|
|
Post by MartinT on Apr 19, 2022 12:05:52 GMT
Nice, the BJ FE is a great cable for the peanuts price.
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Apr 23, 2022 20:01:55 GMT
Two more HDMI/I2S cables arrived to compare, both 0.5m lengths: a Supra HD5 and a Clearer Audio Silver-line. As usual, I took care to orient them by the direction arrows or, failing that, reading the cable text left-to-right in the direction of signal travel. All are connected between my Gustard U18 DDC and the Gustard X26 Pro DAC. Both were supplied by David Brook of MCRU.
This is a slightly unfair comparison as the BJ has several hundred hours of burn-in so these are my initial impressions only.
Compared with the Blue Jeans FE, both cables have far more in common than any differences I can perceive. Where there are tiny differences, the Supra seems a little brighter while the Clearer Audio has more midrange punch. The Blue Jeans, interestingly, sits somewhere in between. All three are better than the AVplay HD-300 that just accentuates the mid/treble too much, in my opinion.
Connector-wise, the Supra has the best and most secure fit while the other two (and the BJ) are just a little less firm.
I'm going to live with the Clearer Audio in place for a few days to hear how it develops over time.
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Apr 24, 2022 11:07:21 GMT
I was beginning to think that the Clearer Audio is pulling away from the Blue Jeans but today, after having left it on Internet radio overnight, something didn't sound quite right with Hannah Reid's (London Grammar) voice. She is a severe test of a system's midrange with her potent and well recorded voice.
I've just put the BJ back in circuit and her voice is restored to its previous glory. I'm going to use k d lang and Jewel as additional tests now. I've said often enough that a system with less than stellar midrange performance is of no use to me. These three powerful female voices will remind me of that.
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Apr 24, 2022 16:25:25 GMT
Switching to the Supra cable, it has a big and warm sound, somewhat defocussed with Hannah Reid appearing larger than life. The soundstage acoustic is well developed and this represents another potential preference for some listeners, especially if they prefer ambient development and acoustic cues over image focus.
Back to the Clearer Audio, for me it's between this and the Blue Jeans as suiting my system and preferences most closely. I shall keep on listening.
|
|
|
|
Post by julesd68 on Apr 24, 2022 18:20:12 GMT
Before I give up on I2S it looks like I will go for a BJ ...   |
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Apr 27, 2022 18:21:49 GMT
I'm done with cable comparisons now as I want to get back to just enjoying the music. Here are my rankings for HDMI cables used for I2S audio. | Rank | Cable | Notes | | 1 | Blue Jeans FE | Great all-rounder with no weaknesses, vivid and dynamic | | 2 | Clearer Audio Silver-line | Slightly bright and forward, not quite as relaxed | | 3 | Supra HD5 | Slightly diffused and lacking in focus | | 4 | AVplay HD-300 | Slightly bright and a touch hard |
|
|
|
|
Post by brettj on Apr 29, 2022 22:49:51 GMT
I can breathe a small sigh of relief.
A little worried when Martin bought some more to trial.
Had already bought an AvPlay HD300, and then a Blue Jeans HE.
Am I just throwing limited funds down the drain?
Why can't I wait awhile?
All I'm after is a cable that sounds good-ish, and is affordable.
So the Blue Jeans is still a good decision...
|
|
|
|
Post by stellabagpuss on Apr 30, 2022 7:46:27 GMT
The Blue Jeans Cable really is a bargain, l was not expecting much of a change being that AVPLAY has had such positive reviews, but the midrange really opens up,including the soundstage and imaging, high frequencies are tamed, but not too much, you end up with a neutral balance.
l found that harse recordings on the AVPLAY could really grate, with the Blue Jeans it's not so offensive. lncredible how MartinT stumbled on this bargain, it's becoming a underground cult legend.
Hope my views help
Damien
|
|
|
|
Post by julesd68 on Apr 30, 2022 11:03:20 GMT
It will be interesting to compare the Blue Jeans to my incoming AES cable, if Shanghai ever comes out of lockdown and I get my hands on it.
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Apr 30, 2022 11:14:49 GMT
You will be shocked at the difference in presentation between AES and I2S, never mind the cables. I2S is very much more direct into the DAC chip, with separate clock and data.
|
|
|
|
Post by julesd68 on Apr 30, 2022 13:20:40 GMT
Yes I'm hoping to hear differences.
Wasn't convinced by my current setup with Audioquest I2S but need to find out if I prefer AES presentation or I2S with Blue Jeans cable.
|
|
|
|
Post by julesd68 on May 2, 2022 21:24:48 GMT
Blue Jeans now ordered - how long did yours take to arrive Martin?
|
|
|
|
Post by stellabagpuss on May 2, 2022 22:39:55 GMT
My BJ cable took roughly a week to get to the UK
Damien
|
|
|
|
Post by julesd68 on May 2, 2022 23:25:02 GMT
Thanks Damien.
I couldn't believe that the cable was despatched exactly 16 minutes after ordering!
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on May 3, 2022 5:17:44 GMT
Mine took only a week, too.
|
|
|
|
Post by julesd68 on May 3, 2022 7:42:58 GMT
Apparently it's due to be delivered tomorrow!
|
|
|
|
Post by John on May 3, 2022 10:04:56 GMT
I have had this kind of service from Blue Jean cables in the past
|
|
|
|
Post by julesd68 on May 4, 2022 12:30:05 GMT
The BJC arrived today as scheduled - hope to be giving it a try tomorrow.
|
|
|
|
Post by Slinger on May 4, 2022 13:26:59 GMT
I have had this kind of service from Blue Jean cables in the past +1 I really like Blue Jeans' cables. Although all I've currently got installed is half a dozen network cables cables, their build quality is absolutely superb, and I still say that CAT 6a is perfectly sufficient for trundling everyday stuff around the network. |
|
|
|
Post by stellabagpuss on May 5, 2022 6:58:52 GMT
[/quote]
I still say that CAT 6a is perfectly sufficient for trundling everyday stuff around the network. [/quote]
You right, sometimes it can really depend what rabbit hole your stuck down, for casual listening,car, bath kitchen, l use Plex ,with MP3 320kb.
Sometimes it's a convenience for many over improvement, and financial sense.
l only wish BJ did USB cables as good as their l2s, we all be quids in 😆
|
|
