Set-up and music
Contents
The set-up used for the review is:
- Naim ND5XS streamer with DAC
- Naim XS2 integrated amplifier
- Naim standard DIN interlink
- Ricable Dedalus speaker cable
- Audio Physic Spark ii speakers
- Belden Catsnake Cat5e ethernet cable
- Dlink DGS-108 switch with LHY LPS25VA power supply
- Audes ST-900 balanced power transformer
- Power cables from Essential Audio Tools
- Rega Planar P6 turntable with Rega Ania MC cartridge
- Graham Slee Reflex C phono stage
- Audiolab 6000CDT CD Transport
- Primare NP5 Prism Mk2 streaming bridge
- iFi iPower2 5V for the Primare NP5
The Art Speak SPDIF cable is used between the Audiolab CD transport and the Naim ND5XS and between the Primare NP5 streamer and the Naim ND5XS.
For streaming, both the Primare app and Audirvana are used.
Besides this Art Speak cable, a previous version of the same cable was used and an Audioquest Forrest SPDIF cable, which fared very well in a comparative study.
Music
From CD was played:
- Van Baerle Trio – Beethoven Complete works for Piano Trio vol.2 – Piano Trio after the Symphony in D major, Op. 36
- Talk Talk – The Colour of Spring – I Don’t Believe in You
- Steely Dan – Aja – Deacon Blues
- Peter Gabriel – i/o – Love Can Heal
Streaming, from a NAS:
- Hania Rani – Live from Studio S2 – Hawaii Solo
- Mammal Hands – Captured Spirits – Rhizome
- Thindersticks – Across Six Leap Years – If You’re Looking For A Way Out
Good day,
I must admit that I am surprised by the price of this DIY S/PDIF cable, especially considering that it uses RCA connectors that are commonly available, for example from AliExpress. Naturally, I would also be interested in seeing your measurements, which I find missing here, although I understand that you may choose not to publish them.
I would also like to know what type of coaxial cable is used inside. I assume it is most likely a standard, commonly available 75-ohm industrial coaxial cable.
For context, I have ordered the Mutec PSC 75-ohm cable based on your review, which is why I am particularly interested in how this DIY coax compares to it. The Mutec PSC 75 is known for its controlled impedance, high-quality shielding, and overall signal integrity, so I would appreciate your perspective on how the internal coax used in this cable stands up in direct comparison.
Not listened to those cables side by side, so no perspective available to be given.
Good afternoon,
I understand and respect that. What I do not understand, however, is that you test high-quality cables such as MUTEC or brands like AudioQuest, supporting your evaluations with various measurements, and at the same time present a cable of evidently poor quality, with connectors sourced from AliExpress, where it is unclear what components are used internally or how the cable is technically constructed.Of course, this is your decision and your right. I also understand that you are not obliged to provide any explanation. Nevertheless, in my view, this approach does not appear very credible and does not cast a positive light on this type of review.
Have you heard it?
No, I won’t hear it either. I have the FOREST and MUTEC cables – the MUTEC sounds very similar to the USB Supra Lorad. The FOREST has more pronounced yet at the same time rounder highs, and I use it in connection with a CD player. I use the MUTEC with a streamer together with USB, and depending on the sampling frequency I choose SPDIF or USB. Every system is unique and the changes are subtle. It is not about “hearing every cable,” but I am pointing out your style of reviewing, where in one case you present measurements and in another you recommend a cable that is, in essence, completely ordinary, yet sold at an inflated price. I do not consider this to be a fair approach.hain feeds into a Denafrips Pontus 15th DAC.
I have to say that I like their reviewing style, also for these types of shorter articles and quick-takes, since they can´t be expected to measure and compare everything, as that would severely impact the number of articles they are able to put out. I rather hear their subjective experience on a single cable than nothing at all on that cable.
As i see it, they have earned my trust by publishing all the measurements, live recordings, technical deep dives and explanations. They go the extra mile that no other publication has ever gone, to try to explain why these things matter. They are also a bit skeptical, which i think is healthy.
In my book they have therefore earned my trust also when they simply use their ears. At least more so than anyone else, that hasn´t gone the extra mile.
https://www.alpha-audio.net/whos-alpha-audio/
If Alpha Audio declares an effort to identify correlations between measurements and listening, and emphasizes transparency, then a minimum set of technical data should be a given especially when it comes to cables. Without such data, it is not possible to assess whether a product is the result of a deliberate engineering design or merely a randomly well-performing sample.
In such a case, the comparison does not come across as an independent review, but rather as a selective presentation of results without the possibility of deeper verification. This stands in contradiction to what Alpha Audio itself declares as its core values
Since we don’t have enough paying customers, the level of what we can achieve with the resources in terms of time, people and money is what it is.
Criticism is free, but so is our content.
Thank you for your explanation, which I understand. Criticism is free, but sometimes it is like holding up a mirror. I have seen many reviews and I like them, but please also understand my perspective, as I make purchasing decisions based on reviews that strongly influence me. Such is the world of the consumer.
I wish you a Merry Christmas and a successful New Year without criticism.
Cheers Martijn, will check it out. 🙂
Cannot be bought from a store or webshop? Is it a prototype ?
No. Ordering is only through the mentioned e-mail address. It is a legit manufacturer. We’ve testen a lot of his creations over time and visited him. Just use the search function on ‘Art Speak’.