Measurements and Conclusion
Contents
We briefly put the Yeti NextGen next to some of our other cables – including a favorite: the Grimm TPM. This will give you an idea of other cables. Just know that the Grimm is 1.5 times shorter. The Tubulus and Yeti NextGen are the same length. The measurements were taken on a Sourcetronic 2829A LCR meter. The sweep is from 20 Hz to 300 kHz. Capacitance was measured open. The rest of the measurements closed (inductance and impedance) or point to point (conductance).
We can be fairly brief: the Yeti NextGen measures completely differently. We see a few striking things. First, the resistance is quite high. This is not surprising, since the conductivity of CNT is not high. Silver conducts much better, but if we look at the Tubulus, it must use very thin conductors, since its conductivity is similar to the Grimm TPM which uses silver plated, stranded copper.
If we look closely at the impedance, we see that the Yeti NextGen measures completely flat and we see almost no phase shift. Only about 7 degrees at 300 kHz. That is quite bizarre.
The inductance starts a bit high, but then it drops quickly. We measured a few times, but it remains. That may have to do with cable geometry, or it may be a property of CNT. Capacitance is also nicely low: lowest of all three, which is still handsome, considering the length AND the fact that the Tubulus already scores well in that area.
Conclusion
Quality comes at a cost. So does innovation. And when it comes together, you pay the big price. Because let's face it: 3500 euros for a signal cable is an awful lot of money. We don't have it lying around. But that doesn't mean there isn't a target audience for it or that it isn't worth its money. Making a good signal cable is not easy. And making a signal cable from CNT is certainly not easy. Just get the stuff on a connector properly!The Yeti NextGen shows that it is worth the effort, though. The sound balance is particularly pleasant (read: very little coloration), the imaging is fine (large and beautiful stage) and the degree of calmness is something we got used to very quickly. And then the way back is a bit painful...
. All in all, a wonderful cable for the connoisseur with a well-filled bank account. And a system worth this level!
