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eutral Cable is one of those lines of products in which I believe have gone unnoticed for far to long, and it is one in which I believes deserve to be considered by anyone whom considers themselves more of a music lover as opposed to an audiophile. In saying this, I find its sonic merits are more inline with those whom aren't the types whom constantly pursue the latest greatest fad, but instead are more inclined to understand the voicing process in which cable should be viewed as a component in itself....., as I've found that by selecting ones cables with attention to what you or your system deserves is merely a means of understanding the finer points within the actual notes themselves as rendered as heard | felt during live events.While I came across this line of USB cables several years ago, with their entry level USB ( blue version as seen on their site ) and loved it's overall means of producing notes so much that I went onto recommend it to anyone in which I knew deserved outside the norm, yet more then capable of making music as opposed to mere sounds......., as the years have passed I had began to notice that Fabio ( the co-owner of said company along with his wife ) had in fact began offering improved versions on a few of their cables. And having fond memories of said standard USB I became curious as to know just how much better it had become.
Taking order of said USB as well as their top of the line Reference USB I ( improved ) proved to be one of ( if not the very best ) ventures I've encountered over the course of the last 5 years in attempting to assemble my music server from scratch, and while I've kept my eyes open on a few well priced dedicated music servers over said time, I've to say that having added a JCAT USB Isolator and an iFi Audio iPurifier 2 in tandem with it had caused me to feel while I'm certain there are items like better LPSs | USB cables which with enhance said front end even more......., I've become rather reluctant to change one item.
Yet upon placing said Reference I ( OCC Silver | 7N purity ) into my system made me more then aware for the very first note, something very special was going on. It was as if the notes took on a life of their own which were fashioned in such a manner the only thing that came to mind was a sense of purity in which I've never heard in my entire time with our shared hobby short of having listened to an extremely well matched system approaching all of $300.000......., and while I'm very very very happy with the sound of my Audience AU 24 SE ( which cost $895|1m by the way ) so it's expected both offer different sonics, yet it's very easy to justify living with both, as used in tandem offers a signature which merely allows each note to shine through as if anew......., here I'm referring to beauty of note where the very top end extension is handled very nicely where one finds what I've found a very fine line where detail | resolution | and delicacy exist in nature......., with a added sense of spaciousness in which I've never encountered beforehand...., while the midrange is presented in a weightier manner where it seems as if things are being more filled out if you will, hear once again the only words which come to mind are textural beauty with a sense of silence as well as purpose added to each | every single note.
Instruments like trumpets | saxophones | flutes spoke to me in ways I'd only allow my wife to do. While cymbals and rim-shots were displayed beautifully with a lingering effect which seemingly lasted for seconds after the initial strikes, this was in fact a very very organic meres of merely layering these types of effects which should cause anyone with a decent enough ear whom understand how the pitch or tonality of each of these said instruments relate to one another in real time......., with understand there's a certain cohesiveness which brings about say we say an extra layering within the sound standing itself where one can form a clearer sense of separation of notes as heard in three layers......
The one area in which surprised me was the lower bass or mid-bass ( as heard in my beloved, yet carefully voiced mini-monitors......., but in truth I've to add that a pair of Clear Day Cables standard speaker cables were indeed the very first time I had ever been exposed to silver conductors doing bass, which to my ears out did copper ) was indeed a revelation in how it dug deep and was grounded as far as foundation goes......., here I'm talking about notes which weren't altered in any manner as the music became more and more complex......, there's a sense of timing going on here that held me glued to my seat with nothing more then a sense of awe.
Once again, I can only say as compared to several USB cables in which I've been fortunate to borrow from the Cable Company or Friends | Associates over the years ranging from $150 ( which I can proudly say the Neutral Cable standard Blue USB is the very best I've heard | own ) upwards of $1.200, where many of these are mentioned in countless reviews or forums as being the only ones of worth........, I'm here to say BS!, as music isn't about detail at the expect of beauty, and cabling, nor ones system should be one which displays what I've come to often refer to as " Hi-Fi Effects " where each has an uncanny way of drawing a listener in, yet overtime these effects begin to wear on ones nerves as it becomes clear one is taken in by sounds tying to mimic things like trains running down the tracks, or being able to hear a butterflies wings flapping in the rear left hand corner of ones speaker......., yet when one allows themselves to become accustomed to pitch | tonality | timbre of each instrument it then becomes clear that said effects don't have anything to do with musicality and the inner beauty therein.......
I'd ask that each of you whom value the very essence of music, as well as the messages which lie hidden within do yourselves a favor and call me out on this one, as stated......, this company is more deserving of ones attention more so then most.
Musik Non-stop.......
Edits: 05/23/17Follow Ups:
Hi Guys!
I just discovered this thread on the Neutral Reference USB and wanted to convey my experience with Fabio's fabulous Passion USB.
As the US Distributor of YBA, we tried many high-end USB cables that could offer the insight into Yves-Bernard's extraordinary DAC modules included in his Preamps and Integrated Amplifiers. Some USB cables we tested retailed > $1,000.
But we always come back to the Passion USB (original version) and it remains our reference USB cable in our YBA-based system.
This Passion USB cable excels at conveying the accurate tonality & dynamics of the recording while still doing the "audiophile stuff" - i.e. transparency, resolution, PRAT, et al. The midrange is rich & liquid in tonality but never ever "thick or syrupy" colored. It has a lively sparkle on top when reproducing cymbals and a tight bass on the bottom. Voices and strings are "Class A" in their reproduction.
I am very blessed to have some extraordinary CDR "dry" versions of classic music sourced/burned direct from the true/original studio master tapes - Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Peggy Lee, and so many more. With the Passion USB, they are "right there" in front of you - from Sinatra ("The Best is Yet To Come") to Doors/Jim Morrison ("Break on Through") to Joni Mitchell ("Blue" album) to Peggy Lee's classic ("Fever")!
The Passion USB has the neutrality, transparency and resolution to easily discern the difference between the "dry" and the commercial "reverb" versions of these classic songs & albums.
Bottom line - musically accurate coupled with the "audiophile stuff"...-...-...-and VERY Highly Recommended!
YBA Equipment used (partial list):
-Passion Series Pre+DAC 550A
-Passion Series IA350 Integrated+DAC
-Passion Series CDT450
-Passion Series A650 Stereo Amplifier
------------
Jim Ricketts
tmh audio
Thanks for adding your experience with the original Passion USB cable. As I'm aware several others own the newer improved version of it, yet seemingly aren't very forthcoming or descriptive in putting their thoughts into print.
Yet I'd add that in my system in tandem with the Audience Au24 SE USB cable......., I'm sampling what it might feel like to have gained admission beyond those Pearly Gates of Heaven.
I merely wanted to follow up by saying, it's my intend to revisit this very USB cable in the days to come as I hadn't earlier expressed how nicely balanced it sounds when listening to vocal based recordings as well........, all I can say is that I'm very very happy that I took it upon myself to find out how their more expensive USB cable has to offer......, this is a very beautiful means of enjoying musical playback for those of you willing to spend just a tad bit for for the sake of musicality done correctly.
Until then.....
72 hours in.....
This USB is to my ears is quite similar to the story about Goldilocks and the Three Bears, in that it has a sound that's right down the middle compared to both their own Standard Blue USB I and said Audience AU 24 SE as mentioned above, in that it's extremely open sounding as if one has taken the extra time to clean their windows twice with the good stuff instead of merely using an off brand cleaner..........., here I'm talking a nice sense of air and sparkle at the very top end to which I find balanced ( yes, it's a term that I often refer to as its something that has to be present for me to enjoy listening to anything these days, lest why bother ) and equally important is the manner to which it fleshes out the midrange and makes vocalist and instruments have a fuller more rounded signature if you will..........., bass notes are accurately portrayed with extremist like precision it's as if layers and layers have been removed and once again every little detail stands clear of both the foreground as well as back drop.
Vocalist ( either male or female ) have taken on a character which in itself is breathtaking, and has me hearing deeper into the phasing and nuances underlining each word, guitar plucking has become ever better defined and now has become far easier to distinguish the differences between say a nylon vs string based unit without having to strain to do so.
Bass licks have a more pronounced sense of attack and snap, as well as responsive nature to them which has me mystified as it has never felt | sounded this way before now......., the separation of notes has definitely improved to a point where I'm finding myself listening to entire tracks, whereas before I'd often scan through them......., this in itself is a first, as I was only accustomed to listening to any given recording in its entirety if it was only on vinyl......., this remains a very very impressive USB cable.
121 hours in.....
And everything has improved to the point where I've come to realize one very important factor, as it relates to buying new cables I know longer feel the need. As I've come to believe that once a person selects the proper signature from the cabling ( USB | IC in my case ) which is closest to their source component ( DAC ) entering one preamplifier or integrated as a means of voicing " their " system to fit their ears | senses more so then someone else's whom in some cases would far rather see others get it wrong then right to begin with, and laughs behind your back after you've made mistake after mistake by following their lead when in fact I'm the sort whom rather trust only those in which I know have like minds or ears for that matter.
But as it seems to be the case here......., many simply aren't accustomed to change, or just aren't willing to invest in the unknown as far as many items which aren't American made, or more specifically above prices of say $400 - 900 on any given cables, which in theory should at least be within 25 - 30% of the actual cost of their front end, or amplification or speakers if chosen wisely. I'd then ask how is it possible for some to spend $2.300 - $4.000 on their CA front end, and then only spend $50 - $150 on a USB cable, and think they're hearing these products at their very best?.
I hope that many can allow themselves to get beyond the buy American mindset?, as this is once again a cable which offers such a sense of fidelity and purity it'd be sad if others are so blinded by narrow choices as not to think outside the box and hear for themselves what's capable........
I've selected to put my money where my mouth is and purchased this very cable, as I knew within minutes there was no way in hell this cable was ever leaving my system......., and in truth had lead me to believe it was indeed the final piece of the puzzle in voicing my system in such a manner nothing else is needed other then maybe a dedicated music server, and even then...., that can wait until the waters clear.
Just felt like sharing......., yet it seems others aren't willing to grow or pay attention to ones efforts in bringing about a much needed change, life goes on as it must......., yet there are times where each of us deserves to dig within ourselves and seek truth as opposed to settling for BS!, which has become the norm for those whom wish to follow a set of rules where one can't think or hear for themselves what's capable besides what's printed in the American audio magazines which in themselves limit imported goods as a means of pushing the good olde ( sometimes unreliable | unmusical ) built in the USA mindset.
No need for backlashing......, as I'm merely relying upon the olde freedom of speech act here, or at the very least self-expression.
I for one thrive on change.....
Hi everyone,
First post (and in "cables", what am I thinking?)
I bought a Neutral Cable USB Reference I cable on a recent family holiday to Italy (met designer/owner Fabio, who hand delivered it with a day's notice - a lovely guy).
70 hours in and I have to agree with the positive reviews: there's more detail than I'm used to (it replaces a Curious Cable, which is anything but a slouch); instruments are better defined; voices are more lifelike; but it's the "feel" that's the big winner for me (drums/bass are punchier and attack more, softer sounds land with incredible finesse - a rare mix)
It's a chunky silver cable, so a long burn-in time makes sense - the company says 200 hours. I'm extremely happy with it now. Any improvement from here would be a huge bonus.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Mike
Hello Mike,
It's nice to see that someone else has taken the challenge and purchased said USB cable, as to my way of thinking........, it's like it bought everything together in my system whereas I'm very reluctant to buy another cable. But in truth will be trying one of Fabio's ICs in the months to come.
Once again I'd say those of you whom haven't heard Pure Silver as far as quality and gauge goes....., here we're talking OCC 7N and at least 23 awg makes for all the difference in the world. And while I was trying not to name the other brands I've compared mine along side......., I'd have to say that many of them came across as more detailed in nature, yet forced in a manner which merely felt wrong as it not allowing the inner-beauty of notes to flow, but as if everything was geared towards a more HiFi'sh nature that once again over the long haul lacked substance which then makes one believe the musician are actually playing in your listening space as opposed to transporting you to the recording venue......., it's more like they've visited your home to perform a very intimate recording session right before your very eyes | ears.....
Long story short and I'll let it go after this one is......., you owe it to yourself if you're a person whom values the purity and finer points of music reproduction in your home which once again feels | sounds right!, I'd say please try to arrange a home demo of any of these cables for yourself.....
Happy Memorial Day to you all, and especially those of you whom have served our Armed Forces at one point or another....., Boya!.
Ordered the Passion I USB today based on your observations...I'll circle back after it's spent some time in my system & let you know how it's working out.
Hello Shep,
That's great news, and I couldn't possibly imagining you not liking what it brings to music......, as I generally only listen to my system twice a week on a good week, as I'd rather spend more time gathering an average of 220 downloads per week, where I tend to photoshop my album covers for ones with higher resolution as I'm a detail freak when it comes to artwork.
But of late......, I've found myself listening upwards to 4-5 dates per week, on an average of 6-8 hours per day. For me this is a tell tale sign that the system on a whole has become more emotionally involving....., and in turn causes me to subconsciously react in a more positive manner.
I'll be looking forward to hearing your opinion on the Passion USB I upon its arrival, here's wishing you and yours a wonderful Memorial Day evening......., and thanks for reading between the lines and then be willing to trust my words enough to want to sample your own, as that was in fact my intention to merely make others aware of a more sound investment in said cables, as this brand is definitely something to behold......
Memorial Day was spent w/16 family members grilling hamburgers & hot dogs followed up w/home made ice cream...mmmmmmm good. Hope yours was equally full-filling.
If the Passion cable is nearly as musically convincing as your advocacy for it, I'm sure it will be a welcome addition!
Best regards and thanks for your recommendation.
Hello Shep,
Merely wondering if in fact you might've received your Passion improved USB cable?, as mine had reached me within 5 days after placing the order, yet got held up in NY for seemingly an extra 5 days which seems to be the norm between having things delayed between theirs and|or the Chicago postal offices.
I'm still waiting to hear your impression good, bad or indifferently.
Happy Fathers Day to you and our extension Brotha's here where this applies?.
Peace,
O_o scar
Good Morning,
The gang is all here for another cook-out on Father's Day!! BBQ chicken and ribs this time...seems like every time we correspond, I'm grilling!
I received the cable at the end of last week...only took 7 days to get here including a 2 day delay in NYC Customs. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to spend sufficient time listening to gather my impressions yet. I told Fabio I'd try to get back to him this coming week and I'll share here w/same when I reply to him.
Thanks for the continued interest. Hope all's well w/you and yours.
Good morning,
Enjoy your BBQ, and I do look forward to said impressions. And do have an extra piece of that chicken set aside for me, and I'm heading your way now.
Until then...
I've had several extended listening sessions this week with the USB Passion I and have finally come to terms with how the cable sounds in my system. It was not easy. Simply put, I've struggled trying to assign conventional characteristics (warm, soft, smooth, bloated, brash, etc.) to the sound of this cable before finally deciding none of them worked. This cable has less 'sound' than any i've had experience with. It seems to pass information without adding or subtracting anything of consequence to the mix. Since there's no "perfect" cable, I'm sure it editorializes to some extent but I've been unable to discern it in my system.
In short, as far as I'm concerned, you selected the right name...-"Neutral Cable". The only negative in my system is the stiffness of the cable. In the length I chose, (.8 meter) it's difficult to keep my microRendu in place but securing it to a small piece of granite took care of that. Otherwise, I'm completely satisfied with the performance of the USB Passion I...-it's a keeper.
Hello Shep,
Thanks for sharing your impression, as I was very curious about how this model would sound as well?, seeming that I'm currently torn between cabling with conductors of either pure silver or silver plated copper....., yet there's a side of me which believes if done correctly......, pure copper of this sort of purity, either as an IC or USB cable might then be capable of altering the sonics of my upstream components just enough to offer me a slightly different flavor without having to actually buy components.
Neutral indeed.....
Hey el34eh,
I want my cable to be agnostic w/respect to the components I've selected. Get the signal from one component to the next w/out altering or flavoring. That's not easy to do but the Passion I comes closer to that ideal that others I've auditioned.
I've had less than good experience w/silver plated copper in any of my systems...it's less natural sounding than either to me.
Hey Bro.....
While I can understand the flavoring issue, I've come to trust my ears | senses when it comes to tailoring the sonics according to what's required upstream......, in my case as I find that my dac offers a rounder, warmer presentation..., said selection of conductor goes a very long way in correcting the overall balance just enough to add a sense of snap, as well as attack to notes that would otherwise come across as rather blogged down.
And while I realize this isn't what is heard as being totally neutral ( pun intended ) very very few components truthfully are these days, it's as if one has to select either warmish or slightly cooler tonality in much of the gear which is being sold of late......., but in truth, I'd rather have either as opposed to something which comes across as overly bright ( analytical if you will ) any day of the week.
At some point, I guess it wouldn't hurt to own each flavor of Fabio's USB cables......, next stop Passion I USB cable and done.
Sounds as if you all are having a excellence gathering......, and in the end all one needs is their family and a system that's balanced enough to keep one home, and this is where the little ladies in our Ives need to give us more respect......, I mean one could be wasting money on drugs | liquor | chasing women in the street. But when a person finds joy in the comforts of their own home......
Well I can't speak for others, as my wife has always been supportive of this shared hobby enough to have offered me a few thousands here and there over the years towards gear, so in that sense I'm going to spend it where needed......, and in my mind home comes first.
I do believe that you're going to be very very surprised with the musicality within......., and once again it's not about any fake sense of detail or resolution......, this goes much deeper then that, " this involves ones very essence in what's taking place right before them ".
And it goes without saying......, but you're more then welcome.
O_oh
Just a reminder, as I'm in no manner affiliated with this company, in so much as a believer in what I hear and then try to make others aware of which I believe is the human thing to do.
I'll end this by saying for those of you looking to spend within the $200 or so range?, I believe this review speaks for itself......., read between the lines and try to hear them if you're able?, as life is far to short to settle on run of the mill mass market items, yet I'd be wrong......., not:
http://theaudiophileman.com/neutral/?ct=t(Newsletter_copy_34_11_5_2016)&mc_cid=251fd1628a&mc_eid=9d917b8424
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