How do they sound?
Contents
We tested the three test candidates in our reference system, which we described on the previous page. We simply played our test tracks and then swapped cables. So no complex blind test, for those wondering.
Dyrholm Phoenix
The Dyrholm feels pretty well balanced. Looking at our notes, we see: ‘Quite open, sometimes a touch nasal sounding (Rhodium plugs?). Most calmness of the three cables’.
We also find in the notes that the stereo image gives us an intimate stage feel. That is nor good nor bad: that is pure taste. It is also often related to the sound balance. If a cable has an open and prominent midrange, the image tends to come out more. Just as an elevation in treble often gives a sense of lots of air and ambience in the reproduction.
Overall, the Dyrholm also has a bit more ‘meatyness’ than the Kimber and OePhi. Those are a bit lighter in character than this Danish creation.
Looking at rhythm and timing, it all feels very correct. No crazy stuff … not overly dynamic, but ample dynamics across the board. Truly a “nothing goes wrong” cable that does everything just right.
If you are looking for a cable that brings calmness and all-round just plays well, then this Dyrholm is definitely worth consideration.
Kimber Kable Carbon 18XL
This American Kimber Kable really plays completely different from the Dyrholm. The Dyrholm is quite relaxed: this Kimber Kable Carbon 18XL injects nitro into your system! The character of this cable is particularly open, airy and energetic. But there is more…
What actually stands out the most is that the stereo image grows considerably compared to the Dyrholm Phoenix. Where the Dyrholm gives more of an intimate stage feel, the Kimber plays bigger and more in depth than the Dane. That gives a very involved feeling at live concerts. And we can appreciate that we notice.
On the other test tracks, we also hear more depth, but sometimes it feels a bit contrived frankly. We also notice that the mid-bass sometimes ‘hums’ a bit. That may be due to burn-in, since this cable was fairly new and we gave it three more days. Perhaps that is just not enough.
Finally, the silence again stands out. That is a Kimber Cable feature, we notice. The “black” is really “black”. Very pleasant. However, it can be at the expense of micro-detail we feel. With both the Dyrholm and the OePhi we hear more micro details and the intelligibility of Beth Gibbons is better with the other two.
OePhi Reference
A brand we haven’t had a chance to try before: OePhi. Also Danish! OePhi makes not only cables, but also speakers we see on the website.
The construction of this cable is distinct: two separate conductors, far apart from each other. The conductors are pure copper, but seem to be constructed from some kind of foil. The geometry must make for very low capacitance, but also higher inductance. We see this later in the measurements as well.
Low capacitance in turn ensures speed and good performance in terms of propagation variation. And we do hear that back: the cable is agile and feels rhythmically very strong. Better than the Kimber which, while not feeling “off,” this OePhi makes it all just click a little better. For example, the piano at Anathema just felt more natural in terms of timing. This may not be directly measurable: it is palpable and noticeable. And this kind of thing also gives peace of mind when listening. Timing is so terribly important!
Looking at sound balance, the OePhi Reference falls in between the Dyrholm and Kimber. The OePhi is definitely more airy and open in character than the Dyrholm. At times it is a touch bright. However, we also hear a bit more warmth in the midrange than the Kimber (which is coloration, we think). The stereo image goes along too: a little more stage than the Kimber, but more air than the Dyrholm.
Rounding out
These are three completely different cables. And frankly, we find all three have strengths, but also some room for improvement. Just like every cable by the way; the perfect cable just does not exist.
Moreover, we find it hard to say whether the price difference between the Dyrholm and the Kimber can be justified.
Yes: the Kimber’s stereo image is terribly good. Really top-of-the-bill. And the cable is wonderfully quiet in the quiet passages. But in terms of timing and rhythm and microdetail, the Kimber is not as good as the Dyrholm and the OePhi, in our opinion.
The Dyrholm, on the other hand, can be a bit too calm at times. However, it is a very fine all-around cable. We estimate that other plugs (pure copper or silver) would do the cable a lot of good. Rhodium we generally don’t like the sound of.
The OePhi is in between. Sometimes a touch punchy, but overall pleasant. And rhythmically just very strong.
Measured values are per meter or for the full 2.5m length?
As always i love reading your tests and value your opinions on everything you compare!
This is just a small suggestion, that i hope you are not offended by.
When testing things like cables, switches and power, have you thought about replacing phrases like “How do they sound” with “How do they influence this setup to sound”?
It might sound like a small nit picking, and maybe it is, but i truly believe that many of your readers that often might be sceptic are going to be even more sceptic when someone says that a cable has a certain sound. Isn´t it so that the cable only influences other parts of the system downstream to behave/react different and change the sound in components after the cable/switch/power. That could potentially mean that the same cable could “sound” different in another system, meaning that it doesn´t have a sound, as such? I actually think it will make a big difference what wording you use, from an educational perspective.