karma67]

Sorry for that, yes will do

[karma67]

loan list update.


1.YNWaN. Currently has cables

2. Johnny nocash

3.nonuffin

4. AJSki2fly

5.mikeyb

6.rexton.

7. Stormin'Norman

[moodybuilder]

loan list update.


1.YNWaN. Currently has cables

2. Johnny nocash

3.nonuffin

4. AJSki2fly

5.mikeyb

6.rexton.

7. Stormin'Norman

9. Moodybuilder

[AJSki2fly]

Sorry for that, yes will do

Thanks

[Opti-cal]

loan list update.


1.YNWaN. Currently has cables

2. Johnny nocash

3.nonuffin

4. AJSki2fly

5.mikeyb

6.rexton.

7. Stormin'Norman

9. Moodybuilder

10. Opti-cal


Hopefully worth the wait cheers Jamie.

[karma67]

a different approach,improving on the original karma cable.

https://i.postimg.cc/DZsqbkJf/IMG-3422-1.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/zG0pJrW9/IMG-3419-1.jpg

[YNWaN]

So I have now managed to have a listen to both the new Karma interconnect and arm cable.

First the interconnect: very nicely balanced with good weight and extension in the bass and a detailed and delicate top end. The overall sound is well focussed with a very good sense of rhythm and pace. In fact the only question mark I currently have is..... compared to my usual interconnect* the Karma has less nuanced detail and less of a sense of air - but with this comes that sense of propulsion and drive.

* The Karma interconnect has direction of use arrows marked on it and therefore I presume it is a shielded design with the shield connected to ground at one end. On the other hand, my usual interconnect is entirely unshielded and this is often thought to give a more ‘open’ sound as long as hum is not a problem. In addition, the cable used in my interconnects is far from cheap. I believe the Karma uses good quality copper but, for reference, the comparison cable uses silver/gold and copper. How much difference any of this makes is another matter and I’m not drawing any conclusions.


Second the arm cable. I though this (perhaps unsurprisingly) had very similar qualities to the arm cable. However, I thought it also encouraged pace and rhythmic drive at the expense of air and fine detail - perhaps more so than the interconnect. One caveat worth adding is that my usual arm cable uses BNC connectors and so I had to use RCA to BNC adaptors with the Karma. The particular adaptors I have appear to be very ‘flaky’ with inconsistent contact quality. I have ordered some replacements and they should be here by Wednesday (in theory)

[karma67]

Brilliant, thanks mark for taking the time to audition them, could you pass them on to the next on the list please which I believe is Johnny nocash.
Thanks again.

[YNWaN]

Yep, I’ll PM him for an address.

[YNWaN]

The cables are now in the post (signed for on delivery) and on their way to ‘Johnny nocash’ :).

[karma67]

some more feedback on the cables....



I feel I should also add some comment on the Karma build quality and use. I’ve rather ignored these issues as, in this case, neither are problematic. The interconnect is reasonably thick but also quite flexible - more flexible than many I have used. The plugs are easy to push on and make a smooth, good contact.

The arm cable is, for me at least, a particular joy to use. The length is just right, flexibility is excellent and the length of the ground leads is exactly right. The RCA plugs are also of the first order. Overall build quality is genuinely first rate and beyond reproach - entirely professional.

[Johnny nocash]

Ive received the cables from Mark today, safe & sound.

[karma67]

Thanks for letting me know Richard .

[karma67]

[Link removed to non-permitted site]

[thingfish]

Yup Jamie I noticed that yesterday and posted link, but it was removed pronto for some strange reason......
I find it amusing despite having the piss ripped lot o me on the blog on a few occasions.
:scratch:

[Bigman80]

sweet as im famous!
(Link Removed to Non-Permitted Site)Hahaha, yes, you know you've made it when you pop up on Hififoofight.org [emoji23]

Now, about that trade account..........

[karma67]

loan list update.


1.YNWaN.

2. Johnny nocash currently has cables.

3.nonuffin

4. AJSki2fly

5.mikeyb

6.rexton.

7. Stormin'Norman

9. Moodybuilder

10. Opti-cal

[karma67]

Can these be moved on to the next on the list next week please

[YNWaN]

@Johnny nocash, have you some thoughts you can post - after all, I think the expectation of a review is the motivation for providing these cables for loan.....

[karma67]

its not conditional but very much appreciated :cool:

[thingfish]

Okay Fuk it....,

Gimme A shout once available please Karma.

Ta.

[karma67]

No probs, I’ll stick you on the list.

[karma67]

loan list update.


1.YNWaN.

2. Johnny nocash

3.nonuffin

4. AJSki2fly

5.mikeyb

6.rexton.

7. Stormin'Norman

9. Moodybuilder

10. Opti-cal

11. Thingfish

[Johnny nocash]

@Johnny nocash, have you some thoughts you can post - after all, I think the expectation of a review is the motivation for providing these cables for loan.....

Totally agree Mark but unfortunately I'm not able to do it. The cables are on their way back to Jamie tomorrow as per his request.

[karma67]

Yes they are coming back to me for a small tweak then out again next week.

[karma67]

the cables are on their way to nonuffin
anymore takers?

[karma67]

1.YNWaN.

2. Johnny nocash

3.nonuffin currently has cables

4. AJSki2fly

5.mikeyb

6.rexton.

7. Stormin'Norman

9. Moodybuilder

10. Opti-cal

11. Thingfish

[karma67]

the cables should be out to the next on the list next week. :cool:

[YNWaN]

Any feedback?

[karma67]

not yet,dominic has said he will though.

[nonuffin]

Have sent a PM to AJSki2fly (Adrian) requesting his address for posting.

Will complete the write up soon :)

[AJSki2fly]

Have sent a PM to AJSki2fly (Adrian) requesting his address for posting.

Will complete the write up soon :)

PM sent, really looking forward to hearing them, and it is perfect timing as I am trying out the EAR MC4 SUT(can replace RCA between it and LFD MMC phonostage) and an LFD phono cable at present and will be able to do back to back comparisons with them and my usual set up.

[Florence]

This looks interesting! can you add me to the list please?

1.YNWaN.

2. Johnny nocash

3.nonuffin currently has cables

4. AJSki2fly

5.mikeyb

6.rexton.

7. Stormin'Norman

9. Moodybuilder

10. Opti-cal

11. Thingfish

12. Florence

[karma67]

the cables are on their way to you now adrian,dominic id appreciate some feedback please.

[Florence]

Sorry to mess you about Jamie. I've just pulled the trigger on some Sommercable Epilogues so please knock me back off the list.:rolleyes:

Graeme

[AJSki2fly]

1.YNWaN.

2. Johnny nocash

3.nonuffin

4. AJSki2fly has the cables, arrived safe on 1 August

5.mikeyb

6.rexton.

7. Stormin'Norman

9. Moodybuilder

10. Opti-cal

11. Thingfish

12. Florence

They look rather good and will have a good listen tomorrow when I have more uninterrupted time.

[karma67]

thanks for letting me know,if you could be so kind to leave a short review id be very grateful as no one has bothered yet. :cool:

[YNWaN]

I did - post #37.

[karma67]

yes sorry mark,you did

[nonuffin]

thanks for letting me know,if you could be so kind to leave a short review id be very grateful as no one has bothered yet. :cool:

I will post my findings as soon as I can. Running the wife backwards and forwards to the hospital at the moment :rolleyes:

[AJSki2fly]

Hello all,

l I spent the afternoon listening to the tracks below, using the KARMA phono cable, I did not introduce the RCA cable as did not want to confuse matters. It is a very good time for me to listen to the KARMA as I have added two weeks ago the EAR MC4 SUT, to the set up with the LFD phono set to MM, this has opened up the sound stage and clarity greatly, the LFD phono cable is pure copper and is on loan, this gives even greater detail than the Furutech, but I could live with either, however the setup with the EAR MC4 and the LFD phono cable is the best I have had it to date. So having done a lot of listening to these tracks recently replacing the LFD with the KARMA cable would be interesting.

I have attached hopefully readable snap shots of the spreadsheet with my comments for each track, I know it is a bit anal but I find this process works for me if I want to try a system change out. I try and be as objective as possible and make meaningful comments, and also try and ignore the cost of something, this is definitely the case with the KARMA as I have no idea what it will be sold for or what it is constructed of.

The review marks and comments for the Furutech and LFD cables I did previously with the set up as stated. I listened to each track with the LFD initially and then swapped to the KARMA and listened to the same track again. I can do so due to having a short hi quality Cardas cable form arm to a male 5 pin din. By swapping for each track I find I am able to hear differences better.

I hope you will be able to read these below OK, it was the only way I could think of posting them. I will send a PDF copy of this to Jamie for his reference.

As you will see the KARMA is a rather good cable IMHO, with a caveat depending on personal preferences and how you like your system to sound.

Thanks

Adrian


https://i.postimg.cc/3NSLKbf2/Screenshot-2019-08-02-at-16-20-06.png (https://postimg.cc/T5bj0Q6P)

https://i.postimg.cc/136KTtSG/Screenshot-2019-08-02-at-16-21-22.png (https://postimg.cc/cvxYtdrC)

https://i.postimg.cc/dQ4NmLQD/Screenshot-2019-08-02-at-16-21-51.png (https://postimg.cc/kDRy7Mbd)

https://i.postimg.cc/BQzhkkK0/Screenshot-2019-08-02-at-16-22-19.png (https://postimg.cc/bsQH26gC)

https://i.postimg.cc/7YhsBwb9/Screenshot-2019-08-02-at-16-22-32.png (https://postimg.cc/w7KQMKXR)

https://i.postimg.cc/prXGMtC2/Screenshot-2019-08-02-at-16-24-19.png (https://postimages.org/)

[brian2957]

Now that's how to evaluate a cable . Superb stuff Adrian . Looks like Jamie's on to a winner here :)

[Bigman80]

Thorough!

Great result.

[Ian7633]

Very pleased for Jamie, all that hard work and research is really paying off.
Very well done to Adrian, that has to be the best way to show ones findings and thoughts. Better than any magazine review I've ever seen.

[AJSki2fly]

Very pleased for Jamie, all that hard work and research is really paying off.
Very well done to Adrian, that has to be the best way to show ones findings and thoughts. Better than any magazine review I've ever seen.

Thanks Ian and for all the other kind comments. It’s the only way I find that I can get a meaningful picture of what is going on when I change an aspect of my system. I have tried other ways but always find I end up confused or forget what I heard in the first place, so it becomes a mess then.

My other reason for posting it was to try and point out just how good these cables are, I was being quite picky about certain aspects, and thE KARMA as it is now performs pretty well IMO.

[karma67]

thanks again adrian,im very pleased with your findings and excellently wrtten review :cool:

[Gazjam]

Good effort!

(Dubbed voiceover...) “your Excel-Fu is indeed impressive” :)

[karma67]

a good results for my phono/turntable cable :champagne:,i cant wait to see how the interconnect gets on :popcorn:

[Barry]

Looks like you have one very satisfied customer there! :)

[Wakefield Turntables]

WOW! Excellent review.

[AJSki2fly]

Hello all, more listening results from me on the RCA's, below is a copy already sent to Mr KARMA with some more info.

"I am listening to the KARMA RCA's now as we speak which is very interesting. Initially I tried them between the EAR MC4 SUT and the LFD Phono stage(MM setting), I did not like this at all, it seemed to muddy things across the spectrum, the output from the SUT would have been around 4mV. A couple of thoughts on this, firstly the cables may be too long for such a low voltage, or perhaps I stupidly did not have them the right way around. I will give them another go in this position.

I then put them from the LFD phono stage to the ALLNIC amp and there was immediately a noticeable change in tonality and I think an extra depth to the musical presentation. They replaced a pair of Eccose Reference RCA's. I switched back and back again with the same couple of tracks from Jethro Tull - Songs from the Wood to make sure my ears/brain was not playing tricks, and they certainly were not.

So from this initial listen and at this point I would say that the KARMA RCA's are a definite improvement over the Ecosse Ref's, the Eccose actually sound a tad bright and possibly slightly grainy. The KARMA's seem to bring a richer overall presentation, especially in the low-mid range, and musically seems more energised(if that makes sense). With my Vienna Acoustic Mozart speakers this is a very pleasing musical result. I am also listening to track one of Moody Blues - A Question of Balance, lots of dynamics and spacial soundstage, this track has some serious bass in sections from bass drum and bass guitar, I have read others report that with these RCA's it can be too much in the low end but at the moment I am not finding that."

I did some more listening last Friday and Sunday afternoon.

With Vienna Acoustic Mozart Grande SE speakers:

Eva Cassidy:

Fields of Gold(original live recording 45rpm vinyl) a very pleasing tonal presentation with good harmonics and tonality between the two guitars, Eva's voice sounding very natural.
Baby I Love You (original live recording 45rpm vinyl) this was presented in possibly the best I have heard with my system, an awkward track as the bass can overpower the overall mix in places, also Eva's voice can sound dry and receed in the soundstage. This was not the case with the KARMA's, a good balanced presentation with lots of bass but not OTT. I was surprised as I though this might be the let down track.

10cc - The Worst Band in the World: A very good rendition, lots of dynamics and fast sharp attack on guitar and drums, bass good and controlled, and exciting and dynamic listen.

I change the speakers over on Sunday to the JBL L100's and listened as below:

Both Eva Cassidy tracks as before, with a bit more bass, as you would expect form the JBL's, but still in control and not over powering. Ravi Shankar - Portrait of a Genius, Tala Rasa Ranga: this was a quite stunning listen with deep hollow bass from the Tabla's and lovely tone to the the flute, sitar was clear and natural in the mix. The KARMA's certainly doing a great job.

I also listened to Vol 1 of David Bowie live in Montreal FM recording newly re-released on vinyl in two volumes. This rendition was punchy, good dynamics and an open soundstage, live recordings can IMO be difficult to not sound muddled, obviously this can depend greatly on the recording process at the time, so a good result from the KARMA's

Summing up -

I am of the opinion that the KARMA's are a very competent cable giving a clear and open sound stage. One area to be aware of is the bass and low-mid range, tonally they could be viewed by some as being slightly warmer than other cables, this is not to say they are wrong in their presentation of the music, far from it. I found that with my Vienna Acoustics speakers the overall listening experience was actually better than with my other RCA's, with the JBL's it just added to the overall experience.

Another aspect was that I found when put between the EAR SUT and LFD phono stage it had a very big impact on the sound, making everything sound as if the bass/mid pots had been cranked up, I suspect this is because the cable may be too long in this application or that it is not suited to low voltage/current.

So I would give the KARMA's a very strong 9/10 leaning towards 9.5/10 if they work in your set up.

[AJSki2fly]

1.YNWaN.

2. Johnny nocash

3.nonuffin

4. AJSki2fly has sent the cables to REXTON on 12 Aug 2019, tracking number sent to Andrew

5.rexton.

6.mikeyb

7. Stormin'Norman

9. Moodybuilder

10. Opti-cal

11. Thingfish

12. Florence

Update to list and where the cable are

[Alex_UK]

I'd knock #11 off your list Adrian - he won't be back.

[karma67]

That’s true! Lol
Thanks Adrian for another great review!

[AJSki2fly]

I'd knock #11 off your list Adrian - he won't be back.

It's not my list, up to Jamie to ding someone out!

[Alex_UK]

Indeed, sorry Adrian, will leave Jamie to do the dinging! :lol:

[karma67]

updated loan list.
1.YNWaN.

2. Johnny nocash

3.nonuffin

4. AJSki2fly has sent the cables to REXTON on 12 Aug 2019, tracking number sent to Andrew

5.rexton.

6.mikeyb

7. Stormin'Norman

9. Moodybuilder

10. Opti-cal

11. Florence

[Wakefield Turntables]

These Karma cables will be compared against some Duelund goodies and maybe my Yannis Tome stuff. :eyebrows:

[Wakefield Turntables]

Cables arrived today, well have a listen over the weekend.

[karma67]

thanks for letting me know :cool:

[Wakefield Turntables]

Now requested next members details to send these on.

[karma67]

Cheers Andy, how did they fare against you normal cables?

[mikeyb]

Now requested next members details to send these on.Nothing received here.

But no matter bump me down the list again please as I'm still away on holiday and my tonearm is still being serviced so until that's back I can't do anything anyway.

Thanks.

[Wakefield Turntables]

Nothing received here.

But no matter bump me down the list again please as I'm still away on holiday and my tonearm is still being serviced so until that's back I can't do anything anyway.

Thanks.


mike,

for or some reason I was under the impression storm in Norman was next, please accept my apologies.

Thanks

a

[mikeyb]

mike,

for or some reason I was under the impression storm in Norman was next, please accept my apologies.

Thanks

aNo need for apologies [emoji106]

I had to drop down the list due to no tonearm and thought you meant me when you said pm sent. I'm more than happy to drop down again as no point me having the cable right now.

[karma67]

updated loan list.
updated loan list.
1.YNWaN. feedback given. :cool:

2. Johnny nocash

3.nonuffin

4. AJSki2fly feedback given :cool:

5.rexton. currently has cables

6.Stormin'Norman

7. mikeyb

9. Moodybuilder

10. Opti-cal

11. Florence

[Wakefield Turntables]

Phil "moodybuilder" now contacted. Awaiting postal details.

[karma67]

cables are coming back to me.

[karma67]

the loan of these cables has now finished,im disappointed with the amount of feedback recieved to be honest.
to those who did add some words, thank you very much for taking the time to post your views. it is much appreciated.:cool:

[Wakefield Turntables]

I'll post something for you over the bank holiday, I've been busy.

[Stormin'Norman]

Totally understand your frustration with feed back response, probably greater than mine as now unable to contribute to feedback. There have been amazing in depth reviews and in a perverse way these may have contributed to lack of reviews by others by setting such a high bar. Little bit unfair IMO to judge those left on the list by inaction of others, just saying and no offence intended to anyone. At the the end of the day they are your cables and yours to decide on their travels or not
Norman

[JohnG]

Hi Jamie
If you intend on making these cables a marketable product, then there is a great place to be if you intend on getting exposure, and that is good old fashioned 'word of mouth'.
The first time I ever heard of a Spotfire Cable was at a event, where
a individual was speaking enthusiastically about them.
The interest gathered was such that these cables were being put to A/B comparisons with other cables in the room.
I vaguely recall the system owner noting improvements, he was perceiving and I do believe he is a Spotfire owner today.
From this little Acorn, I have seen the energy directed at Spotfire accelerate, only Ollie knows the full extent of the interest to date .
It only takes one individual to believe they have struck onto a winner with your cable, if they are willing to go out and make that knowledge available to others,by speaking good things, encouraging demonstrations, I don't see how their writing something on Forum, will overcome any skepticism, that a demo can destroy in seconds.
Making your cables available to be home trialed, might just help you cross paths with your first fan, who might not write one word, but without your knowing is passionately informing others of your work.
That first fan might just be a individual, who through there person, is a person who might be a trusted source to make suggestions, now that would be useful.
As for your cable reviews, I see one produced that looked like a NASA model for a cable review, 'WTF', your cables were 'Kicking Arse' if I recall.

[karma67]

thanks john,i will take them to the sheffield bake off and see what people think.
i like the comment,'my cables are kicking arse' well they are good imo so thanks.
as for posting their thoughts on here,well even if its few words like 'i think their shit' its better than nothing is it not?

[karma67]

Totally understand your frustration with feed back response, probably greater than mine as now unable to contribute to feedback. There have been amazing in depth reviews and in a perverse way these may have contributed to lack of reviews by others by setting such a high bar. Little bit unfair IMO to judge those left on the list by inaction of others, just saying and no offence intended to anyone. At the the end of the day they are your cables and yours to decide on their travels or not
Norman

thanks norman,when i get them back i'll give them a check over and take it from there mate.

[YNWaN]

I completely understand your frustration Jamie. As I understand it, the whole point of loaning out the cables was to solicit opinion. It is my personal view that if you ask to borrow something like this you are actively agreeing to write something of your experience, you are obliged to - if you a cannot, or will not, then you shouldn’t ask to try them. I’m afraid I don’t think it’s good enough for people to say that they aren’t very good at describing sonic differences, I doubt anyone is expecting a Stereophile quality review.

[Bigman80]

John,

"The energy towards the Spotfire" is a great way to put it. When they went out on loan, it was a whirlwind very quickly after.

Yes, that energy from someone who is highly respected made a huge impact on the interest in the cable. I don't know if anyone recalls but the first cable I made and put out there (the Focus) died a miserable death, but that was what I wanted from the loan system. To see if it was any good. Same happened with the Speaker cables, Macca wrote his thoughts on them and my inbox filled up very quickly.

Jamie,

It all depends on the use of the feedback when you get it.

If it's to see if you have something there that people hear and want to buy, then the feedback is not important. They will buy them if they like them.

If it's to gauge others opinions to reaffirm your own opinion then the feedback is very important.

If you have a cable that people like, people will buy them and then the feedback comes naturally due to the enthusiasm from the new owner.

The Spotfire never came back from the first three loanees. James literally refused to let me make him a pair so he could send the loan set on its way. He wanted THAT pair lol.

Same for the first few guys after. That's where the momentum came from in the beginning. John is right BTW, I now have customers who are not even on forums due to word of mouth but the competition is fierce, EWA are killing it out there. The speaker cables are kind of becoming "folklore" or the stuff of legend, due to the limited stock. Even on AoS, theres me, Brian (20/20) and now you knocking up cables and then threads like the Belden one make people turn away.

Keep doing what you're doing and when you hit the nail on the head, it'll all happen to you, rather than "by" you.

As for enthusiasm for the Spotfire now, today, word of mouth orders are now more per month than AoS orders.

[Wakefield Turntables]

Some thoughts...

Compared to Yannis Tome 420.

+ve points

Genre neutral seemed to perform well across a wide spectrum of choices.
Sound stage slight narrower and less depth than 420.
Great instrument separation.
Excellent decay, timbre.
Vocals perhaps not as well defined as the 420 but still very very good.
Excellent build quality.

-ve points

Not as detailed as the Tome cable just looses out in the microdetail stakes.
Produces a shade more sibilance than the 420 IC's.


Performs extremely well and is better than some of Tome's earlier cables. It looses out to the 420 with respects to soundstage and detail but overall is a very well designed and built cable. I noticed the immediate loss of the cable when I replaced it with the 420. I would suggest that a full loom of IC's are probably going to be needed. My system has a full loom of Yannis Tome 420, even my preamp is rewired in the stuff and subsequently would recommend against running the Karma cables in your system with several other differing brands of cabling, you'll be disappointed! Heartily recommended. It's not the best cable I've heard but it does trounce some of the Tome cables, alongside some of the higher end Atlas, van del Hul and Nordost cables. So like Ollie's cable I'd recommend it.

[karma67]

brilliant! thanks andy,as it was a direct comparison would you mind saying how much your Yannis Tome 420 cable was please?

[Wakefield Turntables]

I think it was in the 450-500 quid region. I also tested it against a £1500 nordost tonearm cable and a set of Valhalla interconnects. The Karma's beat the Tyr tonearm cable but the Valhalla's trumped your Karma's.

[karma67]

bloody hell! really? wow chuffed with that.

[Wakefield Turntables]

I completely understand your frustration Jamie. As I understand it, the whole point of loaning out the cables was to solicit opinion. It is my personal view that if you ask to borrow something like this you are actively agreeing to write something of your experience, you are obliged to - if you a cannot, or will not, then you shouldn’t ask to try them. I’m afraid I don’t think it’s good enough for people to say that they aren’t very good at describing sonic differences, I doubt anyone is expecting a Stereophile quality review.

Great post. +1 with all of the above.

[YNWaN]

Andrew, does Yannis Tome still do 420 as I can’t see any reference to it (only 428, 423.5, 223.5 and 222)?

[Wakefield Turntables]

Andrew, does Yannis Tome still do 420 as I can’t see any reference to it (only 428, 423.5, 223.5 and 222)?

You need to ask him about his "off the shelf" designs. He does loads of stuff not even highlighted on the website. I choose 420 purely because it fitted all my needs at a price point which correct at the time. He advised against spending more due to diminishing returns.

[scotty38]

I completely understand your frustration Jamie. As I understand it, the whole point of loaning out the cables was to solicit opinion. It is my personal view that if you ask to borrow something like this you are actively agreeing to write something of your experience, you are obliged to - if you a cannot, or will not, then you shouldn’t ask to try them. I’m afraid I don’t think it’s good enough for people to say that they aren’t very good at describing sonic differences, I doubt anyone is expecting a Stereophile quality review.

To be fair this is one reason why I don't put my hand up to borrow stuff because I know I'm not very analytical and struggle to put what I think into words, hence I don't borrow stuff to save the embarrassment of a rubbish or non existent review....

[karma67]

Many thanks for the support and pm’s,I appreciate the sentiment, so once I’ve got the cable back and checked it over I’ll send it back out again, moodybuilder I believe is next as the other 2 on the list are on holiday. I’ll pm you later for your address :cool:

[joolz]

Hi Jamie,
Nothing posted on here recently - are the loan cables still available to review ?
Kind regards,
Julian

[karma67]

Hi, if you pm me your address details I’ll send them over

[Opti-cal]

Is original list defunct?

[karma67]

Sorry were you on the list? I didn’t check . I’ll have a look tonight when I’m home from work.

[Opti-cal]

Sorry were you on the list? I didn’t check . I’ll have a look tonight when I’m home from work.

Yes I think I was number 10. I had assumed this wasn't continuing but I'd still be up for testing them (and giving some feedback) at some point.

If you've already committed them going elsewhere no worries but be helpful to know.

Cheers

[Opti-cal]

Yes I think I was number 10. I had assumed this wasn't continuing but I'd still be up for testing them (and giving some feedback) at some point.

If you've already committed them going elsewhere no worries but be helpful to know.

Cheers

Well as no communication for whatever reason please remove me from list Jamie.

[karma67]

Don’t take it personally mate, I’m very busy at the moment.
Can a mod close this thread please.
Thanks