Since there has been a lot of discussion lately about Nobunaga Lab cables in this thread, I figured to post a few pictures to show you how it looks, together with W80. I just spent more time doing a/b comparison with ALO Ref8 cable, and under the same test conditions (the same source, the same songs, the same volume - still volume matched) I can hear W80 sound being a little smoother with Nobu cables (perhaps, a touch less revealing), and having a little less mid-bass impact. As it was mentioned by others, the cable has a great build quality, nice braiding, memory wire, solid connectors, minimum memory effect (unlike Ref8), but noticeable microphonics (maybe even more than Ref8). Also, you can see below, Shure olive silicone tips, to get an idea how those look (I'm using large tips). Ironically, my ears can't handle SE846 ergonomics (at max 5-10min before I have to yank them out), but I prefer their large size eartips over orange star tips because they don't stick out as much from my ears.
Since there has been a lot of discussion lately about Nobunaga Lab cables in this thread, I figured to post a few pictures to show you how it looks, together with W80. I just spent more time doing a/b comparison with ALO Ref8 cable, and under the same test conditions (the same source, the same songs, the same volume - still volume matched) I can hear W80 sound being a little smoother with Nobu cables (perhaps, a touch less revealing), and having a little less mid-bass impact. As it was mentioned by others, the cable has a great build quality, nice braiding, memory wire, solid connectors, minimum memory effect (unlike Ref8), but noticeable microphonics (maybe even more than Ref8). Also, you can see below, Shure olive silicone tips, to get an idea how those look (I'm using large tips). Ironically, my ears can't handle SE846 ergonomics (at max 5-10min before I have to yank them out), but I prefer their large size eartips over orange star tips because they don't stick out as much from my ears.
means mine doesn't get any use really.
Ok, i have the large tips and doesn't work (too large), i will try the medium tips...
I think your opinion about nobunaga cables are almost the same i heard from other silver or silver plated cables...but at this price, i give it a try
How Would you compare the Westone W80 with the 64 audio U12 in terms of comfort and sound?
I know w80 maybe is not in the same league with the U18 or Tia Fourte but maybe with the previous flagship of the 64 audio brand...
In your honest opinion how the W80 stand against the other brands flagships?
Thanks to all for your help!
See I like the Nobunaga cables for sound, but the lack of strain relief on the jack isn't great, and the cable noise is pretty bad
And that what makes me think is a contributing factor to the microphonics, making the cable rather noisy. If I get around, maybe I will try to peel that clear sleeve off, see if it's going to help with microphonics.
Actually, if you look closer, the headphone plug has a strain relief, two layers of short transparent sleeve, but it's hard to see. Also, the whole entire cable braiding is inside of this clear/transparent heat-shrink sleeve, hard to see as well unless you start twisting the cable only to realize that its flat braid held together by a sleeve
I took the memory wire off straight away, but yeah it's not the best in terms of ergonomics unfortunately. I might butcher mine a bit then as it's not getting used due to the noise
Mine is the medusa and lacks straing relief: https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-isBG1_n-...slU5K_D5fXZukg7OBIsWsEgCEw/s1600/DSC_8022.jpg
I took the memory wire off straight away, but yeah it's not the best in terms of ergonomics unfortunately. I might butcher mine a bit then as it's not getting used due to the noise
Mine is the medusa and lacks straing relief: https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-isBG1_n-...slU5K_D5fXZukg7OBIsWsEgCEw/s1600/DSC_8022.jpg
I didn't put 2 and 2 together with Mark and HFM, but I did with you, Oscar
Hmm, this red/blue InEarz and Opus#2 combo looks familiar
only started here about 6 months ago, and cannot review products we sell of course
Just not too much talk about it because ES series only comes in custom and people don't get a chance to audition it at the store or the shows. Oh, and i usually write at the top of all of my reviews that product is provided free of charge for the review purpose. Either if it's a long term or short term review loaner, that's up to different manufacturers.
Es80 been officially released and available at least 3 months ago
i buy everything blind, so far so good. My next purchase would be a TOTL custom iem i just dunno which
Since we don't have a dedicated ES80 thread, I figured to continue posting my ES80/W80 updates here. So, wanted to share my ES80 REVIEW I just posted on my blog, and soon will mirror it on Head-fi. In there, I have a comparison to ES60, W80, and UM Pro 50, along with other iems. Plus, my take on pair ups with different cables and sources.
