Bottom line they sound good for 40 bucks. Better than more expensive cables. I have purchased some cables from Amazon that people rave about and they suck.
Counterfeit Chinese Cables
I thought that I would write this for those who are curious about one of the many counterfeit Chinese interconnect cables that are available these days. I know that there have been threads about the subject before, and I was always curious because they seem to be such a bargain. I don't really recall much about what any members actually said about the performance of these counterfeit cables, and I didn't look back and do any research, but a couple of months ago there was a thread that came around to discussing the quality of Chinese made components, and oldhvymec said something that made sense to me.
He said that people that say that what they are making is junk should consider that much of what is in our gear, and a lot of our American brands are actually manufactured there. I decided shortly after that that I would take the chance on a set of interconnects, because I suspected that the interconnects going from my pre to my amp were the weak link and needed upgrading. The interconnects going from my DAC to my pre were Kimber Select which are very good, but the other set were LAT International (now defunct) which had cost $500.00 when new, but I had reason to believe they were lacking because I have one of their digital cables that turned out to be very poor sounding in comparison to others I own.
I decided on a one meter pair of counterfeit Nordost Odin interconnects for a total of $104.00 from Aliexpress. I received them a couple of weeks later. They appeared to be well made, and the locking fake WBT rca's were very impressive and are very tight.
First impressions after installing them were light, thin sound, lacking bass. Each couple of days brought improvements, but from the beginning I noticed that they were quieter. Now, weeks later, I can say that they are drastically better that the LAT's in every way. Detail and ambience are much better, but it's the focus and separation of instruments that is most noticeable.
I have no way of knowing if they are really a copy of the Nordost design, but I am impressed enough that I am going to try a counterfeit Nordost digital cable.
Obviously, this isn't a comparison that is useful to most, because there probably isn't anyone here using the LAT's, and everything is system dependent. I just wanted to relay my positive experience.
Showing 38 responses by evank
Just received my Odin Gold 2 interconnects today. Build quality seems good, the only dislike is the tubing around the cable. I don’t know if the real Nordost has that? It’s like aquarium tubing. Connectors sound metal when tapped together. Also includes a serial number. Sound is unbelievable and I couldn’t wait to plug them in otherwise I would have taken more photos. More air and detail, nice smooth relaxed presentation. Just waiting on my PC and I had ordered the Valhalla speaker cables but now going back to order the Odin speaker cables.
Don’t know why pic doesn’t show |
Valhalla speaker cables arrived today, and they are well built. I didn't realize they are so wide at least 4 inches. Bass is more defined, and vocals are more recessed in the sound stage. To me that is a good thing. I've been using Clearday shotgun speaker cables. Can't say better but a different presentation. Let's see how this turns out |
tweak12,887 posts Came across this flipping threw Mono Stereo Alas, no copy. Tried the email link but not working. Maybe somebody can dig for it and report back https://www.monoandstereo.com/2022/09/nordost-odin-gold-vs-odin2.html#more
Odin Gold versus Odin 2 cables shoot out at 3mA Audio showroom, Houston, TX, United States
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Well on that note I just plugged in the Odin Gold 2 power cable and there is more air and mids are a little more detailed or pronounced. Bass is a little deeper. Backgrounds seems to be quite just like the stock power cable. Sound stage is taller and wider. I might have lost some depth. I don't know if I like the pronounced mids or am I getting more detail. Time will tell. Definitely worth the 67.00. The Gold 2 Interconnects have been in the system for about 2 weeks I think and that was a big hit. I'm using that between my DAC and amp. Listening to Patricia Barber Cafe Blue |
I bought the Odin 2 Gold power cable, and I plugged it in, and the sound was forward in the Mids. It needs time to settle in. Right now, I'm burning it in on my garage fridge and I will try it again over the weekend. I haven't tried the Furutech yet. I'm using this to attach to the fridge. I wonder if it's from China
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I didn’t buy the cables to say to my friends" look at me I have 40,000-dollar cables". My friends know I can’t afford them and I’m not ashamed to say I can’t. I bought them because everyone said they sound great, and they do. I could care less who made them. I’m sure all the people posting against them have purchased years ago pirated movies off the street at one time or another. And if you say you never did your full of crap. |
I rest my case regardless of if you regret it or not.
jerryg1233,411 posts @evank More than you, clearly. Love your vulgarity and @roxy54 make no disparaging remarks about your language. Guess it is the typical hypocrisy of people of questionable ethics and integrity. We cannot avoid all things from China (PRC), but I make an effort, unlike you. All appliances in my home are Bosch, hand tools all Bosch, Snap-On and OTC. All audio equipment is from Europe and North America. I will admit I spend $20.00 and bought one of these fake cables and regret it.
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picture The top picture is a fake Furutech and the bottom is real