Counterfeit Chinese Cables


I thought that I would write this for those who are curious about one of the many counterfeit Chinese interconnect cables that are available these days. I know that there have been threads about the subject before, and I was always curious because they seem to be such a bargain. I don't really recall much about what any members actually said about the performance of these counterfeit cables, and I didn't look back and do any research, but a couple of months ago there was a thread that came around to discussing the quality of Chinese made components, and oldhvymec said something that made sense to me.

He said that people that say that what they are making is junk should consider that much of what is in our gear, and a lot of our American brands are actually manufactured there. I decided shortly after that that I would take the chance on a set of interconnects, because I suspected that the interconnects going from my pre to my amp were the weak link and needed upgrading. The interconnects going from my DAC to my pre were Kimber Select which are very good, but the other set were LAT International (now defunct) which had cost $500.00 when new, but I had reason to believe they were lacking because I have one of their digital cables that turned out to be very poor sounding in comparison to others I own.

I decided on a one meter pair of counterfeit Nordost Odin interconnects for a total of $104.00 from Aliexpress. I received them a couple of weeks later. They appeared to be well made, and the locking fake WBT rca's were very impressive and are very tight. 

First impressions after installing them were light, thin sound, lacking bass. Each couple of days brought improvements, but from the beginning I noticed that they were quieter. Now, weeks later, I can say that they are drastically better that the LAT's in every way. Detail and ambience are much better, but it's the focus and separation of instruments that is most noticeable. 

I have no way of knowing if they are really a copy of the Nordost design, but I am impressed enough that I am going to try a counterfeit Nordost digital cable.

Obviously, this isn't a comparison that is useful to most, because there probably isn't anyone here using the LAT's, and everything is system dependent. I just wanted to relay my positive experience. 

Nordost ODIN&2 RCA Fever Audio Signal Cable Double Lotus Sterling Silver Audio Cord Video CD Amplifier Tube Cable High Quality| | - AliExpress

128x128roxy54

It does look very good, especially if everything that they're saying about the way it's made is true. It would be an interesting gamble for someone with disposable income. I would like to try it.

What if it sounded good and very close to the REAL thing? Of course, I would never knowingly buy a direct knockoff.....but I still wonder

My biggest concern with Ali, and this also applies to many of the non knock off products as well, is my doubt of the claims they make.  For example, bulk power cable that purports to be 9.999 OCC (not just OFC) copper.  Either it's complete B.S. about the wire being used or, and I hate to think this, we are getting royally screwed by North American supplies who charge 10 times the price for the same product claim.  Not sure which one makes me feel worse. 🤣

@Roxy54

Well, we can all put some funds together and send around on a tour.

Bigtwin...i bought some furutech wire just to see if its...well you know.I did buy some connectors direct from japan.Wasnt quite ali $...but didnt hurt as bad either.

Does it make me more comfortable knowing i payed for "real" product.The north american furutech distributor i talked with said that is really hard to tell these days.