I use a Pioneer XDP-300r.
Thanks mate, pulling trigger on these then. This is Hyperion 8 core, right?
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The optional Meze Penta Rai balanced cable seems nice quality
Yes. That is the one.
This is also what is most important in my cable selection process, as this is why I purchased the Forza cable.
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I had very good experience with the folks at Null Audio for IEM cables. Their presentation is awesome and they are very responsive (might not be too good with English) but hey, being responsive is a virtue in this hobby.
I have three of their cables:
- Hakone - 8 wire Herringbone Braid (Silver-Copper Hybrid)
- Tiburon - 8 braid (Copper Cryo)
- Lune (SPC)
The Solaris is using the Tiburon, the one on the box is Hakone. .
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Good looking cables.
Those are great cables.
Hi, I just wanted to tell you guys that there is a US cable maker that seems to have even better prices then Satin audio. For example, when you look at their Medusa II cable that has silver Upocc 26AWG with 4 litz. This cable costs when you take the 8braid version 509.- Dollars with standard plugs and has a length of 1.2 meters.
The Arctic cable silver Upocc 26AWG with 6 Litz (instead of 4 Litz of the Satin Audio) in the Same 8braid version has a length of 1.5 meters and costs 550 dollars (But also has neutrik plugs as standard). In addition you habe lifetime warranty (also transferable to another buyer if you want to resell it) and if you want to change the plugs because of the need of another termination, the labour costs of that change is free, too. I have one cable of them for the Focal Stellia and it really is an audible upgrade from stock cable. Also pliable as hell and no microphonics. I also add a picture. (My version has a Viablue plug).
So, I don’t want to make a commercial for Arctic cables here but I just thought that it might be better for you guys (in particular those living in the US) to buy a cable made in the US that is better (6 Litz) AND cheaper when counting in the length compared to the Satin audio that is made in Vietnam. I don’t claim that they aren’t good, I am sure they are very well made as well.
Here the link to the arctic cable website:
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Cool! Dont think they are “better”, but it is another option. I dont really care for Arctic’s shrink tube look, but to each his own. There is more to it than just the type of litz. Looks like Arctic makes full sized, and Satin focuses on iem cables.
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Yes, arctic just makes full sized as I can see. Satin Audio seems to make both IEM and headphone cables.
They do, but focus on iems, kind of like Plussound.
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Triton Audio is another killer cable maker, with great prices and quality. He uses some quality materials, and is easy to deal with.
Yeah Arctic Cables are pretty cool. I dunno if still on the TOTL level but they made an extremely good XLR cable for my LCD 2’s three years ago. Prices were lower then and they gave me a stellar XLR to 1/4 inch adapter for free.
Also, don’t Arctic Cables - cables have lifetime warranty? That’s amazing!
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Yeah, lifetime warranty and then in addition, if you would decide to sell the cable, the new buyer also has warranty. That’s pretty cool, because that’s a plus for resale value.
The silver Upocc cable I have is their TOTL cable and it’s pretty new (about one year ago they sold it first I think) so I don’t know if it’s in any way comparable to the cable you have, since it’s already three years old.
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Check it out! Satin Audio just sent me a picture of my second Hyperion 8 wire, which they are shipping today. Their iem cables are beautiful, and the materials and build quality are as good as it gets. I plan to pair this with my Campfire Audio Lyra II, and think it will be a perfect match.
Satin Audio Hyperion 8 wire (mmcx)
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A tiny review on Null Audio’s Hakone UP-OCC Cryo Silver/Copper Headphone/IEM Cable
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated, nor in the same continent as this company. I just have very good experience with the cables I bought from them.
Pros:
- Amazing Craftsmaship
- Great build and comfortable (flexible)
- The braids are super transparent – you can see the copper and silver cores with care eyes
- Yes, it enhances sonic abilities (for select IEMs)
- Smooth and powerful
- Punches way above its price (if you are into high end cables)
- Unmatched presentation and customer service
Cons:
- While reasonable in the world of hi end IEM cables, still pretty expensive nonetheless
Review:
Hakone is from the premium line of IEM cables from the Singapore based company Null Audio under their sub-brand “Symphonym”. I bought the Hakone in its 8 braid (Herringbone braid) upgraded variant four months ago and I cannot be more impressed. Previously, I had used some high-end cables from Effect Audio and ALO audio but these have served me way more than any of the others.
Build: One of the most beautiful cables you can come across in this hobby is the Hakone. The braids are more prominent than regular Litz. You can see 4 cores of golden copper cables and 4 cores of whitish silver ones and can readily tell you got what was advertised. The cable that I have is the 8 braid one, hence, it’s natural that it is a bit thicker than your usual IEM cable. However, it is not at all difficult to manage as they coil so easily, something I cannot say about my EA Thor II. Given the extremely premium wood plug and cable, you can tell that it would be extremely difficult for you to break this. They are extremely durable from what I can gather.
Unboxing/Presentation: I think the pictures (at the end of the post) will do a better job in this department because I believe more in, “show not tell.” At any rate, you will feel a firm appreciation from the Null Audio team when you receive the VIP treatment with the premium leather coated box inside which there will be a round “real wood” round IEM box where you will be presented with the cable. This is the exactly the same packaging any top tier AAW IEM comes in. The personalized metal plaque will deliver an even more gushy feeling with your name on it.
Sonics: Okay, now for the controversial aspect. Cable non-believers should look away right about now.
This section is applicable for select IEMs that really scale with a better cable. For instance, my Empire Ears Legend X, Campfire Audio Solaris really shines with a cable upgrade, whereas the Sony IER-Z1R would not scale upwards that drastically over its already great stock cable. So, I will keep this part in the context of my Legend X.
The LX’s soundstage expanded at least by 30%. I have A/Bed this with multiple cables including the Ares II cable that comes in stock. LX owners already know what an incredibly addictive sound the IEM has albeit everyone would agree it is not the most expansive IEM. The cable really shines compounding on this deficiency (if someone wants to call it that).
Of course, given its dark signature, it would serve you well to have a cable that would focus more on the top end and the Hakone does that excellently. The high frequencies come forward more with the Hakone while using with the LX. For instance, in Porcupine Tree’s album “In Absentia”, the piano comes forward to take the same stage as the bass department, which I feel is an excellent feat in itself when we are talking about the signature of the Legend X. So, in short, the upper mids and the lower treble gets a bump.
Now now, before yelling at me, this is only the story for the Legend X and also my pair of IMR Acoustics Rah. This is not the case with Sony IER-Z1R or the Andromeda.
Customer Service: The support from the Null Audio team (particularly Su) is splendid. He checked up on my order even when I didn’t contact support. Later, whenever I asked for anything, they were super fast in responding. I, once did not use a discount code that I had, and mentioned it, and they upgraded my Lune cable (a cheaper cable) with the plugs that comes with the more premium ones for free. They are not in the business to make quick bucks, rather they are intent in keeping their customers. That deserves an applause from my end. Also, shipping from Singapore is super fast. It took them less that a week to deliver once the custom cable(s) were made.
Bottom line: If you are torn between high end cables and want a cable that you can tell that it will last 10 years easily, while providing superb performance, this is it. Does it break the bank? Well, somewhat. But with the support from the friendly folks over there, to me, with a meager student income, I feel it is a worthy investment if you have high end IEMs.
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Nice review. However, don’t post this on Reddit as they’ll lynch you. 
.
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I have been interested in these cables, and thanks for the great info!
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