In search of thin, flexible iem cables

Discussion in 'IEMs and Portable Gear' started by rhythmdevils, Jun 24, 2022.

  1. rhythmdevils

    rhythmdevils MOT: rhythmdevils audio

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    I’m only interested in OCC Copper but let’s make this thread about any nice thin, flexible iem cables so it’s more useful to everyone.

    Almost all OCC copper iem cables are these super fat monsters that are just as thick as full size headphone cables. Everything on Aliexpress is really fat huge braids that pull the iems out of my ears. I figure others must want thin, flexible cables as well and it would be worth it to compile a list of good thin, flexible cables.

    Here's what I've found so far

    Effect Audio Maestro cable
    This one is discontinued unfortunately, but it's super thin and made really well. When you put them on, they disappear. And they have custom made splitters and jacks that are very small and light. Audio46 still has some in stock though and they're on sale for $100 which is I believe $75 off.

    they just released a replacement, the Ares S, which is a bit thicker due to being lower gauge wire. I haven't tried it yet.

    LQI Cables OCC coper iem cable
    This one is thicker and stiffer than the Maestro cable, but it's still better than all the others I've found on the market. I think it might sound better than the Maestro. Not sure yet though.

    Lunashops 16 core 7N OCC copper cable
    This is pretty thick, but not as thick as many cables and its' the most flexible I've ever seen. It also has the best sound, it sounds like expensive cables from the big brands and its' only $40. Available with any connectors and totally customizable to however you want it.
     
    Last edited: Jun 25, 2022
  2. jaker782

    jaker782 Friend

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    I have a few of those Lunashops cables and quite like them! I also think XINHS on AE represent good value. They are also very accommodating as far as customization goes. While I do not have this specific model, here is one that might be worth trying:

    XINSH 4 Core 5N UPOCC
     
  3. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

    Staff Member Pyrate Flathead IEMW
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    That cable from XINHS is too thick. It says 1.8mm diameter per stand. Check out the review pictures.

    Satin Audio makes the Gaudio stock cable. It’s about the same thickness as the Effect Audio Vogue series, of which the Maestro is the OCC model of the Vogue Series. The Gaudio stock cable is a custom version of their Hyperion cable from the Titan series, which is 28 awg. Satin Audio doesn’t show an OCC version of the Titan in a clear sleeve but I’m sure they could do one if contacted. Pricing looks similar to the Effect Audio Vogue series too.

    Here’s is a pic of the Virtuoso from the Vogue series, next to the Gaudio stock cable. You can see gauge is very similar, as is overall coil memory. I prefer the Effect Audio aesthetics to the Satin Audio, as it’s just sleeker overall.

    E57B3BED-74D9-45D2-A14E-E6634A83B065.jpeg
     
  4. Nash

    Nash Acquaintance

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  5. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    The Linum cables are only OFC if I’m not mistaken. OFC is fine but I think @rhythmdevils is looking for OCC. At any rate, Linum only supplies their proprietary T2 connector now a days and no longer produce them with MMCX and 2 Pin. They do sell a T2 to MMCX adapter which shouldn’t add much bulk since the T2 connector is tiny.

    That being said, I only recommend the SuperBaX versions. The regular BaX are really tangly due to being super thin. The regular also has a high-ish resistance too. 1.5 ohms if I remember correctly. The SuperBaX is basically two regular together. It has much better tangle resistance, is still pretty dang thin and resistance is halved at 0.75 ohms. But the SuperBaX is fairly expensive at a starting price of $200+. I do love the aesthetics of SuperBaX though. Talk about disappearing over the ear…
     
  6. HotRatSalad

    HotRatSalad Friend

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    I think I have the maestro with 2.5mm if you can use it let me know I'll check and see.
     
  7. ColdsnapBry

    ColdsnapBry Almost "Made"

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    I'm also really interested in this as I'm looking for a copper cable for my Mini Open that's very light and can be used for portable use.

    The Aliexpress one is very light. I had a friend here weigh it and it's lighter than the Forza hybrid cables. I have it on ordered. Although since it's not 100% copper, I hear it's not as relaxed sounding as the copper ones.
     
  8. rhythmdevils

    rhythmdevils MOT: rhythmdevils audio

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    I’m only interested in OCC Copper but let’s make this thread about any nice thin, flexible iem cables so it’s more useful to everyone.
     
    Last edited: Jun 25, 2022
  9. Nash

    Nash Acquaintance

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  10. rhythmdevils

    rhythmdevils MOT: rhythmdevils audio

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  11. deafenears

    deafenears Almost "Made"

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