Bibacord Headphone Cable
We have developed a new headphone cable, made with pure OCC solid core silver conductors. It replaces the previous version made from a mix of copper and silver wires.
Total cross section has been increased to 1.68 mm² per channel (0.84 mm² for each path). The conductors are cotton isolated and each bundle dressed with a vibration damping material. Outer coverage is the same kind of thin walled fiberglass sleeve as on our other cables.
New is the decision to let the two channels run in separated cables all the way to the amplifier connector. This results in a slight increase in the bulk of the cable, but the gain in performance is irresistible. The two channels are held together by waxed cotton cord, giving a nice artisan touch.
The cable started as an experiment just for the fun of it. Admittedly, we had our preconceptions about the sound from a pure silver cable, but we were quite stunned by the result. Listening experience is more fun and natural, as well as surprisingly softer with no hint of sharpness whatsoever.
Some notations from our listening panel:
• Better definition and separation, more nuances
• Fuller and richer sound, more pregnant base
• Acoustic environment seems larger
• Better tension and intensity in performance
Possible connectors are AECO 3.5 mm plug or Furutech mini XLR. At the source end we use 6.35 plug or 4-pin XLR from AECO. Because of the large conductor area, it is not possible to attach a 4.4 mm TRRRS plug, nor the tiny LEMO connectors employed for the Focal Utopia.