Sternklang Cables

@kray

Please reach out to Colin @gestalt audio.

@thyname 

You can say that again my friend! This cable is really special to the point that I feel like building a second system so I can have a full loom of Ephemera 😊 

@grannyring

Thanks for posting the Wikipedia link. Inspiration can come from anywhere, as I recall reading about naming of Shindo Labs electronics few years back. Late Mr. Ken Shindo named each of his devices after French wineries and wine-growing regions. Interestingly, the ideas was to reflect taste characteristics of the French wines into tonal character of each devices.

@lak ..You’re welcome!

@winoguy17

May be so but the feel and quality of this cable is very exquisite.

@grannyring

Likewise, I enjoy exploring products. There are so many talented designers, each one highlights somewhat different aspects of musical performance through their unique products.

I am really loving the Sternklang XLR in my system. This cable handsomely gelling with 聖Hijiri‘s slightly dark, relaxed and smoother presentation with its livelier characteristics. I ordered the Sternklang speaker cable to try in a very specific place.

@cd45123 

I have not and quite honestly I was waiting to see if he ever going to manufacturer RCA or XLR Interconnects….well more than a year later, still nothing! 

@willgolf

Looking forward to your feedback on HIJIRI and Sternklang cables. Thank you! 

@lak

Not at this time, mainly due to my hectic travel schedule. Hopefully by next week, I will share some more thoughts. I am also expecting Sternklang speaker cables by next week.

@willgolf 

Thank you for sharing your impressions. I am not at all surprised by HIJIRI’s cables uncanny abilities to render the best possible version of your system. They are not cheap but once you hear them, there is no going back.  As I said previously, they ended my quest for best possible cables money can buy in the context of my system. Heck, they not only elevate the performance of connected components but also enhances the performance of ‘budget’ cables like Sternklang cables. 

Update: I end up buying Sternklang Speaker and XLR cables. They handsomely compliment my reference 聖HIJIRI cable loom with their livelier, detailed and balanced sound. 

I have been listening to Ephemera SpeakerCable….lively, ultra detailed without any trace of harshness. Very natural, airy and relaxed sound. This cable holds nothing back..WOW!
http://www.konus-audio.com/ephemera-speaker-cable.html

Thank you Colin @gestalt for bringing another fine brand of cables to 🇺🇸 

What’s next :-) 
 

@willgolf 

I wouldn’t quite call it a comparison just yet, what I posted above are just my listening impressions. As I mentioned in my OP, Sternklang cables has a very different presentation. They will not be replacing my reference, 聖Hijiri “Million” cable loom. I am still accessing if I can listen to Sternklang livelier, slightly forward presentation long term. I am now spoiled by 聖HIJIRI‘s sophisticated and gorgeous sound..LOL! 

How’s your SPDIF audition coming along between Sternklang and 聖HIJIRI? 

@willgolf 

I can see why you loved Sternklang SPDIF over 聖Hijiri with Horizon DAC. My system is all SS so I found the right ‘balance’ with 聖Hijiri cables. Having said that, Sternklang proving to be quite complimentary…whenever you’re ready, I recommend that you give the speaker cable a shot in your exquisite system. 

@willgolf 

Sorry I wasn’t clear, try both 聖HIJIRI and Sternklang. 

“I will audition the "Million" tier.”
@jafant 

Go for it! 

@willgolf 

You’re correct. The bare copper ends serves as spade connectors. I ordered mine with bare ends and used my own ETI solderless bananas on one end. 

@willgolf

It is my understanding that Sternklang uses silver soldering for banana terminations. I wanted to avoid that thus used my own Banana Plugs. Here is the link,

https://www.vhaudio.com/eti-link-banana.html

@willgolf @lak 

Update: I am continued to be impressed by the extremely low mass of the Sternklang cables. I may be more smitten by these cables due to their simple yet very effective approach to rendering music effortlessly and naturally. And the best part, they are so complimentary to my reference 聖HIJIRI cables and rest of the system. How often that happens…LOL! 

“if I get a good fusion like you with the Hijiri’s”
@t_ramey

I am hoping as well, there is a definite synergy between the two brands. I can only encourage you to try Strenklang speaker cables and see if you hear any appreciable difference over your existing cables.

@t_ramey 

The speaker cables are not directional. I bought the new pair with bare ends so I terminated the amp end with banana’s. I would use the demo pair with bananas on amp end to keep the signal flowing in same direction. Looking forward to your feedback. 

Happy Thanksgiving 🍁 

“if Sternklang uses occ copper or not?”
@t_ramey 

Thanks for the update. For reasons unknown to me, the Japanese artisans are not very revealing of metallurgy and construction of their cables. Honestly, I don’t care cause how they sound to my ears and gel within the system is what matters the most. 

@aniwolfe

Thanks for chiming in. Since speaker cables were not marked with directional arrows, I followed the official position,

“They gain directionality as they’re used, so pick one orientation and stick with it”

Update: Just received Sternklang Ephemera Interconnect Cable. I will be breaking-in the cable on a SONOS streaming box before forming any listening impressions with my tube based CD player.