Review #130 - Invictus AES/EBU and XLR Reference Cables - Ricable Review
Maximus B.
Sources: Audio Analogue AAdrive mechanical CD player; Bluesound Node streamer; Gold Note Mediterraneo X turntable.
Amplifier: Audio Analogue Bellini Anniversary preamplifier; Audio Analogue Donizetti Anniversary power amplifier
Acoustic Speakers: Focal Aria 948
Other: Audio Analogue AAdac DAC
The following review of Invictus AES/EBU and XLR Reference cables is the result of theRicable Review initiative. Ricable Review is the program designed by Ricable, which was created to collect feedback from audiophiles, in order to lead to continuous improvement of the products in the catalog. Last but not least, those who join the program receive a certificate at home, with the purpose of certifying how the customer has become a full-fledged member of the " Ricablefamily."
The following Feedback was created on the basis of a predefined questionnaire to which the user returned their impressions, in a completely free. We thank Massimo for his time.
Some time ago I began the tuning phase; although I have never been an avid advocate of cables, the need arose in me, however, to equip the important electronics with which I assembled my system with connections of a certain level.
After the first approaches and tests with various more or less well-known cables, always remaining with a certain dissatisfaction, I continued my research that brought me here, to Ricable.
Excluding the streamer, as chance would have it, all the components were Italian and so, with some pride, why should the cables not be as well?
Dictated by the need to connect the CD transport to the DAC, the first approach was with theInvictus AES/EBU and it is also my first such cable. Positive feedback then led me to theInvictus XLR Reference to connect the pre and power amp, replacing a cable that had not fully satisfied me.
and aesthetics of the product?
Beautiful, for me it was love at first sight, "wow" effect upon opening the box assured. Already shortly after opening and picking up theInvictus AES/EBU for the first time, without having listened to it yet, I was already casting my eye on the next cable, only moved by aesthetic reasons.
Both cables are well constructed, with attention to detail and packaging. The impression is already good to the eye and is immediately confirmed by touch, although the dimensions are flexible enough for wiring. The connectors also exude the quality with which they were constructed. In short from this point of view... chapeau!
Invictus AES/EBU - As indicated above this is my first cable of its kind, the inclusion of a streaming player had created a need for a DAC, which, paired with a CD transport, would replace my old CD player. Having no comparisons, I tried to compare the sound of the CD transport, connected with Invictus AES/EBU to the DAC, with the streaming player (also connected to the same DAC), considering that I use a streamer service that plays in Hi-Res format.
Invictus XLR Reference - Used to connect the Audio Analogue Donizetti Anniversary power Speaker with the Bellini Anniversary preamplifier, also Audio Analogue. In this case the cable is to replace another cable in the same range, which, however, to my ear had given me some perplexity especially in the bass. I then proceeded with listening sessions comparing the two cables, using all sources, analog and digital.
For both cases, the listening tests were done with recordings that I know well, particularly Love over Gold and Brothers in Arms by Dire Straits, The Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall by Pink Floyd, plus several jazz LPs. All on both vinyl and digital formats.
listening impressions?
Invictus AES/EBU - Having no comparisons I let myself be guided by my listening sensations, the cable sounds very good, faithfully bringing back all the expected musical information which, I think, is then what is mainly asked of a cable of this kind.
Invictus XLR Reference - Here, on the other hand, I had the comparison with the previous cable, as mentioned above of similar range, which, at least to my listening, seemed to muffle the bass too much so I began to think about a replacement. TheInvictus restored that brilliance I was looking for or rather expected and above all fidelity to the signal it carries-I am of the opinion that a cable should not sound better, but faithfully carry what was recorded and intended by the artist and/or sound engineer.
Your conclusions.
I don't know if they will be my definitive cables, but they will certainly be my cables for a long time. I am very satisfied with their performance and, why not, their Italianness.
They are cables that I definitely recommend, currently I started off immediately with a bang with Invictus series cables, so the top for connecting central elements of the Hi-Fi chain. But just of the positive feedback received I think I will also try the "lesser" series, to maximize value for money.
What did you enjoy?
- Performance, they sound faithfully
- Construction, truly professionally made products
- Aesthetics--the eye wants its share
What would you improve?
- Nothing to report
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