Curious Evolved USB Cable

Introduction

Rob Woodland has had another go at USB cables - four years after the launch of the original Curious USB Cable, he has released the Curious Evolved USB Cable.

My original review of the Curious USB Cable can be found here. The premium model costs USD 550 for a 0.8 m length, compared to USD 350 for the original model. All prices include worldwide shipping.

According to Rob, "The Curious Evolved is the best we can do, and will benefit audiophiles who want the maximum performance from the computer based Audio system."

Description

Physically, the Curious Evolved has a close resemblance to the original model. The power line runs externally, and a blue heat-shrink with the model name is the clearest distinguishing mark between the two. The cable has decent flexibility and should have no issues being routed in most systems.

My set-up has changed significantly since the review of the original Curious cable. My computer audio setup consists of a Melco N1-ZH/2 audiophile NAS, paired with a Weiss INT-204 USB/SPDIF bridge. For the purposes of this review, I swapped this with a Synology DS-214play NAS and an SoTM SMS-200 Ultra streamer. This allowed me to place the streamer box much closer to my DAC, and to use the Curious Evolved without any strain being placed on the cable. I also compared the Curious Evolved with a number of USB cables I had on hand, most of which are considerably more expensive than the Curious Evolved.

Sound Quality 

The original Curious Cable is in my view a cable that addresses many common weaknesses in digital playback :- a lack of dynamics and a flat and un-involving  sound. The Curious Evolved on the other hand is destined for the very best of setups - it simply lets digital gear perform at it’s very best.

Tonally, the Curious Evolved is very close to neutral, with the slightest hint of sweetness and a subtle softness to the leading edge of notes. Make no mistake though, this is not a weak and insipid sounding cable. Music is presented with high dynamic contrast, with good saturation and impactful low frequencies. It takes less artistic licence compared to the original Curious Cable, and bass lines are as powerful, or as subtle as captured on the recording. This neutrality is applied throughout the rest of the frequencies, with a very coherent and even presentation. 

By absolute standards, high frequencies do not extend as far as the very best in class, although treble is clean and clear as a whistle. Soundstaging is accurate, with appropriate width and depth. The Curious Evolved casts a noticeably deeper stage compared to the original Curious Cable that projects the stage forward.

Where the Curious Evolved really leaves it’s predecessor in the dust is resolving power and refinement. It unearths micro-detail and expressiveness in a way that eludes the original Curious Cable and presents it with class-leading power and grace. The real kicker in the equation is price - the Curious Cable is able to bring this all to the table without breaking the bank. 

Conclusion

If you liked the original Curious Cable and want to move up to the next level, this is the cable for you. If you are looking for a reference standard USB cable, this is a serious contender to consider, with excellent value too. Well done Rob !

Curious Cables
http://www.curiouscables.com

Telos Macro Q

Introduction

The Macro Q is a new device from Telos Audio Design to treat noise on your computer, NAS or streamer. Plug it in to any USB port and you are good to go. A special mention needs to be devoted to how well made this device is - the finish is absolutely gorgeous !

Looking very much like a small scale replica of it's larger relatives, the Macro Q is actually compact and light enough to be hanging from the USB port of your device of choice without any additional support.

However, a special cable (note the large gauge of the cable) is also provided to allow the Macro Q to be placed in tight situations. Operation is straightforward - plug it into any spare USB port and you are good to go. If all is well, you will be greeted by a light show from the unit. This is not a pass-through device (like the Audioquest Jitterbug), so you do need to have a spare port. 

Deployment is limited only by your imagination. Some users have taken to using the Macro Q on their network routers, AV setups or even in their cars to improve their stereo systems. Other claims of improved torque and BHP are unverified !

Sound Quality

The best description of the Macro Q’s effect is that it is a contrast and focus enhancement tool (to borrow a photography analogy). You get an immediate improvement in clarity across the audio band, with greater impact on the bass, and more extended highs. You can further tune the sound by experimenting with placement and support. Plugged into my Melco NAS, I found the additional clarity and high frequency energy to tip my system balance into brightness. The pig tail added some extra body and smoothness that suited my taste more. I also found that leaving the Macro Q dangling (whether from the pig tail or from the USB port) to impact the sound negatively, added a subtle smear to the sound. Adding a squishy footer to support the body of the Macro Q, or placing it on a wooden block improved things noticeably. With some ingenuity, I’m sure you could fashion some support out of children’s building blocks or the like.

Conclusion

This flexibility in tuning should help the Macro Q fit in a wide variety of systems. The efficacy of the Macro Q surprised me, given that the Melco is an audiophile grade NAS with great attention paid to minimising noise on both it’s network and USB ports. The Macro Q is well worth trying for anyone that is using computer audio as a source. 

I may also try the Macro Q on my Synology NAS, and my SoTM SMS-200 Ultra streamer - do check back for updates. 

The Macro Q is available at Audio Basic, local distributor for Telos Audio products.

Macro Q - S$ 360

Audio Basic
1 Coleman Street
#02-12, The Adelphi
Singapore 179803
Tel : 6338 3245

News : Meze Audio launches multi-award winning headphones - Empyrean, the first Isodynamic Hybrid Array Headphone in Singapore

SINGAPORE | 16th August 2019 - Meze Audio, a high-end audio company renowned for developing premium audiophile headphones and earphones, introduces their new flagship: Empyrean - the first Isodynamic Hybrid Array Headphone with Eng Siang International as its sole official distributor in Singapore. 

The stunning pair is made in collaboration with Rinaro, a progressive audio company with over 30 years of research and development on planar magnetics. It has bagged 13 awards and counting since its initial launch.

Antonio Meze, lead designer and founder of Meze Audio said "Empyrean was born from passion, curiosity and innovation. As a business, we have allowed ourselves the freedom to experiment and take risks in search of the perfect sound. To generate something truly remarkable, one must dare to explore, and that's what we did with Empyrean. We pushed and refined industry's standards and achieved a true game changer for audiophiles."

Headphones with no compromise

The result of the collaboration brings a no-compromise ultra high resolution audio headphones with an Isodynamic Hybrid Array Driver, MZ3, made exclusively for the Empyrean.

With MZ3, an Isodynamic Hybrid Array Driver, a new standard in planar magnetic audio was established - the first dual shaped voice coil array. The only one of its kind, this unique piece of technology is one of the lightest and most advanced planar magnetic drivers on the market.

The MZ3 combines individual switchback and spiral shaped voice coils, allowing sound to be targeted with accuracy around the natural shape of the ear, ensuring absolute comfort and fit for the listeners. This also provides increased exposure of direct sound wave frequencies over the 10kHz range and improves imaging and location by decreasing the impact of short wave time delays caused by diffused field reflections.

Designed with users in mind

Embodying Meze's daring aesthetic, user-centred design elements and Rinaro's experience in research and development within the field of planar magnetics, Meze Empyrean is both a sophisticated piece of design, and one of the most technologically innovative planar magnetic headphones. 

An innovative feature is the Isomagnetic ear cup attachment which utilises the demagnetising field generated by the driver to hold the ear cup in place whilst also redirecting the magnetic field back into the driver and improving driver efficiency. Empyrean's cleverly designed pressure distribution wings - a patented suspension wings increase the leather headrest's contact surface area with your head and can help relieve uncomfortable pressure points.

Empyrean comes with 2 sets of detachable ear pads, in leather and Alcantara variants. Not just luxurious, each pad variant presents a different soundscape for the user. With the leather pads, one can enjoy the vocal and instrumental nuances of your favourite playlist, focusing more on the mids. The Alcantara pads gives you more depth and attention to the treble details. 

Exquisite craftsmanship

Meze went out of their way to create an audiophile headphone that is powerful yet lightweight enough for extended hours of use. A blend of premium materials, the Empyrean utilises exquisite craftsmanship and detailing that unmistakably Meze.

Each driver has been hand assembled and tested in an industrial facility in Ukraine. 

Designed and engineered in Baia Mare, Romania, the Empyrean is made of lightweight carbon and aluminium using high precision Computer Numeric Control (CNC) sculpted chassis, milled from a single piece of solid aluminium. Each cut is precise and a work of art in its own right.

• Driver Type: Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array 

• Frequency Response: 4 - 110,000 Hz

• Impedance: 31,6 Ω

• Weight: Approximately 430g

• Accessories included: High strength aluminium suitcase with foam inserts case, 2 sets of ear pads: Real leather, Alcantara, Cable options: 3m OFC cable, 4pin mini XLR plugs ending with 6.3 jack connector OR 1.3m OFC cable, 4pin mini XLR plugs ending with 3.5 jack connector or 3m OFC cable, 4pin mini XLR plugs ending with 4 pin XLR connector

Specifications

Price and Availability

Meze Empyrean is available immediately at the recommended retail price (RRP) of S$4,599 (including GST) at authorised retailers including AV One, E1 Personal Audio, and Lazada (https://www.lazada.sg/shop/av1group).

About Meze Audio

Meze Audio was founded in 2011 in Baia Mare, Romania. Meze Audio headphones embody the classical values of clarity, balance and harmony. This is not a trend and it's not intended to last for just a season. These are Classics. These are devices to fall in love with. We achieve this standard by combining high-end technology and style with quality materials and good craftsmanship. To all this we add the most important ingredient: our passion.

All our models, headphones and earphones, are developed in-house from the ground up, in the spirit of our original 'no-compromise' vision.