聖HIJIRI Users thread

Look forward to hearing your impressions @pokey77 ! 

Agree 100% with @lalitk comments. I own 5 Nogami powers cords and the HCS speaker cables. I also listened to several Hijiri ICs in my system. I will add this additional comment. I find many cables sound similar in terms of staging. Specifically, how forward the music sounds. Yes, some small differences but Hijiri is tuned to set the stage back a bit and spreads out the performance. I love this about Hijiri cables. They sound natural, balanced and unforced. I particularly like the unforced nature. The music is not fired out of the speakers, but rather allows the listener to engage without any hint of being forced. 

I worked with the US importer/dealer Gestalt Audio Design in Nashville. Colin is wonderful to work with and quite knowledgeable.

Oh my, the highs are there in spades. Delivered with nuance and realism however. These are not warm or thick sound cables. They are richly detailed in the very best way. These cables are for those systems and ears/minds that appreciate music’s subtle emotional and sonic cues.

I have owned cables from High Fidelity, Tara Labs and others that were pretty expensive.  I have also built many, many cables, but none have come close to the musical enjoyment these Hijiri bring. 

@romney80, you are so right about them being open sounding. They really helped make my speakers disappear along with better placement in the room.

Great Wig! Happy for you and thanks for posting.  Your system must be so beautiful sounding! 

Yes. Colin has helped me beyond, well beyond, what I would have done on my own. I have these Hijiri cables and a Circle Labs A200 integrated amp elevating my music experience significantly.

I had never heard of these brands before and just did not think high priced cables were really that much better than what I was making,  based on my experience. Well Hijiri changed that feeling. I also wish I had them in place years ago.

That level is certainly rarified air! 

I shared that above. Colin King of Gestalt Audio Design is the importer and a dealer. Nashville, TN. Super guy and very knowledgeable.

https://gestalt.audio

Goodness EBM this is a long time company with a well known and well respected designer.  They have had quite a few professional reviews over the years.  Many are aware of the company.  You and I learned about them later on, but that does not make them an “off brand”.  

Yes you can find several reviews on the web. Calling the dealer is always the best way to get pricing and learn about loaners, returns, the company etc…

Here is one review on the lower priced tier:

Here is one review on a top tier offering and I can find others on the web:

http://highfidelity.pl/@main-839&lang=en

Well your post may not be as helpful as actual user experience. User experience across varied systems from posters with much experience is certainly not useless. Right? This forum exists for a reason and one of the main ones is to post user experiences. Agree on trial period which is offered by Colin.

One needs a place to start and become aware of products. That is what’s happening here. Many owners of Hijiri cables first learned about them by reading reviews and actual owner experiences. That’s what many posting here did. We then acted and purchased. Yes, with the opportunity to return. We owners have varied systems and they worked for us. System synergy, individual preferences, budget, priorities and other factors all play a role.

The Nagomi power cord is Hijiri’s entry line of power cords. Wether they are affordable will depend on your budget. They retail for $1350 for 1 meter. The dealer can give you more information if you desire. Here is Colin’s contact information.

https://gestalt.audio

? His contact info is listed in my post above. Sorry, I am not following you….

Respect your comment. I get it. This price point is not for everyone.

I thought spending this kind of money on cables was just not worth it. Well, when I put them in my system my past assumptions just evaporated away. To me, in the end, they are an equal value and perhaps even a greater one. I base this off the beautiful music they make in my home. I have not been able to enjoy this level of emotional connection and enjoyment with other cables. The Hijiri cables took my listening sessions to a much more enjoyable level.  However, that’s me. We are all different.  

The price is certainly not within the reach of some. For those there are still many options like Zavfino and Audio Envy. Lots of roads to great music in our homes. Enjoy!

Ha! Thanks EBM. 

@ozzy ,

I am a bit confused with your last post. A trial period with the option to send back for a full refund is quite common. That is how it has always worked in my experience. Some dealers reduce the refund by charging a restocking fee. I don’t think this dealer charges a restocking fee. Being charged upfront is the way it always works in my experience. Both dealers and direct to customer manufacturers work this way.  Perhaps there are some exceptions, but those would be rare exceptions. This is how far less expensive cables are sold by companies like Zavfino. I was charged upfront and given a time window to return. I returned mine. Audio Envy works the same way.

With these Hijiri cables the upper end models represent a significant amount of money. I rather doubt dealers keeps 10 of each variety and length in stock. Some cables may need to be ordered and shipped directly to customer.

Perhaps I am missing something and you can clarify.

@cd45123 , enjoy your new cables and music.  Many good cables out there and Zavfino offers very good value products.  

@pokey77 , you are doing it right by trying cables in your own system with an open mind. The price of a cable, by itself, will not always translate into it being the very best cable in your system and for your tastes. 

Honestly OZZY, Colin could not be a finer gentleman. I’m not gonna try to convince you because his reputation among his customers really says it all. I will say this; in my experience as an audiophile, some 42 years, I have never run across a more competent, professional and caring dealer. So yes you can trust Colin absolutely and completely.

I must admit here that I am also speechless as the practice of a trial period is near ubiquitous today. I not only expect it, but find it the only reasonable way to run a business. Some dealers don’t even offer a trial period with returns like Underwood Wally, LTA on MHDT dacs and others.

Now if being sent gear at no charge is a must have expectation for you, then I respect that need for you.

Agreed Ozzy, we should actually try them in our systems. We seasoned Agoners all agree on this. I don’t think Colin is weary or anything like that. He just operates his business in a reasoned and professional manner. We both pay for fuses and all manner of gear upfront with a trial period. Sorry to hear about your past issues with refunds. Not good!

You have some great gear OZZY. I look at your virtual system occasionally to see what’s new. Great system!

I have made some recent upgrades that I love.  Still waiting on some nice diffusion panels. 

Ozzy, Colin is far more than a nice talker. He puts action behind his words. I find him a rare commodity these days. Low keyed gentleman that puts no pressure on you and speaks respectfully about other dealers and brands. Just a kind man.

He has listening skills like nobody I have ever experienced. Very talented listener with keen skills on how to properly set up speakers. He knows exactly what to listen for while patiently and tirelessly optimizing his customer systems. He coaxed so much more out of my new speaker, which I purchased elsewhere, that it left me realizing how much I still have to learn.

He has listened to many, many high dollar cables. He did the comparisons while deciding on the brands he would carry. After testing he decided on Hijiri and Tchernov. These cables are very special. Both deliver on music’s beauty and nuance in a special way. I know his listening skills are better than mine. They just are. He is gifted in my opinion. Without him I would still have a nice sounding system and cables. However, I would have missed the level of engagement and enjoyment I now find with my music. That is true for me.

This is certainly as, if not more important,  than the size or annual sales afforded by a dealer in my experience and opinion.

I love my Fyne F704 speakers! Just a joy to listen to. I need to update my pictures as the speaker placement has changed and we have two new diffusion panels. The panels will be installed tomorrow afternoon. A large custom build is going on the wall behind the speakers. Tried to post it here, but not able it seems  

I think the new Network Acoustics Muon products are wonderful. I purchased the set and am waiting to receive the new switch. 

@lalitk ,

Oh my! I just finished looking at your system. I would love to hear it someday. The Tannoy Canterbury GR speakers are fabulous. I also know the Merging digital units are very special. The Luxman amp, subs, turntable to die for, your room etc…You have a full loom of Hijiri’s finest cabling to boot! I know your music must sound so involving. Well done!

I knew that on the amp …my mistake. Your also welcomed here anytime! 

You’re that is 😬

They should hire me! Ha! I spent 35 years in sales management, brand management, marketing management and new product innovation.

You can read up on the designer as he is an interesting man who also produces CD recordings. The JVC Recording Studio in Japan uses Hijiri cables and vibration control products. 

I have learned after making countless cables that the conductor material and type are but one part of the finished cable’s sound. The ear of the designer and their relentless curiosity of trying all manner of dielectric, geometry, shielding and vibration control are actually more important. I cannot overstate this. The designer of Hijiri cables says he tunes them and based on my listening he has nailed the natural flow and tone of music. He worked for five years tuning the sound of these cables. I realize I am paying for his talent, ears and artistry. Cable building at this level is every bit an art as it is anything else. No way to ever comprehend or assume how a cable like this will sound by a website, words or pictures. Must listen over time. Not a matter of quick A/B testing, but rather marinating in the sound over many days. Fun!

Hijiri’s site, Japan location and language barriers may not appeal to some. We all have differing sensitivities and that’s cool. Hijiri is simply another option for we music lovers.

Go for it! I have given up after hearing these and what the designer did. Some say and think what I did for 35 years is easy. I suppose it’s easy to think that something we don’t fully I understand is easier than it really is to do very, very well. 

@pumpweel

I know these helix builds intimately as you know having built many, many iterations. I have always shared they are as good as many big dollar cables and a great value. I still believe that. Time goes on, and since I am intentionally curious, I have actually listened to many more brands and designs. After hearing both Hijiri and Tchernov cables in my system, and other systems, I can emphatically say these DIY builds simply don’t reach the same level of musical connection and nuance. Still great for the money and fun to build! Also remember that all high dollar cables don’t offer the level of performance found in Hijiri and Tchernov. These two brands also represent value, but at a much higher price point.

Which Tchernov cable and level? Curious 🙂

Thanks @pumpweel 

I have the Pro USB and Ref 2 ICs.  All else is Hijiri.  

@thyname I received the USB from @gestalt. Colin is the importer/dealer. Yes the USB is better than my very best build. It is simply fantastic. I have tried top tier USB cables from SABLON, Hapa Audio, Wywires, Network Acoustics and others. All of these, including mine, were very good indeed. I decided to try the Tchernov Pro USB and could not take it back out of my system. Now you must remember the Tchernov is some 4X the price. However, I have listened to other $850-$1200 USB cables in my system that did not sound quite as good as the Tchernov Pro. Again, my opinion based on listening in my system.  

The NA is spectacular. I want to stress my preference is based on my system. I felt the Tchernov Pro had improved, body, fluidity and smoothness. It just sounded a little more right on my system and to my ears. See my virtual system for reference if you want.

Ha! I will try to stick to Hijiri.  I got carried away! Forgive me OP. 

@waltersalas ,

Hijiri has you smitten also! Your post is so true. I bet your Fyne 704s are sounding glorious! 

You must be kidding! Right? Please tell me you’re not really going down that lazy and worn out road here.

Then don’t buy Ozzy. That is no reason to put others down. No connection between the two. Right? I personally would not care if they did not have a website.

I am not going to say anymore on this because you have already derailed a thread meant for honest sharing of experiences. This happens all the time here now. Ozzy is even doing it. So saddens me really. Yup, I care about folks here and like to share what little knowledge I have. So yes this really saddens me.

Ozzy, I am not sure what happened here, but I know we share a common passion and come here to learn, advise and have community. 

@ozzy , I am very surprised at your posts here. No basis in truth and disappointing to me. We all paid Ozzy. I never met @lalitk, however I would love to. We never even emailed on Hijiri before I purchase mine. No, I am not going to defend with anymore words. I and we don’t need to. It seems I can’t help you Ozzy.

I post like you on stuff I like and that I payed for on trial. Period. If you don’t believe me, then that is on you and keep it to yourself. I do not deserve and have not earned your disparaging  comments on my character.

@pokey77 , nice post.  @ozzy , I apologize as I think I assigned ill intent when it would have been best for me to simply say this. I understand how you could be perplexed when others make purchase decisions not within your wheelhouse of comfort. I get that. Sorry. 

Thank you @ozzy. Understood. 

I can’t find that recording on Qobuz.  Too bad.  I will need to buy the CD I think. 

@lordmelton , my decision was purely financial.  The Takumi is close to 4x the price and that is simply far above my budget.  

I have one on my conditioner, integrated amp, music server and dac.   I find the Nagomi works well on all the above! I noticed nice sonic improvements in each position.  I found the most improvement on my Puritan 156 conditioner.   Next in terms of level of impact was my integrated amp.  Then came the dac and finally my server.  This was my experience with my particular gear and system. 

No, they are not burned in.  That would be wonderful however! 

I have not compared the double helix builds I made to Zavfino ICs.  Never tried Zavfino ICs.  I only trialed a Zavfino Majestic power cord.   
 

The Hijiri ICs were better in every sonic parameter, but as you know they are significantly more money.  

Not sure it is accurate to say they “ are vastly outperforming the competition”. Competition is a great big universe of brands and none of us have heard them all. Also, Hijiri is marked by a certain beauty of flow, tone and purity that will appeal to many, but perhaps others will want more of this or that other sonic attribute. The whole subjective thing comes into play. I will say they must be heard to find out if they “do it” for you like others have experienced.

Cable making is every bit an art also. Two cooks may be given the very same ingredients and asked to prepare the same dish. Both can taste very different. Cable building with like materials is the same. The Hijiri designer is skilled with the ingredients he uses. This is also a piece of the Hijiri “magic” as it should be. Can’t read about this in specs etc….

My speaker cables appear to be high purity, solid core copper.  The connectors are very high quality, but I don’t know if they are made internally.  The Nagomi power cord is very flexible suggesting stranded conductors. 

There are many online reviews to be found on his offerings.

Perhaps @gestalt, Colin, the importer/dealer can help best with that question. Thanks for the update @waltersalas !

My error @rareace! Looking forward to hearing your impressions. I heard the biggest impact on my conditioner followed by my Integrated amp, then dac and finally my server.