CONDUCTOR TYPES
Welcome to the Wire World
HANDLING PROPERTIES
How a cable feels in context
I've decided to add two approximations to determine the tactile handling experience of a cable; Flexibility, and Memory. Note this is entirely subjective, and may be updated subject to customer reviews.
Flexibility
Flexibility is a relative measure, which isn't particularly accurate but should demonstrate roughly where each of my conductors sit aside each other. A higher flexibility score means the cable is softer and suppler.
0 is a bar of solid copper; 5 is the "middle ground" and is based around the Ika Classic material.
Memory
Memory refers to the property of a cable being bent, and keeping it's shape. This is slightly different from flexibility, as you can have a soft and flexible cable that retains it's shape. A lower memory score means the cable doesn't hold it's shape when bent.
0 means it doesn't hold any shape. 5 is the "middle ground" and is based around the Tumuku material.
HEADPHONE CONDUCTORS
My bread-and-butter; these conductors are primarily suited to headphones, and are only available in sleeved configurations.
IKA CLASSIC
OFC stranded copper, with approx. 20% silver-plated strands
XLPE jacket
The original.
In my opinion this conductor tends to be a little warmer than many stock cables, but the blend of silver plated strands helps to simultaneously lift the high-end a touch.
Flexibility: 5
Memory: 1
IKA2
OFC stranded copper, with approx. 20% silver-plated strands
XLPE jacket
The same conductor as the classic Ika material, but in a slightly thinner XLPE jacket. This means the flexibility of Ika2 is improved over Ika C.
In my opinion this conductor tends to be a little warmer than many stock cables, but the blend of silver plated strands helps to simultaneously lift the high-end a touch.
Flexibility: 6
Memory: 1
KIORE
Stranded OFC copper
XLPE jacket
Flexibility: 4
Memory: 2
TUMUKU
Stranded silver-plated OFC copper
PTFE jacket
Tumuku is a silver-plated copper, with the conductor being manufactured in England! Due to the comparatively coarse stranding, Tumuku does have some memory, but I don't find it an issue.
In my opinion this conductor offers a taste of the bright and clean silver sound, without being too clinical (or expensive).
Flexibility: 5
Memory: 4
LITZ CONDUCTORS
Litz conductors are made from extremely fine strands, and as such have the highest levels of flexibility without any shape memory. Ideal for headphone cables, and necessary for IEM cables.
POKIHU
6N OCC copper type-1 litz
PVC jacket
Flexibility: 9
Memory: 0
WURUHI
4N OCC silver type-1 litz
Flexibility: 10
Memory: 0
GLOSSARY OF ACRONYMS
XLPE
Cross-linked polyethylene; a thermoset plastic used as an insulator
PVC
Polyvinyl chloride; a transparent rubber used as an insulator
PTFE
Polytetrafluoroethylene; also known as Teflon. It is used as an insulator