Eichmann eXpress 75 ohm Digital cable
We are the first to admit to being a little lost at times with other-than-analogue cables. Sonic differences between Digital cables (ie either between CD transport and DAC or more commonly between DVD player and Home Cinema receiver or processor) are somewhat different than in the analogue realm and while some wildly esoteric cables undoubtedly are high achievers, the challenge is to deliver a cable that delivers both a convincing upgrade and value for money.
Eichmann’s analogue cables are distinguished by the use of different diameter solid core high purity oxygen free copper conductors for positive and negative – the difference in diameter is defined as the Eichmann Ratio®. This is claimed to enhance electron flow. Which in turn is vitally important for timing and reduction of jitter in 75 Ohm designs.
Combine this with effective shielding (very important for RF signals), terminate with proven Bullet plugs and we end up with a cost effective cable that really works. In the context of home cinema we find surround effects are much more clearly defined – there is a wonderful ‘crispness’ and immediacy to the sound which brings Cinema up to the standards we routinely expect in stereo replay. Much of the blandness we associate with DVD players on music disappears. All in all the improvement is actually greater (in our humble opinion) than you would ever get from the same outlay stereo interconnects and hence well worthwhile.
It’s also worth noting we can get custom made longer length 75 ohm leads from Eichmann – with the advent of high performance/low cost domestic DLP and LCD projectors there is always the practical problem of siting the DVD player close to the projector yet wanting to also locate the surround sound receiver or processor close to the front speakers. The best solution is a longer single digital lead for the least possible sonic compromise yet lowest overall cost.
In addition the dramatic improvements in picture quality delivered by DLP and Plasma screens make the benefits of a 3 cable component video (as opposed to either S Video or Composite connection) much more obvious – in this context the eXpress 75 ohm cable delivers a clearer more vivid picture. As with the digital connection the reasons for the performance lie in the cable construction. When you think about it the Bullet plug may be the perfect RCA connector for 75 Ohm Digital and Video cables.
Standard RCA plugs may interfere with the true 75 Ohm impedance of your digital and video cables due to impedance variation. The Bullet Plug® has negligible impedance and takes on the true 75 Ohm impedance (or any other impedance value) of the cable itself. Imagine baring the ends of your 75 Ohm cable and holding the bared wires up against the RCA socket. You would achieve a true 75 Ohm connection. This is what happens when you use the Bullet Plug® connector. Optimum connection equals optimum picture.
eXpress 75 Digital Cable | |
|---|---|
0.75m – standard bullet plugs | NZ$ 145 |
1.0m | NZ$ 160 |
1.5m | NZ$ 175 |