Mogami Neglex W2549

Fan of these cables since my studio engineer days. I use W2549 XLR cables for my phono amp to pre amp and output to my solid state amp. Have a SE pair for when I switch to my tube power amp. Great cables in my opinion. I recently needed a longer pair of SE and purchased from an online store called Castline if someone needs a source. They use their own gold plated connectors.

Okay, I’ll be the lone voice of dissent.

Mogami 2549 are decent cables in budget systems, but no more than that. Their sound is slightly smeared, and they have a slightly warm character. In my experience, they are not capable of reproducing subtle tonal differences, and have a rather monochrome presentation. 

At a similar price level, for pro audio balanced cables, the Canare L-4E6 variants (particular the 4E6ATG at a slightly higher price) are IMO much better, and can compete with many high end cables. 

For single ended cables, I much prefer Mogami 2497, which sounds faster, more detailed and more accurate to me. 

For a little bit more again, but still reasonably priced, Furutech FA-aS22 is a much better cable than any of these. 

First post here — been working with studio cables for about a year and have some thoughts on the 2549.
I’ve been working with it quite a bit, along with a number of other studio cables. It’s a solid performer — low capacitance, clean sound, good build quality.
One thing I’ve learned through trial and error: I get better results using one conductor for signal and tying the second to shield/ground, rather than combining both conductors for the hot signal. Keeps capacitance lower and the signal path cleaner. Interestingly, this aligns with Gotham’s published guidance for terminating their dual-conductor cables for unbalanced use — so the theory seems to check out in practice.
For what it’s worth, I’ve spent time comparing quite a few cables in this category: Canare L-2T2S and L-4E6S, Mogami 2549 and 2964, Belden 1505F, Gotham GAC-2 and GAC-1 Ultra Pro. The 2549 is very good, but for my money, the GAC-1 Ultra Pro is something else entirely — dead-silent noise floor, completely transparent, no coloration. It’s the most honest cable I’ve heard.
I’ve built cables for a few friends who’d been using high-end audiophile interconnects, and the feedback has been consistent: the difference is immediately audible. If transparency and hearing music in its most honest form matters to you, this conversation is worth having.
Just my two cents based on what I’ve heard in my own system and others.