Could this be a 'giant-killing' tonearm cable?

[Marco]

I've now ordered a 423.5 Phono Litz 'special' with Furutech and WBT connectors (I will standardise on them rather than Eichmanns) and silver plated shield.

Nice one, Martin. I'll stick with the Eichmanns, as I like them in that application.

Yannis is a nice chap, isn't he!

The guy's a star. If only all eBay traders were like this!!

I'm interested in a matching cable the other side of my SUT (SUT to phono amp) so I've asked him if he can make me a 423.5 Litz phono to phono cable.

Yup -the cable in question is called the '223.5 Connect-Litz', a picture of which I posted earlier (post #359). I'm also getting one (fitted with silver Eichmanns).

I can then compare it with the TQ that is already doing the job. By then, the TQ will have WBTs on it (plan B is in operation) so I will be able to perform a straight shootout.

That'll be interesting... I've no idea how good the 223.5 Connect-Litz will be in comparison with the TQs, as I haven't heard that particular cable yet, but based on Jannis' 'giant-killing' tonearm designs, I don't see why he can't produce some similar interconnects!

Incidentally, how much are the TQ Blacks you're using in that position at the moment?

Marco.

[Marco]

So is this the one we call "The Marco" from now on ?

Nope, just call it 'The Giant-Killer'!



Marco.

[MartinT]

Incidentally, how much are the TQ Blacks you're using in that position at the moment?

£285 for a 1m pair. Mine are 0.8m special, same price.

[Marco]

Thanks, Martin. They're cheaper than I thought...

The 223.5 Connect-Litz starts at £90, for a 0.5m pair, so with the added cost of four WBT 0110Ags, it'll take it up about £250, which is in the same ballpark as the TQs.

So I've no idea why daftee-boy Brooky was laughing earlier...

It was certainly interesting when we did the comparison between your TQ Blacks, with stock plugs, and my MG G2000HDs, with silver WBTs. Overall, I preferred the G2000HDs, although I could hear what you liked about the TQs, although what I preferred about my cables could've simply been down to the plugs.

That's why if you can fit the WBTs to your TQs, optimally, the results will be very interesting indeed. I'm convinced that there's more to come from those cables, with better plugs fitted!

One thing, mate, make absolutely sure that you get the WBT 0110Ag, and NOT the sonically inferior (more metal used) 0102Ag, otherwise you won't realise the full potential of the cable.

Are those the ones you've got for fitting onto the TQs?

Marco.

[MartinT]

The 223.5 Connect-Litz starts at £90, for a 0.5m pair, so with the added cost of four WBT 0110Ags, it'll take it up about £250, which is in the same ballpark as the TQs.

Yup, Yannis got back to me and I've just ordered a 0.8m 223.5 Connect-Litz with WBTs and you're right, the price is in the same ballpark as the TQ so it'll be a very fair shoot-out.

One thing, mate, make absolutely sure that you get the WBT 0110Ag, and NOT the sonically inferior (more metal used) 0102Ag, otherwise you won't realise the full potential of the cable.

They are deffo WBT 0110Ag, I double-checked. Also those are what I ordered from Yannis.

All very exciting, and Yannis is going to try to despatch the cables by the end of next week. Can't wait!

[Marco]

Hehehehe... Indeed - can't wait for my 'toys' from Yannis to arrive, too!

Marco.

[clap]

Thanks, Martin. They're cheaper than I thought...

The 223.5 Connect-Litz starts at £90, for a 0.5m pair, so with the added cost of four WBT 0110Ags, it'll take it up about £250, which is in the same ballpark as the TQs.

So I've no idea why daftee-boy Brooky was laughing earlier...

It was certainly interesting when we did the comparison between your TQ Blacks, with stock plugs, and my MG G2000HDs, with silver WBTs. Overall, I preferred the G2000HDs, although I could hear what you liked about the TQs, but what I preferred about my cables could've been simply down to the plugs.

That's why if you can fit the WBTs to your TQs, optimally, the results will be very interesting indeed. I'm convinced that there's more to come from those cables, with better plugs fitted.

One thing, mate, make absolutely sure that you get the WBT 0110Ag, and NOT the sonically inferior (more metal used) 0102Ag, otherwise you won't realise the full potential of the cable.

Are those the ones you've got for fitting onto the TQs?

Marco.

Interesting point re the wbts - their website claims that for rcas the 0102 are better as they have better rfi rejection due to the metal. Foe digital the 0110 are recommended.

[Marco]

Hi Tristan,

Yes, that's the theory. However, in practice, I've always found the 0110 (Ag or Cu) to be sonically superior in all applications (by a significant margin), be it analogue or digital.

The 0102s are a little more expensive, and of course have to be sold too, so it's understandable why WBT would pitch it the way that they do!

Therefore, you can save yourself some money AND end up with better sound, by going for the 0110s

Marco.

[Wakefield Turntables]

Macro

Nice review. I think I'll stick with what I have for he time being as I don't have the regulations mods fitted yet (COME ON PAUL ) or access to a decent SUT I have the silver core on order Now what will be interesting is if some of Yanis 's IC can beat me Valhalla ICs which I use as a reference I also think you must take into consideration that my main system is as and valve based like yours. The filigree detail that you mention is all well and good but I want to HEAR what's on the record and not have the thing glossed over by a wave of discolouration. I take your point about the SDP4 probably being better in my system but that's why I asked for that design and not the litz. Anyway it's all good, no point arguing over something like a tone arm cable

Andy

[Marco]

Hi Andrew,

Nice review. I think I'll stick with what I have for he time being as I don't have the regulations mods fitted yet (COME ON PAUL) or access to a decent SUT I have the silver core on order...

No worries, dude. You'll love the Silvercore, which I'm sure for you will be a no-brainer upgrade. I'll be adding my final thoughts on it later, in comparison with the ST-80SE.

Now what will be interesting is if some of Yanis 's IC can beat me Valhalla ICs which I use as a reference

Well, let's see what happens. That's a tough ask, but then again the SPD-4 trumped your TYR!

I also think you must take into consideration that my main system is as and valve based like yours.

Not sure the point you're making there.....

The filigree detail that you mention is all well and good but I want to HEAR what's on the record and not have the thing glossed over by a wave of discolouration.

That's cool, but please understand that in no way does the 423.5 Phono Litz (special) gloss over anything. Quite the opposite, in fact! To my ears, it simply does the job more subtly, with more finesse, than the SPD-4, and with less of a pronounced sonic signature. I suspect that this is down to its unique construction.

But then you like the sonic signature of Nordost cables, whereas I wouldn't give them house room!

Horses for courses....

I take your point about the SDP4 probably being better in my system but that's why I asked for that design and not the litz. Anyway it's all good, no point arguing over something like a tone arm cable

No arguments here, mate - just intriguing discussion, as always. Anyway, enjoy the SPD-4. It's a very fine cable and will marry superbly well with the Silvercore

Marco.