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. 

Nordost ODIN&2 RCA Fever Audio Signal Cable Double Lotus Sterling Silver Audio Cord Video CD Amplifier Tube Cable High Quality| | - AliExpress

128x128roxy54

Showing 6 responses by rickysnit

Chinese cables are great. I fully recommend AT Audio (Ali) or DIY with Xangsane sterling.

My AliExpress $0.02 on this, the addition of a non-Chinese brand name to Chinese cables is pure humour. With China, you get what you pay for, and there are some excellent cable options from AliE and China. Xangsane silver cabling, a fair degree of AT Audio’s stuff - it is just excellent.

This

Or this in a finished product

The branded stuff can be far lower quality, but with China, money talks, if it’s $20, you’ll be sent a $20 cable. Spend $200, you’ll be sent something pretty great that absolutely comes close to $1k+ NA or EU cables - as a general rule of course...

So coincidental, I just received a Viborg connector today, and would totally second that!

There was a poster asking about AT Audio Red Spider pure silver interconnect, I’ve tried it, have it, and it’s brilliantly good - Solid lows detailed highs, exactly that ’silver sound’ that I go for 100%..

Yes, that's totally why it's probably a good bet to skip the branded stuff altogether and embrace Chinese cables.. Xangsane pure silver 100%

My issue is with the outright violation of IP rights

Lol, it's China! I have McIntosh interconnects, Fendi hats, LV & Cartier sunglasses and a brilliant Japanese movement Rolex DateJust - Chinese knockoffs are just another element of life, it won't / can't stop.

I have absolutely zero problems with Chinese branded genuine, honest audio cables brands. I am sure they are great value for the money. My issue is with the outright violation of IP rights and use of brand names. True story: I have bought a bunch of stuff from Ghent. Awesome guy to deal with, great products, no lies, no violations of anything. Ethical: https://www.ghentaudio.com

I checked Ghent out, they use AliExpress material!! Palic Chinese connectors, 'Canare' cable, that's funny...