I believe the dealer is getting more info on the reincarnation of 聖Hijiri SM2R-L 😊
More importantly, I can’t wait to hear this power cord in my system!
聖HIJIRI Users thread
Based on a discussion with another forum member, I've been reading up on this Comback Corporation brand. The reviews I've found have been pretty positive, but I've also learned over the years to take all reviews with a grain of salt. So the purpose of this thread is for users to share their input on 聖HIJIRI cables. When you share, if you'd discuss what model of HIJIRI you demoed and what brands/models they were compared to, that'd be very helpful.
A little background: a few years ago I was reading the Audio Envy threads and decided to give them a try as the seemed to compete with much higher-priced cable. So I decided to give AE a try. I found both the $179 P2 and the $279 M3 to easily best an Isotek power cord at $1k. So that got me thinking even more about value products. I was about to give Zavfino a try and then was given another recommendation to give HIJIRI a try. So this is how I got here. I'll be very interested to hear all user comments on HIJIRI and this should be a good repository for the brand.
Here is their website: www.combak.net
Showing 50 responses by lalitk
“I was about to give Zavfino a try and then was given another recommendation to give HIJIRI a try” Well, the easiest way to settle your quandary is to conduct a comparison between AE, Zavfino and Nagomi cables in your system. I find cable comparisons to be bit tricky. We post our impressions based on experience levels, system quality and personal taste and what we think is the best. I went from AE to Zavfino and finally to Nagomi/TAKUMI. With each upgrade, I appreciated the leap in resolution, clarity and above all ~ purity of the sound. You don’t have to strain hard to notice the immediate shift in pitch black background with HIJIRI’s. If I were to narrow down to one aspect of HIJIRI’s that separates from AE or Zavfino is the fluidity. The HIJIRI’s conveys music in a most natural way without emphasizing any elements of music and with such smoothness than the aforementioned brands. In comparison both AE and Zavfino sounded constricted and forced. As far price of these cables, only you can decide if it’s worth the upgrade over AE or Zavfino. I know the few here who have switched from AE and Zavfino found Nagomi’s to be simply remarkable and worth its asking price. |
“I just want to make the best choice I can and forget about wire and enjoy the music.” In that case, I suggest to go with “Million” series and be done. I compared Nagomi and TAKUMI PC’s; could easily lived with Nagomi but after hearing TAKUMI, there was no going back. You’re in a different stratosphere with TAKUMI PC and Million Series IC’s and Speaker cables in terms of dynamics, saturation, smoothness and musicality. |
“I don’t mind taking my credit info for security but to try and obtain a refund later is just too risky” Honestly I am speechless. There are so many reputable folks here shared their wonderful experiences with Colin. If that’s not enough, most reputable credit card offers Purchase protection benefit for their consumers, where is the risk :-) |
Does it ever ends..I know exactly what do you mean. When you put together a system, you are constantly looking at ways to extract every ounce of performance from each component….and that’s where the fun begins. Music is very close to my heart and my audio system is just a reflection of my passion for achieving ultimate expression of music reproduction in my MAN CAVE! If I were you, I would enjoy Zavfino cables until you get that itch for next level performance. Audio pursuits are not very different than our life journey, Zavfino is just another stop, don’t feel rushed to hop back on for next stop, HIJIRI :-) I completely agree with you; in my 30 plus years of audiophile journey, folks like Colin are rare gems. Colin has been a tremendous help and resource in my pursuit of achieving sonic bliss. Couple of more tweaks (hint: grounding) and I am done! |
@ozzy, Thanks for your input. I can only speak to my experiences and how I approach auditions. As long as I am fully aware and good with return policy terms of a dealer providing me an opportunity to audition a product in the very comfort of my home, I have no issues with putting $$$ on my credit card. No one is forcing anyone to audition HIJIRI cables. This thread exists to share positive or not so positive experiences of end users. I always urged folks to try before they commit to purchase any product. There is no such thing is one size fits all, please read my first post on this thread. “We post our impressions based on experience levels, system quality and personal taste and what we think is the best.” |
@ozzy, Nope, not calling you a liar. Simply taking you up on your amazing spirit of sharing the names of dealers who are willing to send merchandise without any payment security or take the CC info for security but not actually charge it until you decide. Why not disclose their names here so our community can mutually benefit from their generous business practices. |
“Have you ever received a refund from him?” Yes. He is a man of very high values. He does what he says, a class act all the way. Wish I can say the same for you! |
“If you received a refund, then why are praising the product?” @ozzy, The refund was received for another ‘custom’ product that did not meet my expectations. Colin asked, how can we make it right, I said I’m not comfortable with replacement and would like to send back the merchandise. He said no problems, I am going to issue you a full refund and address the quality issues with the manufacturer. It is worth pointing out that custom orders are typically non-refundable. PS: My system has a full loom of HIJIRI “Million” series cables. |
Please do come over next time you’re in Houston. I would love to hear your feedback and any suggestions you may have to kick the performance another notch. I have been thinking to re-do flooring and go with all wood flooring but not sure how that would impact the overall sound. BTW, the integrated is Accuphase not Luxman as you noted above. I prefer the slightly warm sound of Accuphase not to mention its delicious synergy with Canterbury’s. |
I only compared the Nagomi and TAKUKI Maestro power cords. After hearing the differences between the two, I felt ‘upper’ level cables in HIJIRI line is the way to go. I wanted to be done with cable upgrades and focus on other areas of possible improvements. And that’s exactly what I did, HIJIRI’s cables have been instrumental in approaching and more importantly differentiating the next level of digital front end along with new appreciation for my existing components in the system. |
“All I am saying, for those kind of prices, they do need to get a better handle of how the value proposition is communicated.” I get what you’re saying, what more I can say that hasn’t been shared here. The head honcho of Combak Mr. Kazuo Kiuchi is a man of few words. He let his creations do the talking through end users…lol! May be someday you get to experience the absolute art and soul of sound, HIJIRI cables embodies. Whenever you’re ready, reach out to Colin for a risk free trial. |
@facten, Thanks for posting the review. IMHO, the reviewer truly captures the essence of TAKUMI Maestro power cord. My appreciation and admiration for their product line continues to grow as I’m adding their beautifully crafted products into my system. BTW, you have a very well thought-out system. I have known Dan M. and Lou H. for few years now, amazing talent and above all wonderful human beings. |
@wig, I can only imagine how good your all tube system sounding with HIJIRI’s. Speaking of being transported to the venue, check out Scott Hamilton’s WHO CARES? on Tidal. This is one of my ‘reference’ recordings, a live performance that took place in an ancient residential palace turned into a hotel in the heart of Tuscany. It is a spellbinding experience each time I play this recording on my system. Enjoy! |
“yes i found a distributor in my country but he doesn’t have them on loan” That’s unfortunate and bit disappointing that dealer in your area is not willing to offer loaners or trials for serious buyers. Now I do feel very fortunate to have the trial flexibility here in mainland and it’s only appropriate to acknowledge Colin @gestalt for his flexibility, understanding and superb customer service. |
“Well my Hijiri distributor has only had the brand since last december, that’s why he doesn’t have them on loan yet.” Your dealer should have no trouble in procuring HIJIRI cables for home audition as long as both parties are willing and motivated. I know, I can get any HIJIRI cable to my door within 7-10 days. Good luck with the trial! |
Sorry I didn’t mean to discourage anyone who wants to build their own cables…there is this sense of pride and accomplishment that you wont get from buying XYZ brand. I’ve been down that road with Furutech, DH Labs…lol! If one enjoys building cables, cool. The point i was making is this, for the price / performance you get from Zavfino cables, it makes very little or no sense to go through the trouble of building your own cables. |
I understand the rationale to use IsoTek Syncro PC on your conditioner. Sorry if i wasn’t clear before, the limited edition 聖Hijiri SM2R-L PC is not above Takumi 匠 Maestro which remains the flagship PC in Combak lineup. As per Colin, the SM2R-L is brought back for those who loved the X-DC PC sound back in the days. The 聖Hijiri SM2R-L is further improved on original X-DC350M2R design. So I decided to try this new cable to see if this cable bridges the gap between entry level Nagomi and flagship Takumi, can’t wait to find out 😊 |
The wait is over. 聖Hijiri SM2R-L PC is here and undergoing the ‘break-in’ process on my Marantz SA-11S2 SACD player. I end up dusting off my modest collection of SACD’s 😊 The power cord is pictured in image #43 https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/9445#&gid=1&pid=43 |
Thank you for your patience. The 聖Hijiri SM2R-L power cord took 300+ hours to open up. My listening test were conducted at 400 mark. For direct A/B comparison with “TAKUMI”, I swapped the SM2R-L back n forth on my Accuphase Integrated. I listened to variety of high resolution files stored on my Aurender SSD and Qobuz. What struck me immediately is the similarities between the SM2R-L and TAKUMI power cords. I heard much of the same characteristics of 聖Hijiri TAKUMI maestro in SM2R-L i.e. conveying the music in a most natural way without emphasizing any elements of music and with finesse and fluidity. Again with SM2R-L, the designer's emphasis remained on the mid-range. The vocals through this PC were simply stunning and my connection with music was just as engaging as with “TAKUMI” power cords. IMHO, the SM2R-L fills the performance/price gap between the NAGOMI and TAKUMI power cords nicely. I don't think SM2R-L meant to compete with TAKUMI's so in that aspect, SM2R-L has easily surpassed my expectations at 60% cost of TAKUMI's. Switching back and forth between "TAKUMI" and SM2R-L revealed why I'm still biased towards TAKUMI's :-) The TAKUMI’s in my system simply digs deeper into the music and reveals every nuances you didn’t know you were missing with SM2R-L or Nagomi power cords. It’s not like SM2R-L is lacking in details or holding back anything but you’re in different stratosphere of resolution with TAKUMI’s. Is SM2R-L worth the 2X cost of Nagomi's? Well, I'll let you be the judge of that! I do honestly believe, if you hear both of these power cords in your system, there is a darn good probability that you're going to end up preferring SM2R-L over Nagomi's. |
“I'm wondering where you found the best SQ upgrade with the Takumi's?” I say stop wondering and go for all out TAKUMI upgrade :-) |
“Will the Hijiri SM2R-L deliver this improvement? ” I honestly believe so and A200 would be the perfect candidate of this amazing cable. |
“I would love to hear if everyone owning the Hiijiri power cords are still saying these are end game.” I am using the full loom of HIJIRI’s cables since April 2021. So yes, for me they turned out to be end game cables. I am not aware of Takumi RCA’s in HIJIRI lineup, is that a new cable in their lineup? |
No problems. And yes, 聖HIJIRI Million “極KIWAMI RCA is simply amazing. Once you get TAKUMI power cord, you are bound to hear the fabulous synergy between the two cables. I have heard nothing but high praises on both Tchernov and FTA Callisto USB cables. If I may suggest, please add Network Acoustics ENO USB Cable III to your list of audition. They are backed with 30 days money back guarantee. It is easily one of the most natural sounding USB cable. |
@lak et all, Here is the complete line up, they have two tiers - entry and top tier. Power Cords: Nagomi - Entry & Takumi “Maestro” - Top There is a limited edition SM2R-L power cord aligned between the two tiers. Interconnect: HCI - Entry & Million “Kiwami” - Top, available both in RCA and XLR Speaker: HCS - Entry & H-SLC “Million” - Top Digital: HDG Million - Top, available in RCA and AES/EBU
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