Sommer SC Club Mk II Studer Revox Tricone Galileo Belden 8428

Photos by ELO.

Sometimes, Things just Happen Again and Again, Part III

Letter from Hong Kong (23-3): ELO and Friends Report on their "Studer" Cable

It all started a while back. I always welcome new things, ideas and accessories that do not hurt my wallet and that could improve the sound. My buddy Kwong and I always share information, like good buys on Review 33 [Ed: the foremost HK second-hand forum], tease and taunt each other into buying them. He bought his JMR speakers, Lumin streamer and Holo Spring DAC based on my recommendations. At the same time, he had introduced me to a lot of cheap yet highly effective and wonderful gadgets, like cheapo graphite blocks made to order for use under equipment, some OEM tiptoes, the H-10U Bluetooth device etc.

We used to call each other in the morning to exchange information on cheap tricks and plans, before we got busy at work. He's lucky, since he bought a flat in China and that gave him a super and convenient excuse to acquire another system from scratch!

The TB Offering that likely Kwong first saw. Aside from waxing lyrics, it said that the cables were used in Studer studios, were second-hand and bought from German studios, of limited supply. Selling for RMB 150 per meter, much more than that of the clothed or unclothed Sommer Club Mk II. (See below DJ's section).

One day while surfing Aliexpress and Taobao, he discovered a “Studer Cable” which the seller said is from Germany and raved about, to the point of saying that you ain’t heard nothing yet until you tried it. As the price was relatively affordable, I said what the heck, I’ll tag along.

Later Kwong told me the cable is really good, and so I have some level of confidence, as we know each other's music preference. I finally bought it home and hooked it between my WEA streamer and my Eleekit TU-875 and immediately felt the virtues of the “Studer Cable” that came with a nice tweed sheath of yellow with black dots. The music now started to flesh out and become a little bit warmer. But that was not all - I gradually noticed a significant increase in musicality which made it highly enjoyable to listen to without fatigue. To describe it, it sounds organic, smooth while not giving up PRAT, and it has very good imaging and portrayal of the actual size of instruments (unlike many others’ needle-like images which I cannot bear). Timbre of instruments is accurate, and decay and attenuation are among the best that I have heard, which is important as it gives a sense of connection between music notes and make things sound more fluid and real! Imagine a system that portrays music notes as individual dots that barely connect to each other vs those painted in large circles that overlap with each other to form a complete chain! That’s how we play music with natural timbre and harmonics, and "Studer" portrays it so well. I actually picture the notes as the overlapping eddies created by raindrops on a lily pond that form a complex yet fascinating scene!

I can hear the shimmer of instrument far better in brass, guitars and string instruments as well as the body of piano and the attack of each note. pppp vs ppp vs pp vs p and ffff vs fff vs ff vs f all become easy to follow, which helps to makes the music far more interesting and exciting. Its dark background accurately reproduces silent passages, which is important in creating contrast in music.

High, mid and low are fairly flat. There is a bit of emphasis in midrange which is welcome (at some points even lush and sexy). Bass has authority, slam and quickness. While highs may not reach the sky like many exotic cables, it is more than adequate with good details and delineation but without any edginess and glassy feel. That is of utmost importance, as I find too many setups are far too brittle and edgy in highs due to the digital sources.

So far, I am waxing lyrics on this cable, are there any drawback? Is it just me and Kwong's illusions?

I have then lent the cables to many friends, and they were all positive about it. One said it compares admirably with his silver cables but only lost to the extension at the highs; another friend said it compares well to his Siltech cables for the price (while not besting it) and, given the price, it’s a bargain. Another friend also got good results. So, I’m pretty sure we struck gold in finding this gem in the sea of hifi accessories!

Next, I begin to replace my cables gradually with the "Studer" cable and the result was absolutely scintillating - definitely the more the merrier!!!! And considering its price, it is an absolutely no brainer.

Cables sold by Revoxman in Germany

However, the story does not end here. I have been chatting to DJ and he knew about this all along and also suspected it’s not “Studer” after all. But what the heck, if it sounds great and cheap, I will be happy to oblige! Then one day, a reader left a comment that it looks exactly like a Sommer SC Classique cable. This aroused the curiosity of DJ and I and we immediately went into sleuthing mode. See DJ's report below. So, at this point, we were pretty sure that it’s Sommer cable from Germany. I have also traced it to a website that sells refurb classic Studer/Revox equipment which also sells this as high-end professional cable (without mentioning Studer name though). I guess the Chinese vendor called it “Studer” as he may have purchased from this website. The price of Studer sold is almost 3 to 4 times as much as the Sommer!! However, it’s still peanuts compares to many other so called exotic high-end cables! So, I’m content totally as I would have never thought it’s actually Sommer at all at the beginning and would have missed the treasure. In the end, I need to thank the Chinese vendor selling it as "Studer" cable who waxed way more lyrics than me in order to attract Kwong to purchase it in the first place. I also thank Kwong for introducing it to me!!

Honestly speaking, my system has reached another whole new level because of the introduction of the cable and the Entreq Micro Kit and I’m content, even now I’m just using the stock PS for my WEA while waiting to service my DIY PS . The overall sound is grainless, natural, organic, exciting, yet with no lack of details and musicality, and is so much fun to listen to. I treasure that it has loads of details, but not distracting . I now can settlec down and simply enjoy music, just press the play button and let it play continuously without thinking what I’m lacking or missing. Of course, I know what is missing, but adding those would just be icing on the cake, as I think I have finally gotten the fundamentals right. Another significant thing is, I now listen to a lot more classical music!

My friend RC came over the other day; he also said my setup has changed significantly and has improved a lot. I credit it to the use of Entreq and "Studer"/Sommer cables! He then went home and listened again to his setup and it took him a while to get used to it, LOL. He said there’s a huge difference between the sound at my place and his. He described it as passion vs tranquility. But for me, I think I would describe my system with the Chinese saying: “calm and tranquil like a virgin, agile and quick like an unleashed rabbit"!

My conclusion and recommendation: Buy! Whether it’s "Studer" or Sommer!!

Doctorjohn Reports on Sommer SC Club Mk II, aka "Studer" Cable

This is a really interesting story. When ELO informed me of the Chinese TB vendor selling vintage "Studer" cable I was really skeptical! Yes, they are covered in tweed cloth, like of-yore, but they look so new, as do the connectors. I happen to know a fair bit about Revox and Studer, having used several of their incomparable CDPs (still have the Studer A730, Revox 225 and C221) and here in China I still have the Revox A720/722 Preamp/Amp. Not only that, being a friend of (HK) comm-buddy, a Revox-Studer devotee, I have been exposed to all manners of Studer and Revox, including mixing consoles! And never once have I heard about a "Studer" cable. So, when a reader wrote that he lives in Switzerland and has never heard about a Studer cable, I would have to agree! But that still did not solve the problem, until...

From Seng via DJ (see section below) Available from TB, clockwise from top left: bare wire Clothed SC Club Mk II you can see the skin under the cloth; SC Club Mk II terminated with Sommer's own Hicon plugs; much cheaper unclothed SC Club Mk II.

A reader with Eagle Eyes observed that from ELO's picture it looks like the Sommer SC Classique., which is marketed as a guitar cable and for its "60's sound". We all immediately dived in (I kid you not!) and did some detective work. I looked at the SC Classique: it is a 1 conductor coaxial cable and cannot possibly be used for XLR (the "Studer" comes in both XLR and RCA versions). I asked ELO to take a pic of the connector with shell removed. It shows 2 conductors, one red and one blue. I then identified it as SC Club Mk II. Now, this is a 2-conductor cable (red and blue) and comes in both naked and tweed-clothed versions, the latter identical in looks to the SC Classique (besides yellow tweed, there is also green color). I can't say I have looked through all Sommer cables, but at least of what I looked at that day few models have conductors colored red and blue, and none except the Club have a cloth version. My friend Seng and I looked at the spec’s and found the clothed and unclothed versions to be identical though the naked version is substantially cheaper, which is what I opted for, and I managed to source it here.

ELO also did his part. He found German seller "Revoxman" offering these cables (see above). AND, I noticed from the mailing addresses that the same person is selling on Ebay under different seller names. On Ebay the titles include the names Revox and Studer. But that's par for the course. Sellers often include names that may attract other customers. Like someone selling the KT77 tube will include EL34 in the title. I do the same with the post titles. I know it's Sommer, but I include the names Studer and Revox there as there is some relationship and interest.

Before I describe what I heard, I must say that I have a "bias": I've not been enthusiastic about Sommer in the past, and I relayed this to ELO. Here is my old brief report on the Tricone Mk II (and the very expensive Epilogue). In the article I mentioned the Galileo. Actually, although I haven't written about it, I did terminate it in HK (lockdown time) just before I returned to China at the end of 2020; it is better than the Tricone Mk II but still no bananas - and, to let the cat out of the bag, despite being pricier, in my sonic memory, not even close to the SC Club Mk II.

So, how does it sound? Why? Just as ELO described! I could not have done better! Quiet background, even-tempered, good all-around, but with a tinge of lushness in the midrange, sometimes even opulent 华丽. Now, that is a rare trait in cables. It's not something you can easily buy - not at all. I mentioned to ELO that I don't like Siltech's artificiality, and I've heard them all in a friend's completely top-end Siltech system. And this Sommer cable has a hint of the expensive sound proffered by some of these expensive brands, but yet maintains a reasonable neutrality. It plays everything well.

https://m.tb.cn/h.ULLM2rV?tk=JyS7d73Zsgg

I agree with ELO's view that, even via the tortuous route (via "Studer", Germany and Chinese TB sellers) it's a very worthwhile cable. You owe it to yourself to try it out. Of course, if you can terminate you should opt for the el-cheapo unclothed Sommer Club Mk II. It's very soft (a big plus in my book) and very easy to work with - a pleasure. But, even if you don't solder, unlike some of the other professional cables we cover here, you can still buy them terminated. HK and regional Chinese readers can buy the terminated cloth version sold in TB (link, pic above). And the same cables (both XLR and RCA) can be easily found on Ebay.

More twists. I finally terminated the stiff Belden 8428 (recommended by reader Attila) and I did some comparisons with the SC Club Mk II. Like the Sommer, the 8428 is also highly listenable and smooth and just right in the critical midrange. Bass is about the same, but I find the Belden to have slightly more air on top and it is just a tad more neutral (but it also doesn't have the potentially addicting occasional sheen of the Sommer). For my system, in the position of DAC to 1:1 Reisong Transformer though, I just prefer the Belden by the smallest of margins - so far. But then, just now I slotted in my SC Club Mk II in the position of Preamp Out to 2nd Reisong Transformer (removing the Belden 8451) and I got a little more. It's staying in there, so now I have both Belden 8428, Sommer SC Club Mk II and Belden 8451 in the system. Subject to change, I say! 

There is another important mitigating factor that one must take into consideration. I am using ALL tube, AND my USB DAC (RMB 200 1-bit double TDA1305, + <200 Weiliang 5V LPS), splendidly musical as it is, is likely not the last word in resolution - at least in this parameter it should not be in the league of ELO's Emerson used with Ethernet. Also, ELO and Kwong and friends are using mostly solid state, which I can see as being even more receptive to the SC Club Mk II. Mind you, for a tube lover, my system is on the neutral side and I've long used more neutral professional cables but the divide between tube and solid state is there nonetheless. So, don't take me wrong - the Sommer SC Cub Mk II is a very fine cable, and I may get a little more yet (I only got 2m this round to test it out). Maybe again and again and again?

Review: Canare L-2T2S and Sommer tricone MkII

Talk Cable: DIY Cables, a Must for any Audiophile

Review: Canare L-2T2S and Sommer tricone MkII interconnect cables

For the longest time, my reference interconnect cables have been the various Gotham cables, and that is unlikely to change at all. However, from time to time, I do try out a few other makes. Before I go into my recent forays, let me say why I think DIY cables is a necessity.

Why DIY Cables? Simple, "Audiophile" cables from audio manufacturers are mostly scams. The most balanced cables I have heard have all been no-frills professional cables. Unfortunately, most are sold as bare cables and termination is required.

Design your own cable? No. Some people assemble their own cables from core conductors and add shielding etc. In my experience, most of these sound unbalanced. There is much to choose from professional cables that self-assembly is a waste of time.

So when I say DIY, it is limited to termination. 十個名牌音響線九個不平衡；十個自作音響線九個不能聼。

RCA connectors I use cheap connectors. My own inclinations on RCA connectors: the connector must be rust-proof, light and made of THIN metal (such as the imitation "Canare" sold in HK). Many expensive boutique connectors, such as WBT, use chunky metal, but they look more impressive more than they sound good. Think about it, why would you want to use an expensive cable composed of many fine strands of conductors, then attach a huge metal chunk at the end to connect to a tiny female RCA connector (usually cheap even on expensive gears, and made from thin metal) on the machine?

Solder The solder must flow easily and quickly. Use sparingly, just enough to do the job and no more. I use standard stuff (I still have the older tinned ones, which I prefer). There are people out there who swear by difficult-to-manage silver and other expensive solder formulas, but I'd urge you not to get anal about it. The whole thing about solder that is like no solder (that is totally transparent) is nonsense. If you believe that, you might as well use solder-less screw-on connectors (but not WBT; use cheap ones, like the very light aluminum ones, the "brand" of which I forgot, available in HK).  

Which cable model? Most professional cable companies make a large number of models. Picking and choosing can be rather bewildering. My philosophy, if you can term it that, is to try out the cheapest model. With the reputable manufacturers, they never disappoint. You can then move up the price point if you wish, but I find the more expensive does not at all equate the better. More conductors, more complex configurations/geometries, more shielding etc may bring about better RF rejection or measurements, but sonically there is no guarantee.

A Note of Caution There are plenty of so-called cable experts out there, who terminate for you for a substantial fee. They claim perfect soldering etc. Some of these people may have the skills, but they also inflate their own significance. You can also develop them on your own to save yourself a lot of money. and have some fun on the way. 除了專業音響工程店外，十個所謂HiFi音響線專賣店十個黑；其它十個賣HiFi線的九個騙。

Illustrated Guide to DIY Cables This profusely illustrated site for how to terminate a cable is simply great. I just discovered it and am happy the author and I have much in common when it comes to cables.

And now brief reviews of two cables.

Canare L-2T2S (official info)

I have always liked Japanese Canare cables. The cables are soft to touch (a good sign) and sound musical. This is unlike Japanese Mogami, which tends to be much leaner. Japanese Softone/ICL equipment comes with cheap Canare cables that sound surprisingly good. This L-2T2S model is very cheap (HK $ 16/m), and available by the foot or in bulk (like here).

This cable has a fully fleshed out midrange and finely balanced sound. It has neither the ultimate attributes nor serious deficiencies. It matches perfectly my Thorens TD-309 turntable. A great starter cable. When I have time, I may compare it to Gotham GAC-2. People who find Mogami too lean can try this out. Who says there is only one "Japanese sound"?!

Sommer tricone MkII (official info)

I have never heard Gotham (old stock or current products) I don't like, but that is not the case for German Sommer. I have heard Sommer cables several times and in general they seem to be lacking somewhat in rhythm and pace. A friend even lent me the very expensive (around US $200) Epilogue. It is not a bad cable, revealing and balanced, but one expects a little more musicality, particularly at the price. The cheapest of the line, the tricone MkII, is no exception, but for the ridiculously low price (HK $12/m) its performance is very good indeed and there is much less to complain about. Overall, I still prefer the Canare L-2T2S.

FYI, I also got a bit of much more expensive Galileo 238 plus (HK $38/m) to try, and shall report later. I am not the only one who suspects the cheaper Sommer models sound better than the more expensive ones.

Incidentally, I noticed that the word "highflex" on my tricone is in italics, whereas that on the website picture is not. I called 雅歌 and was informed that Sommer sometimes changes things without notice.

Where to get Canare and Sommer in HK

Most HK audiophiles get their Sommer and Canare from Apliu street, particularly 雅歌. The staff is very friendly, honest and helpful. They won't recommend anything unless you want them to; no hard sell here. Here are their details:


Acoustic Engineering Co Ltd 雅歌工程有限公司
G/F., 66 Yen Chow St., Sham Shui Po
Telephone: 2729 1022
Fax: 2725 6787
E-mail: acoustic01@biznetvigator.com

However, 雅歌 is only the retailer who gets their supplies from the distributor. For Sommer at least, 雅歌 gets their supply from Palonn 柏龍, who is listed in Sommer's official website as a Hong Kong distributor, although the same website also lists another two dealers for China, and both have HK addresses (one even has a "sommer hk" website). So, it is a little complicated. But unless you plan to buy a roll, Apliu Street and 雅歌 is still your best choice.

Douk U4 PJ Miaolai A4 Part III (Latest update on tube rolling 20th April updated in RED, Updated on 19th (Blue), 21st March (Green), 2025)

Letter from Hong Kong (25-1): ELO on  Douk U4/PJ Miaolai A4, again

Review: Douk U4 (aka PJ Miaolai A4), Part III

Douk U4 Part I  from Doctorjohn has all the basic info.

Part II comprises experiences from ELO and Shawn P, chronicled in detail. It's actually fascinating, as always, to read about people struggling to make their gear work for them. It also shows how fastidious we are here in leaving no stone unturned for items we deem worthwhile (even if flawed). Compare that with reviews on the net (not to mention youtubers).

U4/A4 Again?? Not tired of promoting it?? Time for my WEA to step down?

Douk U4/ PJ Miaolai A4

It's hard to conceive that I was a skeptical  bystander about  Douk U4! Now, I have introduced this to many friends and they are all seasoned audiophiles with many years of experience and all were happy with the U4! But why should I keep promoting this unit, I dunno, I am not getting paid nor related to Douk and in fact I have never contacted them once! Ultimately, I just want to prove some principles in HiFi wrong and make HiFi lovers focus on music rather than gear. Many audiophiles use music to serve their uber expensive and flashy systems while music lover simply uses stereo to play music!

I keep hearing improvement over the U4 at difference places and I am expecting it will keep on improving at my place. Will the previously unshakable status of my trustworthy Wattson Emerson Analog WEA be shaken? We will talk about it more below.

This little Douk U4/ PJ Miolai A4 is like David in a HiFi World of Goliath's, where most buy stuff based on eye candy factor, size (over matter) and price tag (high enough to stroke one's ego) more than sound and Douk U4 is always fighting fearlessly in front of these Big Bosses ! 

Andy A newly met (online) friend Andy, who is also a long time NYC friend of Doctorjohn, has an illuminating comment on his experience on U4: he said despite many gear that can better the U4 in certain music genre, none can give him the "Thereness" experience of U4, the realness , the feeling of presence and "as if you are there " feeling, and that is what he treasures most from U4. He reckons tubes from WE sounds most real, perhaps I may look for one. (P.S., Tung Sol 5670, said to be OEM for WE , is on ordered for testing!)

Dr. Lo I brought the U4 to his place and at first his eyes betray his belittlement of this cheap unit, which is normal. But in the end he was surprised by the sound coming out from it! I played Tidal and Youtube through it using my Huawei P30 Pro phone (which I think sounds best compared to my tablet and laptop and other cellphones) as well as playing some tracks from Audio Technica's Sound Burger. Time from Pink Floyd left him in awe of the sound coming out from the formidable U4/SB combo! I left the unit with him to play around for a few days. In the interim, he was using the iFi Zen Blue Bluetooth and briefly thought it was better or comparable to my U4; this drew my doubts as I had previously sold my brand new iFi Zen Blue in less than a week. So I went to his place again to listen to both. Ended up we both agreed that the U4 was more engaging and musical; in comparison the iFi sounded a bit bland, nonchalant and uninvolving. The result further reinforced my belief~ Power Supply With a Ray modified PS that I had bought before the sound has beefed up with more flesh and blood and texture. Before I left, he told me another friend will come over to listen to the setup and I asked him to blind test U4 with his friend. Needless to say, his friend was pleasantly surprised by the sound coming out from this little unit! He said with a better Space and Time cable, the performance elevated to another level but I am confident my Sommer/Studer cable will not be inferior to it. I then asked if blind tested, will this unit beats or compare favorably with a $20k+ CDP, he paused for a minute and think deeply then nodded slowly and agreed.

Kwong Same happened to my long time HiFi buddy. I had asked him to try the U4 for months and to implement into his new home in China. He ended up buying a Pioneer Streamer and a Chinese DAC, which cost him over $10K HKD. He was happy with it until I almost put a knife on his neck to buy the U4 LOL. He then bought it and once plugged it in, he was very surprised by the SQ of U4, which was neck to neck with his current combo. One day, I gave him the Jan GE 5670 tube to replace the stock and as soon as he plugged it in, he never looked back and told me he immediately sold his Pioneer/DAC combo and used only the U4 as the sound sourfce and the SQ has surpassed his streamer/DAC combo by a significant  margin!

(Updated 20th April) Kwong bought a second unit for his main setup in HK and immediately , with GE tube, it surpasses the performance of his Lumin U1/Holo Spring 1 L3!! And now he is selling his Lumin !!! Also, the preamp fro  Fosi ZD3 also amazes him with the sound quality aand price

JC Needless to say, veteran JC, with the museum like collection of gear that he possesses~, along with his friends are all using U4 as their main source already and he is having tremendous fun on tube rolling and replacing LPS, cables (including USB) etc. 

Ah 7 Another friend Seven had bought it based on my enthusiastic recommendation but was too busy to listen to it since he had been on graveyard shift lately, poor him... Finally he texted me that he was so excited by the sound quality of U4. Exactly like me, he put it aside when he first received it, and was skeptical of this little unit..... then eventually the GE JAN tube arrived and he started to plug it in and listen seriously and what a transformation, the sound absolutely surpassed his Eversolo A6 (replaced LPS) and Holo Spring 2  DAC! He is putting them up on sale immediately, which shows how good this little U4 is! He then decided to up his system and today he changed all his cables to Sommer/Studer/Neutrik and needless to say, the whole performance has elevated to another level!  

Extract of his comment:

依家越聽越好聽

部數播同泉都可以收工了

部eversxlx真廢，重要換埋火牛

都輸比藍芽U4

幾舊水對琳左幾千銀部機，過唔到自己心理

我仲未煲好，冇聽夠時數

但已經要打算賣機

(Updated on 21st March)

Ah BUT, I went to my primary schoolmate's place  for a wonderful music gathering focusing on songs rather than hifi. Four of us take turn choosing a song to play of each's own favorite choice. A lot of oldies and some jazz songs were played and we had a great time. I then introduced U4 to them, ah BUT ordered one immediately and was so shocked that the sound quality matches his streamer/DAC combo! He reckons his combo still has an edge on classical playback, but U4 is as good in jazz and vocals! I gave him the Tung Sol tube which sounds warmer and more musical!  He has then ordered the PS from Ray as well too!  BTW, his combo is Grimm's MU1 and Playback CDP's DAC that costs close to $200K HKD or $25K USD vs U4 which costs $200 HKD which is almost 100 times cheaper!! Well done U4 in performing another David and Goliath act! 

Me From the beginning till now, U4 has served as a reliable source at my home for watching TV and Youtube videos and playing records from Sound Burger. But initially I thought WEA clearly had the upper hand when streaming Tidal and I deemed the gap to be significant. Power Supply But how would the U4 sound with the New PS from Ray and with Sommer/Studer cable, will it dethrone my WEA?? 

More Comparison I was ready for the face off of U4 vs WEA. I used the newly bought Luxman AS-4III line selector ($700HKD) from Yodobashi in Osaka to resolve the issue of only one input of E6.

Setup A - Tidal using WEA, iFi Power Plus PS. All resting on graphite plucks and with body connected to ground box. All cables Sommer/Studer (with Neutrik connectors that brought significant improvement over stock KLE ones); Setup B - Tidal using Huawei P30 Pro phone to Douk U4 powered by Ray's PS ( All Sommer/Studer).

And that's not the only thing. Icefox, DJ and Andy (DJ's long time friend) all told me to also try the headphone jack as output. I first heard it that way at Mila's shop - not much impression as I was not familiar with his setup and his audio preference seems slightly differs from mine - so I could not make a judgement. I went home and tried it myself and here's my finding: sound seems to be smoother with improved body , more musical too when I connected to the headphone jack; however, that is with a cost -  a loss of certain degree of clarity and shrinking of soundstage as well as less quiet background. Fish and Bear Paw, I chose the latter, i.e. RCA out at the back.

As mentioned, I had finally taken the plunge and replaced the KLE connectors of my last two set of Sommer/Studer interconnects to Neutrik . The effect on U4 playing Tidal music from my laptop is really promising; the sound from RCA output has further improved with added nuance , musicality and silkiness. 

Tidal Tracks I played to compare: 1) Paris, Istanbul, Shanghai by Joel Glare; 2) Bach III Gavotte and Rondeau by Nathan Milstein; 3) Love letter by Jacky Chan; plus many others. 

Initially, switching A/B, sound was neck to neck, which really surprised me, as this was the first time that my WEA was seriously challenged , which is indeed a shock for me since before there was a big gap between WEA and U4 !

In terms of sheer musicality , details, smoothness, balanced sound through high, mid and low spectrum, the U4 was neck to neck with WEA! At one point I could not decide which setup is better!!! That was the FIRST time in my memory. 

So I did one thing, I unplugged the WEA and decided to spend days to listen to just the U4, streaming Tidal, Youtube through TV. Needless to say, I was very happy with U4 and for once I had forgotten the WEA completely since it was so convenient to use!

Until...a few days ago, I thought it was time to shift back to my WEA. I think that would be a fair comparison since I had become so used to U4's sound by now!

And the verdict is...WEA still has the upper hand! That said, U4 did most of the things right or even superbly. The WEA only beats it in the additional clarity and the emotional connection in strings (Erhu with WEA is definitely more engaging and can trigger my inner emotion far more than U4 or any other setup I have heard). That said, for most other types of songs, U4 is very comparable to WEA.

Violin from WEA is among the best that I have heard; it can grab my heart and soul ! I'm afraid U4 , while very very good, cannot match the final touch of WEA but is damn close (Before I use WE396A on U4). But consider U4 is selling at a fraction of price, there's no shame at all, it's just that WEA is such  a wonderful little machine from the Swiss that in itself is a certain David in front of bigger Goliath's!!!

Updated 20th April: TUBE ROLLING

Who would have thought I'm into this! My first time but man that's addictive! I have now 5 different tubes and they are (though I have yet to try 6NS7 like my friend)

Stock : A decent tube given the price

GE5670 : Improves overall sound by 20% from stock and is a cheap upgrade

Tung Sol 5670 : Very euphonic  and tends to gives a sweeter sound which is welcoming to a lot of harsh recordings but at the expense of shrunk soundstage and clarity. But I can live with the loss easily

Electro Harmonix Gold 6922 : Bought a tube adaptor to try this on. Immediately, the soundstage has widened and things get more transparent and a bit more dynamic, less euphonic though comapre to Tung Sol

WE396A: I finally received a replacement tube since the first one delivered was defective. This tube is so neutral but in a sense is pure, without adding or taking away things, Good spatial interpretation, smooth but not lush, and is pure and musical in a natural form.  Achieve a lot by not interfering with the recording! I like it a lot especially when playing LPs from my Sound Burger, the soundstage is huge, dynamics is superb, violin is lean yet clear as spring water with accurate timbre, probably the best format at my current setup! Add in the Uptone Ultracap LPS1.2 further improves the macro dynamics and dynamic shadings of the music. Music seems to calm down in a good sense! This is the best tube so far! For $3xxHKD bought from PTT, it's a steal!

Conclusion (updated 19th March and further update on 20th April) 

I will NOT put a conclusion since both U4 and WEA are such wonderful bargains in today's mad mad Hifi world, where a power cable can sell for 700K to 800K HKD!! I leave it up to you to make a conclusion for yourself and examine your motive towards "playing HiFi" (Chinese term in listening to HiFi). (Updated 20th April): In addition, Sound Burger through U$/WE396A and Uptone produces the best sound ever at my place and I am truly amazed!

Music First, with sufficient Hifi attributes - that's always the only way!!! Until then Adios Sis and Bros.

I surfed through "Leisure Fish", Carousell equivalent of HK and while looking for WE396 tube to replace my GE5670, I came across these old stock Tung Sol 5670, said to be OEM for WE at such cheap price $110 each, bought 5 of them to share among friends. Tonight , I plugged it in and replaced my GE 5670 on U4. Immediately, there was a significant different that can be detected ! The sound has become more coherent, more organic and I hate to use the generic term "musical" but seems appropriate here. Music from singer and instruments played with more  oneness ,sense and pace. Violin has more of wooden box resonance and body, notes between notes are more connected to become more fluid. However, in terms of HiFi terms, there is a sacrifice of ultimate clarity , space and width of soundstage but if I did not hear the GE , I would not have spotted that!  As of now, U4 has this added weapon and can now stand side by side with my Wattson!!! Bravo!

P.S. My WEA suddenly doesn't work for me all of sudden after a rock solid , no-glitch operation 24/7  and man , do I feel so grateful that I still got my U4/Tung-sol tube with me while debugging my WEA!!

WEA suddenly works perfectly with no reasons but is more than welcoming. 

Thanks to Deep Seek's recommendation of Shungite crystal! I just bought some and placed it on top my WEA and mixed some with tourmaline in one of my gorund boxes, all to good effect.

I had replaced the original box with a beautiful inlaid wooden box~

Douk H7 Pro T8 Pro Nobsound

Click pic to enlarge. Left rack, beneath the TT is the Marantz 94 Limited DAC, beneath which the Marantz CD63 used as Transport (with Belden 1694A); Right rack, The Douk pair atop the MFA Magus Preamp.

Brief Review: Douk H7 Pro, Part II; Douk T8 Pro, Part III

Douk T8 Pro, Part I, II

Douk H7 Pro, Part I

This is to tie up loose ends. I brought these over to Hong Kong, partly to see if the H7 Pro (with 24V PS) can drive my B&W Matrix 801 Mk II, partly to further and properly assess the XLR functions of these 2 devices.

I wish I had 2 pairs of XLR cables, but I didn't. So, although my Marantz DAC has XLR out, I had to use its RCA Out into the T8 Pro RCA In, which was in turn connected by my only pair of XLR cable (the super Gotham GAC-3) to the H7 Pro. Loudspeaker cable has always been my trusty Belden 1810A, 4 conductors used as bi-wire.

Burmester "Art of the Ear" Test CD II Due to time constraints, I used only 1 CD, the Burmester Test CD II. Too bad my Manger CD is in NYC. As this by-now collectible CD has long been OOP, my copy is a Chinese Counterfeit. I bought it in SZ 万商 many years ago, but similar copies are still available on TaoBao (search "Burmester CD II; best price is RMB 15 for a bare-bone copy; don't spend too much more as even the more expensive ones are counterfeits; I won't give links due to its counterfeit nature; :-) Principle, huh?). Funny, I don't like at all Burmester the company, but this Test CD is useful (much better content than the other volumes). Most tracks I just sample for 10-20 seconds, but a few favorites I can listen for longer (Tracks 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15). Now, this "replica" is a little more digital sounding than the original, so sometimes a little unwanted hash is expected. Also keep in mind many of the original CDs can still be bought, no doubt in superior sound, though that'd be without the convenience of being all under one roof.

(Before) Douk Preamp XLR Out to Bryston 4B Amp XLR In (Gotham GAC-3) This was chronicled in the Douk T8 Pro Review, Part II, link above. It was not entirely successful.

1. Douk Preamp XLR Out to Douk Amp XLR In (Gotham GAC-3). Sound was quite decent. Instantly, I felt the imaging, soundstage and layering were definitely superior to whatever I had used before, be them NAD 3020 Integrated or MFA Magus or Counterpoint SA-3000 Preamps into Bryston 4B. Even at my usual listening volume, the amp was pretty unfazed. Not the most dynamic, but decent enough and no sign of struggle. Definitely more power than the NAD 3020. However, at least initially, the sound still sounded a trifle lean at times. Part of this can be ascribed to the CD.

2. Douk Preamp RCA Out to Douk Amp RCA In (with Sommer SC Club Mk II) I did this to see if a change in cable would mellow out the sound a little. Yes, as I predicted, it did sweeten the mix, but the level was lower, and volume had to be turned up pretty high. At least I know if I had more cables I could do more.

3. Douk Preamp XLR Out to Bryston 4B XLR In (Gotham GAC-3) This was a Repeat of what I had done before, but this time around, the sound was significantly better. I attribute this to the extra use the GAC-3 had received since before. Although lacking the extra air the Douk Amp brought about, the Bryston seemed more composed than the Douk (it has tons more power than the Douk).

4. Douk Preamp RCA Out to Bryston 4B XLR In (Sommer thru Neutrik Adaptors) This was to use the Sommer cable, which again did sweeten things a bit. But, now, the difference between (3) and (4) was small. Not much grain remained.

Observations

• Douk XLR In and Out They perform excellently. When properly configured, the XLR I feel is superior in power and confidence of delivery. In this price range, it's insane to get this! Of course, only if it's useful to you, and most readers of this blog would not be XLR users.

• Douk H7 Pro vs Bryston 4B The H7 Pro cannot begin to match the sheer oomph of the Bryston, but it does a decent job, and surpasses it in air, soundstage and imaging, even refinement. Not bad at all!

• Tonality As a tube afficionado, this combo still lacks the ultimate in tonal opulence, but it's not that far away. Cable changes should close the gap significantly.

• Cabling IMHO, my cables, almost all cheap professional cables, are highly neutral whether used with tubes or sand. BUT, cable matching with sand amps is not at all my forte. Perhaps in due time I shall construct a few more XLR cables (like Sommer).

Canare L-2B2AT Belden 8451 1309A Rean Unitek

Click pics to enlarge. The Preamp that necessitated me to write this article first. Belden 8451 in and out. Behind is the 6J4/6P3P Preamp.

Taobao Talk: Cheap Cables

Letter from Shenzhen (23-2): Wired!

Amendment 2/20/23: In haste of editing, I left out some important sentences in my writing on Sommer. Duly corrected. The new sentences are in italics.

I actually wanted to write about the very cheap Preamp pictured above. But the thing is, the story of this Preamp has an interesting twist behind it that involved cables. So, to prep for that, I’m “forced” to write about the cables first. So be it, it’s time anyway.

The story about my cables here in China is pretty much similar to tubes. When I first bought the Aiyima T9, I had barely enough cables to connect things, just making do. It was after I revamped my main listening room (the study, chronicled here) and acquired the Beydas LS3/5A that by necessity I started to buy things, including cables. There may be minor overlap with my previous diary-like articles chronicling my journey here, so bear with me.

My reasoning for choosing the cables I did was similar to what I did for tubes (explained here). Here in China, I don’t have my go-to cables, none! All I have are leftovers (described in my Aiyima T9 article). No Gotham (GAC-2,4, DGS, 2111, 50025,40, etc); no Belden (9497, 1810A); not even Mogami (2534, 49). I’d not like to buy them again. And whatever has to be cheap. And are they cheap and good!

Note that TB prices vary a bit, and some of the prices I got might have been a bit lower than now as I did order quite a few things during 11.11 and 12.12. The difference most of the time though is not significant.

https://m.tb.cn/h.Un3PHPh?tk=sJlLdSfydjW

Canare L-2B2AT This was the first one I got. At the ridiculously low price of RMB 3.70 per meter, I got 15 m, and wired my whole system basically with it. This is a slender, soft and very well-made cable. I had the slightly more expensive 2T2S before (here) and the 2B2AT surprisingly has more resolution. In fact, I was very satisfied. Good and clean transients, very even tonal balance and good rhythm. I previously also had another pair of Canare cables, the ones that came with my Softone CDP, a coaxial cable that sounds close to the 2T2S, both on the warm side. The L-2B2AT is to be preferred.

Recently, I opened up the BRZ FU-50 amp, and was delighted to find that it uses the L-2B2AT as signal cable! Cheap, but good! I shall one day re-wire my 6J4/6P3P preamp (here) and perhaps I shall use this cable.

https://m.tb.cn/h.UNLIl0k?tk=Q9HjdhIUGih

Belden 8451 I was happy with the Canare but, one day, as I was surfing TB, I accidentally came across my old friend Belden 8451. And man, this one I know well! Although I really haven't written about it, in NYC I have used it as interconnect as well as signal and hook up cables in various projects (serach 8451 in the blog if u like). I know its sound shall be a little more textured than the Canare I’ve been using and shall benefit the FU-50 amp (whose sound is a little leaner than the APPLause 300B). At the even lower price of RMB 2.80 per m, I ordered 17 m. In fact, if I had encountered it before, this would have been my first buy. Too bad I didn’t think of looking for it. In fact, this is an obscure Belden that I’m surprised to have found on TB. One bad thing about TB algorithm is that the bigger and more trafficked stores and items show up much more often than smaller ones (browsing gets boring after a while); perhaps there is a TB fee for giving stuff prominence too. So, sometimes it’s a matter of luck. The inner construction of the Canare L-2B2AT and Belden 8451 are very similar, but the skin of the Belden is quite a bit stiffer and more unwieldly (as per usual). This is genuine Belden.

For the 2 above cables, I’d recommend you first try out a little of both and compare before buying larger quantities.

A Surprise and Dark Horse Those 2 are what I mainly use for interconnects. I thought everything was well, but audiophiles always get surprised, right? Well, as ELO repeatedly waxed lyrics about his “Studer” cable (latest here), a reader astutely commented that it looks like the Sommer SC Classique. We all dived in and did some detective work. I looked at the SC Classique: it is a 1 conductor coaxial cable and cannot possibly be used as XLR (the "Studer" comes in both XLR and RCA versions). I asked ELO to take a pic of the connector with shell removed. I then identified it as most likely SC Club Mk II. Now, this is a 2-conductor cable and comes in both naked and tweed-clothed versions, the latter similar in looks to the SC Classique. My friend Seng and I looked at the spec’s and found the 2 versions to be identical though the naked version is substantially cheaper, and I managed to source it here. It proves very good. Sorry, this is a bit of a teaser, but full report shall come later from ELO and his friends (I'll chip in).

https://m.tb.cn/h.Un3lc94?tk=QM76dSfzSTY

Belden 1309A This is the curiosity. There are variations. I actually got 5m of the thicker 2.5mm x2 version before I even got the Canare loudspeaker cables I recommended previously (here). During 11.11, when I got the bargain Weiliang LPS (here), I noticed they also have the 1.5mm x2 version, and I got another 5m for RMB 9.80 per m. This was to enable me to bi-wire the Beydas LS3/5A.

The Canare’s (2 or 4 conductors) are faster but have less depth and flesh than the Belden. The Canare’s fare better with my floorstanding Sansui. But with the Beydas, I prefer the Belden for its organic sound. Bass goes deeper and is more tactile. This does come at a cost, as the Belden is a little darker sounding. In fact, aurally it reminds me of my go-to bi-wire cable, the Belden 1810A. They even look and handle similar.

But! Big Issue! If you look at official info of the Belden 1309A, it doesn’t look remotely like this cable. Plus, there is only one official 1309A, but here there are 3 versions of this “1309A” (professional cable companies won't catalogue as such). Beside the two I mentioned, there’s even a 4-conductor one! It is known that there are counterfeit Belden cables around, so like ELO’s mis-appropriated “Studer”, this one is better designated as “Belden” and “1309A”. But, if you ask me, it sure sounds and feels like Belden (especially the darker 1810A), and I do recommend it for people whose systems are too bright.

https://m.tb.cn/h.UMIgntb?tk=8m95dSfShNW
Rean RCA Connectors For RCA connectors, there is no greater bargain than Neutrix subsidiary Rean, which I have long used. There are high quality gold-plated ones as well as non-gold-plated ones. Both are very good, but personally I’ve always tended towards non-gold ones (nickel-plated would be even better). At RMB 2.55 per connector, I bought dozens.

https://m.tb.cn/h.UnWCHh2?tk=WER1dSf8kBU

Unitek USB Cable Since we are on cables. For the longest time, I have used Unitek (read this article where it went against another supposedly budget champ, Belkin). For the longest time I used my 1m USB B to Mini with my Meridian Explorer. And then when Aiyima T9’s stock USB cable, which looks good, proved unsatisfactory, I resorted to the Unitek again, with adaptors (here). Then I got some B to A from the official TB store in Shanghai. The only problem is that the shortest length (reason is people buy them as Printer Cables, which are usually longer, even very long - the hifi use is just incidental) I could find at a good price is 1.5m (I’d prefer shorter 1m), for a measly RMB 5.80. It proves very close in performance to my go-to 1m + adaptors. Some of my other devices, like my 1-bit TDA1305 DAC, came with USB cables. I always tried them out, but none can get close to the Unitek. Highly recommended!

Aside from the Sommer, there are others coming up. Reader Attila recommended the Belden 8428 and I procured some. I was shocked how unwieldly its construction is (the cotton strands are positively nuisance), and so I haven’t terminated it. Next time...

Douk Ampapa D1 Amp - Preview (Battle of GaN and traditional Brick PS)

All through the period, I really appreciate the music coming out from my system, but it does have flaws that I was forced to live with it from my Douk E6 DHT preamp, but it is really musical and engaing and let one dive into the content and enjoy the ebb and flow of music which is the most important element that I tresaure most in a music reproduction system, not a "HiFi" system I would put it.

I had also tried a Nuprime STA200 power amp, which is a Goldmund/Job in disguise at cheap but that did not wow me and it is sounding very neutral to a point clincial to me. Traded it  and kept my Aiyima A08pro. I had the Fosi V7 , which is same Class D using same Infinion chip but it just does not have the musical experience I expected to have.

Lately, on Youtube, a lot of reviewers have raved about the Douk Audio Ampapa D1 amp which had aroused me the interest to try it out. I received a Douk Ampapa D1 Amp recently, it looks very attractive and allows one to change opamps easily, with a useful utilitarian remote that can change volume and inputs, adjust bass and treble, change input. The unit also comes with a ,  switchable LED VU meter display, a sub-out , BT capability for my TV (Note: despite I am super content with my Douk U4 as BT receiver, my friend only measured it up to 8kHz despite he thinks it's musical but still cannot get passed his HiFi mind. He is the same guy who had made me a great LPS for my router and help terminated my Sommer RCAs with Neutrik heads which had elevated the sound of Sommer/Studer remarkably)

I plugged the D1 in via the latest GanFet 48V Power Brick came with the unit and start listening extensively. First impression, the sound was passable , but nothing much to write home, so I decided to give it some more time to run in although manufacturer said it was not necessary. After around 10 hours of continuous listening on and off with the unit left on all time for 48hours, I think the overall impression is still a tad disappointing. I think my A08pro has the upper hand in all aspects!  It sounded lifeless , mechanic  and suppressed in highs and the ebb and flow of music is lacking especially when playing tracks with violin and piano, the microdynmaics , acceleration and deceleration of bow , the attck and suspense of piano notes is lacking. It does have ample macrodynamics which will satisfy a lot of  listeners of pop music. But somehow it does not ring a bell to me. I decided to put it aside and send it to my friend Kwong to try out later on. What a pity since I did have high hope on this machine.

Story does not end here!While I was content listening to my A08pro, I realised I had not tried the new GanFet 48V PS that came with the Ampapa D1 , so I was eager to see the improvement it will have on my A8Pro! Lo and behold, not only it does NOT improve the system, the magic of A08pro had disappeared!! I immediately switched it back to my good old brick PS, mind you the GanFet PS is only half the weight and much smaller in size too! 

Hallelujeh, everything is back to normal! So with this outcome, I immediately took the D1 out again and plugged it in with my traditional brick 48V/5A PS and all at once, the music was palpable and lively to start, at least all the microdynamics was clearly audible and I am content to listen with D1 continuosly. Usually if the sound is not right, I will feel bored and uninterested, which is NOT the case with D1 with the old brick PS. It seems like the bottleneck  is the GanFet PS!! I was a bit surprised that no one had ever mentioend the difference of PSs on the internet at all despite hundreds of reviews put out with these great little Class D amps made in China!

Here is my important advice, compare the Old Brick with the GanFet Brick first ! At least try to audition and A/B the two options before you make your own decision! For now, I will do further listening with Ampapa D1 which is now more promising and perhaps I may order a pair of Muse 03 opamp to try out on D1!! 

Curiosity ignited again. Look out for Part Two of Ampapa  D1~

P.S. I have also been experimenting the stickers containing Lanthanides rare earth from Sixth Element . Whether it is another snake oil product or not, I do not think so since it does improves my system which I will cover that later. 

 

Grimm SQM , TPR vs Studer (blue) and Studer (Yellow and Black) RCA Interconnect and matching with UMI

Letter from Hong Kong (24-5): ELO fails to better "Studer" Cable

First of all, I wish you a happy and prosperous Year of the Loong (gone is the evil Western dragon). Good health and wealth and improvements to your stereo setup!

I have always been interested in Grimm's products and I had read a lot of rave reviews of SQM. MRSP is about $5600 in HK, which I think is a bit over my budget. When I noticed it's selling at half the price second-hand on R33, I immediately took the plunge! After all, it has been voted as best interconnect in 2020; gotta have some bearing on the sound quality! I hooked it up between my Aiyima A08 Pro and UMI and started listening. My initial impression was that it is very even through the spectrum and it sounded really neutral with no edges. I let the music play for a few days and then assessed it seriously. I decided to listen for 3-4 days before making a conclusion subjectively.

Before the purchase I got another "Studer" cable in blue coating but the sound was not at all the same as the old one I have been using at. My old "Studer" with the black and yellow tweed cotton sheath had long become an integral part of my system. Doctorjohn still thinks it is Sommer SC Club Mk II in disguise (see here; Ed: Keep in mind the tweed cloth sheath does have an effect on the sound!). Please send me a Sommer to try out!

I seldom host Home Visits lately. Although I think my home system is now probably at its best ever (by far) I do sometime wonder if I'm the only one who feel this way. Finally, one day my friend Dr Lo came and he was quite impressed and said there had been marked improvements since last time. He said the soundstage is wide and imaging if instruments well sized. Decay and harmonics abundant and there is a sense of coherence and overall balance. He reckons his system may have better midrange vocals whch I'd not be surprised about (as well as better microdynamics). Hope I can visit his place soon. He's also impressed by the sound produced by the miniscule and cheap setup. Give you an idea, the amplification part including cables and UMI is less than USD 500! In my listening experience, my system can easily compete with those costing 10 times as much.

Grimm For me, using "Studer" cables at both ends of my UMI makes it sound its best. Replacing even one with TPR (Ed: here was the first time ELO was disappointed by Grimm; I'm surprised he gave the brand a second chance), SQM or the other blue "Studer" the loss of the magic is felt immediately. After prolonged listening to this Studer/UMI setup, let me sum up:

With the Studer/UMI thus wired, I experience Live Music in my Living Room at close distance!  The sense of being there was so immediate that I ran through over 600 of my favorite tracks on Tidal. Every single time I was engaged to my innermost core. Be it classical, jazz, Canto or Western pop, the sound is natural, balanced, spike-free and without grain. There is good layering and microdynamics are preserved. Tonally, it's neither fat nor thin and midrange is clear as a stream. Well, it has everything!

Without a doubt, the performance is approaching new heights! Every now and then, I'm looking at further upgrade but I'm currently in such a great place that I'm afraid any new gear may not match the old! The UMI/Studer is performing like a signal enhancer, albeit one that adds nothing to mask the sound.

I tried so hard to persuade someone that I almost lost him as a friend! That's how much I am a believer! Sorry, dude, that was so unlike me. Currently, 3 other friends jumped on my bandwagon to join a group buy organized by icefox. Hurry up icefox, with all my talk my friends are impatient, LOL.

I should add that, for maximal performance, from Wifi Router all the way to speakers, every single piece of gear is actually grounded with Entreq Micro or DIY Tourmaline boxes.

I watched the latest video by Steve Huff on the new AXXESS Forte all-in-one amp and I was drooling over it. Maybe AAVIK amps? Maybe the newly released Eversolo Amp F-2 (800 Euros). Well, maybe...

聘珍樓初一開年飯

The Garoupa is steamed to perfection

The Crispy Chicken Skin is so crunchy！

The Fried Rice was a highlight!