Oyaide 079 vs. 004 and the M1/F1
Our pledge to achieve the best possible solution we are capable of achieving has led us away from the so-called "top-of-the-line" connectors available from Oyaide. The 079 uses two layers of gold plating on deoxidized phosphorous bronze metal contacts. The 004 and the M1/F1 connectors each have beryllium copper contacts which are plated with platinum and palladium. One would think that choosing copper over bronze would result in a more conductive connection. But the difference betwen gold and the combination of platinum/palladium gives you the reverse difference -- in this case, gold is more conductive. The 004 is sonically virtually inseparable from the M1/F1. The only difference structurally is the outermost shell. The parts holding the cable and electrical contacts are identical. Hence, the primary factor for sonic evaluation is the difference between the metals and their platings.
Through many, many crucial listening tests on many very fine audiophile systems in many countries, ranging basically the entirety of audiophile culture, from full-range electrostatic loudspeakers to mighty tube amps, from the most exotic CD transports to high end computer audio playing from RAM, from hand made ribbon tweeters to highly efficient wide-range drivers, transistor amps to single-ended tube solutions, CD, SACD, large room, small room, headphones, etc.: the results were unanimous. In our opinion, the 079 outperforms the 004 and the M1/F1.
But not necessarily at the very first listening session.
Upon listening for only 2 minutes, most any audiophile will at first greatly prefer the 004 to the 079. There is a shining and very extended high frequency sound which is appealing and seems at first to reveal more nuance in the recordings. The bass is very robust as well, but this is an illusion brought about by manipulation of its harmonic content. The following is given as just a way to describe the subjective sound of the two. It is by no means a measured quantitative finding, but rather a way of depicting in clear terms the subjective resulting sound difference between the two. In reality we are dealing with different fine shades of distortive elements, which are truly beyond measurable quantities, but for the sake of simplicity, we now present you with a drawing of frequency response so you could get a feel for what it is we mean.
As you can see, the 079 gives the subjective impression of being, overall, the more natural of the two. There is nothing really artificial for the ear to "hold on" to. With time, any of the slight roll-off effect one might initially perceive is quickly forgotten due to the natural decline we share in our own natural hearing at high frequencies. It can be said that the gold plated 079 emulates the natural function of the ear more closely, and therefore sounds more natural and tolerable to the listener over time.
In contrast, the 004 sounds initially much more impressive. However, as we enter the 20th and 30th minutes of the listening session, we realize the true sonic signature of this connector. There seems to be a sort of "dip" followed by an unnatural excitation of the very topmost harmonic frequencies. This beautiful, detailled sound then quickly becomes tiring and fatiguing to the ear. Over the long run, it is definitely not as natural to the ear as the 079. And it is exactly the long run that we as audiophiles are most interested in. If a solution makes it impossible to enjoy music in a natural relaxed state of listening over the long run, it is not desirable even if the initial impression is one of "more detail". Sonic detail should be tolerable over the long run in order that it prove itself to have been natural all along.
These tests were not carried out on one system only, but on many, ranging from Panasonic Boom Boxes all the way up to systems costing over half a million Euros. We have been very careful in our analysis. Over 25 very dedicated and talented listeners took part, amongst which were audio professionals as well as musicians and life-long audiophiles, and equipment designers passionate in their art.
Therefore, because the highly effective LessLoss Dynamic Filtering Power Cable needs only the most natural, and not necessarily the most expensive, connector solution to accompany its already extraordinary performance, we are sure you will be happy with our choice of the Oyaide 079 connectors for their natural depiction of the recorded material. Enjoyment over time is more important than hearing very much for a few minutes and then suffering a headache the rest of the time. After a pleasant evening of listening, we are sure you will agree.
