Xangsane Cryo OCC vs Sterling Silver XLRs

@stillbuyingtoys 

The cryo thing is apparently new for them, because I bought a set of RCA's pretty recently and I didn't see anything that was cryo'ed. I can say that i have been using their solid core silver interconnects for several years, and I think that they are the best overall that I have tried, and compared to American brands of the same quality, they're almost free!

I've always heard that silver can sound bright.  How would you characterize the sound of Xangsane's sterling silver?

They are not at all thin or bright. They are smooth and well balanced with excellent bass and detail retrieval.

Thanks for the insight.  I'll pull the trigger tomorrow when they price out the 5m order.

I’d be very interested in your impressions when you get them in and burned in for a bit.

I’m following this too.  I used 12 gauge silver plated copper speaker cables for years.  No ends just the cable and it really did brighten up a very dull sounding system.

I am a fan of OCC cables, but I am a bit suspicious of any OCC copper claims on AliExpress. I am also starting to lean away from any silver plated copper, I think that is where the brightness comes. Pure silver is less of a problem, or not a problem at all.

stillbuyingtoys

This forum is full of warnings regarding AliExpress offerings. 

I hope you are not the next victim of an AliExpress scam, bait & switch or simply false ad (the real product looks, but is not constructed as advertised.) 

Demo is the only truly safe option, as always.

I just ordered a 1m and 5m of the 1105ag XLRs.  I'll report back in probably 3 weeks once they arrive and have been burned in.

As for the AliExpress scams, they happen on alot of websites.  I purchased them from the Xangsane store and not some random retailer on AliExpress.  I've purchased many items from Chinese retailers on eBay with no issues at all.  Also, in the event an issue arises (knock on wood) I'll submit a claim with the credit card for a refund.  A 90 day return policy with free returns, helps out with me pulling the trigger.

I was skeptical with Neotech's as you will only find users on the forum reporting about their performance and they are not carried in stores but their performance is well documented and a way better option for me than going Kimber and AudioQuest at the time.  I'm more so concerned about the 4N pure silver which they clearly say is sterling silver on another slide, but I've read a few reviews of the 9001ag and the 9003ag being a very legit cable.   The 1105ag from only 1 person is said to be a slightly improved cable vs the 9003ag, so I'm taking the plunge as Neotech NEI-1002 MkII OCC silver/gold cable is $125.79 a meter unterminated plus assembly and plugs. 

If this works out and I have better results than Neotech's OCC copper interconnects that I'm running, it will be worth the risk.

@inagroove if you are in the Maryland (very close to Delaware) area and want to pop in once everything is setup for a listen, by all means stop on by as I'm always looking for a well educated hifi friend.

Yes, the "sterling silver" thing is something that they need to correct. It's frustrating, but apparently, it's a Chinese thing, because other vendors on the site make the same error. 

Sterling Silver is all over eBay as well from Chinese retailers.  I'll let my ears judge if indeed hear some sonic benefits from the cables.  I didn't think OCC copper would provide enhancements but for some reason it's apparent when I switched from Mogami interconnects to Neotech NEI-3002.  Then going up to NEI-3001 was yet another improvement that was immediately apparent.

I'm in the camp that I should hear sonic benefits immediately, and if that's not the case then it's not a good buy for me and it's returned.

I'm excited for the potential of these new cables and will report back with real insight.  

An alternate option with the Xangsane XS-1105AG cable is to buy it in bulk ($60 USD/m) and DIY terminate using Viborg XM203AG and XF203AG solid silver conductor XLR connectors (~$40 USD/ea), which works out to roughly the same price as the terminated XS-1105AG with Xangsane connectors.

I offer this because I have been disappointed by an otherwise good cable with subpar connectors. Scant little detail about the metallurgy or construction of the included Xangsane connectors is provided. On the other hand, I have found the Viborg brand to be of consistently solid design, quality, and good fitment, with performance squarely on par with some much more expensive boutique hardware.

@ted_b I skipped the DIY method as the XS-1105 is $918 for 12m on AliX from the Xangsane store and $668 for 12m directly from Xangsane US website.  I paid $886 for the 2 cables and with the option of returning them if they are not to my liking.  Terminating the cables would have me stuck with $900 worth of cables that I cannot resales because I'm sure the resale value of these are not good based on the lack of reviews (written or YouTube).

Also, I had issue with terminating thicker XLR cables.  Thin Mogami cables were straightforward and simple with the copper Viborg XLR connectors.  When I tried to terminate thicker cables I've had issues and quite simply fails on XLR and RCA connectors.  I switched over to EIZZ XLR connectors that are solderless screw connectors to complete the Neotech NEI-3002 and 3001s.

If I keep the Xangsane and meet someone or get recommendation from a company that can termite the Xangsane cables to the Viborg silver connectors, I would definitely be interested in reterminating these cables.  I originally was interested in purchasing Neotech NEI-1002 MkII to be terminated with the Viborg silver connectors being terminated by Audiophonics or Hifi Collective.

@stillbuyingtoys Ah, of course, that makes perfect sense - no reason to DIY anything given you have the option to return for a refund if dissatisfied.

I am curious about the Xangsane silver although I suspect it may be a bit thin and dry in comparison to my present configuration (Belden 8428 18 AWG tinned OFC) and therefore I harbor no expectations. Awaiting your detailed evaluation.

stillbuyingtoys

The preassembled 1105 literature states that they have rhodium over pure copper XLR connectors.  Additionally, they do not appear to be solid runs, but more of a solid group/stranded one. I also await your experience with them.

ted_b

In terminating bulk 1105 to XLR connectors, with the multiple shields and the absence of a drain wire, it would seem to make sense to solder a small wire to the shields at each end for simpler termination to the shield pin.  

@ted_b

Correction. One of the things that I like best about the Xangsane RCA interconnects is that they specify that the terminations are solid copper with either gold or rhodium plating, unlike many American brands.

@stillbuyingtoys I've been doing the DIY cable thing for years.   The options from Xangsane have peaked my interest.   I recently ordered their XLR OCC variant (Xangsane XS-5500 frozen 6N hifi OCC).  Looking at the bulk silver 1105 (stranded) and 9003 (solid).

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256808172657464.html?pdp_npi=4%40dis%21USD%21US%20%24183.35%21US%20%24183.35%21%21%21183.35%21183.35%21%402101effb17394721258575887efdd0%2112000044712418006%21sh%21US%210%21X&spm=a2g0o.store_pc_allItems_or_groupList.new_all_items_2007599416151.1005008358972216&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa

I have always preferred solid OCC conductors and my go to cables have been Helix designs (aka WillieWonka).  I remember listening to Neotech years ago and thought they were the really good (could never afford them and ended up buying the cheaper stuff from the likes of VenHaus and Partsconnexion).   Using Viborg and AECO connectors.

With that said, I have deviated from my DIY lane and have the Veritas Argentum X currently installed between DAC and amp.   They are local to me and figured,  would give them a try.  Probably build an Xangsane/Viborg combo to see if compares to the Veritas.

I'll let you know how it goes and would offer to help terminate/assist if you want.

@mbolek I almost pulled the trigger on the XS-5500 as they are in direct comparison of the Neotech's offerings in the Saraha line without the fancy geometry.  

Have you received the XS-5500's?  If so, what is your impression of the cables?

@stillbuyingtoys I have not received the 5500. Can’t expect the next day shipments like Amazon...

I looked at the pricing again and it has doubled what it was back in Jan (maybe they play the discount game as does Amazon). I figured if I liked the cable out of the box, I would re-terminate with some potentially betters connectors. These will be a good comparison to my DIY Helix OCC builds.

Need to figure out which silver version (1105/9003) to try.   Probably end up getting both, never can have too many XLRs....

@stillbuyingtoys Just received the 5500s. Pretty impressive build quality and very nice packaging (similar to Viborg). Out of box sound is good. I’m not a burn in guy and would be happy adding these to my XLR stable.  Added a couple pics to my system folder.