April 2015
KLEI gZero2 Interconnect Cable Review
Over the past year I've reviewed a majority of the products from KLE Innovations and been pleasantly surprised, in that each successive item reviewed to date has achieved some very discernible improvements over its predecessor.
So when Keith Louis Eichmann (aka KL) asked me to review his KLEI gZero2 Interconnect I was quite happy to do so, even though I thought the request a little odd.
- After all, the KLEI gZero20 Interconnect was the last analogue model I reviewed and it just seemed like I was taking a step "backwards" to review a model that, from a performance perspective, is several levels below it.
However, I’ve learned that with most things from KL, they often turn out to be more rewarding than he would have you believe.
But this request was a little different - from KL’s “tone” he actually seemed quite excited.
So What’s So Special?
The KLEI gZero2 Interconnect utilizes a revised gZero Architecture that has evolved from continual R & D efforts within the KLE Innovations camp.
- The revised architecture has a designation "gZEROs" for "ground ZERO state"
- which is basically a more advanced application of the original gZero Architecture.
Now, where many companies would have used this type of advance in product development to introduce a whole new line of products.
- KL has decided to incorporate the new architecture into most of the existing models of the current product line,
- Also, by restricting their product line to a very concise model range, reduces production costs, which in turn, is also a benefit to the customer.
- this leads me to believe that he is more focussed on providing "real value" to his customer base.
And what's so different?
The KLEI gZero2 Interconnect sports the same black nylon sleeving with the same KLEI Copper Harmony RCA plugs attached, just like the very first KLEI gZero2 Interconnect.
- The only tell-tale sign of a product change is the slightly larger girth of the cable itself
- and under the label bearing the KLE Innovations Logo, there is now a purple sleeve, in place of the previous blue sleeve.
- It has also been re-packaged in a nice "Eminence Purple" bag
On initial installation of the KLEI gZero2 Interconnects I was immediately taken by a significantly more forward presentation of the image, i.e. when compared to most other gZero models having the old architecture.
Also, everything across the board sounded bigger, fuller and warmer and very much like the previous/old KLEI gZero6 Interconnects, which I had found to be very enjoyable.
A Step Back in time...
To get an appreciation of just how well these interconnects were performing I reverted back to a pair of the previous/old KLEI gZero6 Interconnect having the original gZero Architecture (still on loan from KLE Innovations) and to my surprise, the similarities were quite startling.
Here was the KLEI gZero2 Interconnect performing almost to the same level as a sibling interconnect two levels above it in the product line.
The only real difference seemed to be that the KLEI gZero2 Interconnect was not quite as adept at:
- reproducing the details, dynamics and clarity, for instruments having an upper register that occupied the higher frequencies of the audio spectrum, such as violins, triangles and cymbals.
- the reproduction of the micro details that contribute to the realistic presentation of the acoustics specific to a venue.
And Back to the present...
So it appears that at low and mid frequencies, the dynamic performance of the KLEI gZero2 Interconnect has improved, providing more punch to drums and more slam to bass lines, but they do not quite possess that same level of detail, crispness and sparkle at the very top end.
Another area where I noticed a marginal difference (i.e. compared to the previous/old KLEI gZero6 Interconnect) was in the spatial imaging...
- as stated earlier, the KLEI gZero2 Interconnect seems to present an image that is more forward
- the width of the image was, for the most part, unchanged
- the depth of the image also seemed unchanged
- so basically - the entire image now sounded closer to the listener
Closely related to imaging, another nice quality of the new architecture is the improved (i.e. lower) noise floor, which for me translates to enhanced clarity and hence a more precise image rendition.
- I’ve often found that on orchestral tracks, where large numbers of instruments are in play, the overall presentation can become a little “muddled”
- However, with the improvements in clarity, I found that they now sound much cleaner and I can now to listen to those tracks at louder volumes.
Another noticeable improvement was their bass performance.
- bass response now reaches into the lower, almost subsonic frequencies, a significant improvement over earlier models
- the textures of those low frequencies were nicely presented
- but I didn’t find it quite as controlled as the previous/old KLEI gZero6 Interconnect, which is still very much a personal favourite from that perspective
In Summary...
The new gZEROs Architecture has achieved some very significant improvements to the KLEI gZero2 Interconnect and has still managed to maintain the superb neutrality that the KLEi gZero product range has become renown for.
Some might consider comparing the KLEI gZero2 Interconnect to the significantly more expensive previous/old KLEI gZero6 Interconnect, to be a little unfair?
- The reality is - the sonic performance of these two interconnects is much closer than one might expect.
CONCLUSIONS...
The new gZEROs Architecture, which will continue to be termed as “gZero Architecture/Technology”, elevates the KLEI gZero2 Interconnect almost to the same level of performance as previous/old KLEI gZero6 model, which for me still has the edge in the areas of upper frequency extension, upper frequency dynamic performance, upper frequency clarity and imaging.
However, the KLEI gZero2 Interconnect is fast, detailed, well controlled and spacious, with an improved clarity and an improved bass performance, that is very well controlled and drops “into the basement”.
As stated earlier, the new gZEROs Architecture has been applied to all models from the KLEI gZero2 Interconnect upwards.
- So, if the improvements observed in the KLEI gZero2 Interconnect are also present in their new gZero3, 6, 10 and 20 models, then I think KLE Innovations has just thrown down the gauntlet to the rest of the industry.
They have introduced an architecture to an existing product line that has elevated the performance of the KLEI gZero2 Interconnect and possibly each successive model and that's something most manufacturers will not even entertain, let alone put into practice!
Kudos to the KLE Innovations team, who seems to care about providing value to their customers - thank you.
My Review System:
Custom built turntable with a Soundsmith Denon DL103 phono cartridge mounted on and Audiomods Arm with one piece silver litz harness + KLEI Absolute®Harmony RCA’s
Simaudio MOON LP5.3 RS phono stage
iMac (Music Server)
Musical Fidelity V-Link192 USB/SPDIF Converter.
Schiit Bifrost USB DAC with UBER analogue upgrade and Version 2 USB interface Upgrade
NAIM 5i integrated amp (with passive pre-section).
Gershman Acoustics Sonogram speakers.
KLEI gZero6 Speaker Cables
KLEI gZero20 Interconnect Cables
A highly recommended product!
KLEI gZero3D (Digital/SPDIF) Interconnect Review
14/04/15 11:28 *HELIX USB CableInterconects | KLEI gZero3D SPDIF
The KLEIgZero3D (Digital/SPDIF) Interconnect arrived in the same package as the KLEI gZero2D (Digital/SPDIF) Interconnect (previously reviewed), so this review is more about the relative performance of these two excellent SPFIFs.
However, discerning the improvements that the KLEI gZero3D Digital/SPDIF Interconnect should be able to provide, based on it's elevated stature in the KLE Innovations product line, was actually not that simple - why?..
- even though the KLEI gZero2D may be the more affordable SPDIF of the two in the current KLE Innovations product line, it is far from "entry level", a term normally used to denote the “most affordable" and in general, the "least capable" model in a product line.
- but, the KLEI gZero2D is an extremely adept SPDIF Interconnect in its own right and capable of competing with many of the very best boutique and esoteric brands already out there.
- its entry level position has no real bearing on it's actual capabilities.
- But like all things from KLE Innovations, there's always room for improvement.
So, how did the KLEI gZero3D Interconnects perform?
On initial installation, the KLEI gZero2D lacked the fullness it was to reveal after some 25-30 hours of “settling-in” time, whereas I did not experience that aspect on installing the KLEI gZero3D.
From “settling in” onwards, it was going to prove far more difficult to discern why the KLEI gZero3D should warrant my recommendation and why it should have a place in anybody's audio system, over the KLEI gZero2D.
The capabilities of both of these cables is extraordinary and initially appeared extremely close, i.e. when installed on my modestly priced system.
Perhaps improvements could be more easily observed if the KLEI gZero3D were installed on a system offering higher resolution?
Well, as it turns out, it just took some extensive and focussed listening to “live performance” recordings to really appreciate exactly what the KLEI gZero3D has to offer ...
- sure, there was a small improvement in the speed of the dynamics - they were a little crisper
- the image was a little deeper, but the spread in that deep image was a little more discernible
- there was a slightly improved isolation of performers with improved details between them
- there was a little more texture in the bass performance
- there were improvements in extremely fine detail, such as the delicate whispery tonal qualities of voice
- strings and soprano voice sounded a little less shrill and fuller (i.e. smoother)
But the most appreciable improvement for me was how the KLEI gZero3D interconnects seemed to tear down the walls of the 12' x 15' room where my system is located and transport me into a more appropriately sized venue.
On many tracks I could not help but think this is exactly what the sound engineers were listening to as the recording was being made.
Albums of note include...
- Laments, Dances and Lullabies, Suite for Guitar, by Miroslav Tadic - the sound engineering on this album is superb and the conveyance of venue's acoustics placed me in a small church, the acoustics of which, matched perfectly to Miroslav’s guitar and technique.
- Buenos Aires Madrigal: Argentine Tangos & 17th Century Italian Madrigals, by La Chimera - I've never been to Argentina, but I close my eyes and I'm transported into a smokey nightclub in downtown Buenos Aires, watching two slim dancers, both dressed in black, perform a perfect sultry Tango
- Mozart's Violin Concerto no.4 in D major (the Allegro track), by Marianne Thornsen + TronheimSolistene - this was just one of many tracks that far exceeded the walls of my audio room, but Marianne's passion for this piece shines more with the KLEI gZero3D
I also found that the KLEI gZero3D to have come the closest to conveying the much sought after "analogue feel”, that I have heard from digital music reproduced on a solid state system to date.
But is it worth it?...
Well, on reviewing my observations of each individual metric (dynamics, image, clarity, etc...), I found most of the improvements when compared to the KLEI gZero2D, are what I consider to be "marginal”.
However, in this case, the "whole" was very much greater than the sum of the parts.
Factor in the pricing of the KLEI gZero3D, i.e. being only $100 more than it's more affordable sibling, (an increase of only 40% ) makes it a far more attractive proposition.
The Caveat's...
1. Please ensure you burn-in this cable for the recommended period on the KLE Innovations web site
- the cable I tested was already burned in, but it still took a couple of hours to settle before performing its best.
2. They perform their absolute best when the other Interconnect and Speaker Cables are also from the KLE Innovations product line.
- it is not just that KLE Innovations products are capable of conveying the finest of details
- their Ground Zero Architecture prevents the induction of noise into the signal conductor
- but more importantly the architecture keeps the Neutral side of the circuit of any attached component at zero volts, thus allowing the component to perform to a significantly high level
- other than the obvious improvements in fidelity, another noticeable side effect of using KLE Innovations products is that solid state components actually run cooler than with other cables
CONCLUSIONS...
Well, I tend to be very pragmatic in my component/cable selection and price plays largely into any recommendation I may make.
In this case, KLE Innovations offers two exceptional SPDIFs ...
- both perform extremely well.
- neither will disappoint
- both are modestly priced, i.e. compared some of the more expensive cables from other brands that attempt to offer similar abilities
From a pragmatists perspective...
- If you are serious about enhancing the abilities of the digital reproduction components of your audio system the KLEI gZero3D will not disappoint and bring you that much closer to "analogue nirvana"
- If your digital components are used more for background music then the KLEI gZero2D may suit your needs better. But you might just find that will change your views on digitally sourced music once you hear them.
What has not really been addressed in this review is how the KLEI gZero3D Digital/SPDIF Interconnect compared to other SPDIF Interconnects from other brands. Unfortunately I only have one other SPDIF to compare it to, suffice to say, the other brand did not fare well at all.
The KLEI gZero3D Digital/SPDIF Interconnect expands on the very serious capabilities of the KLEI gZero2D Digital/SPDIF Interconnect, providing the most convincing “analogue feel” from a digital source observed to date!
Congrat’s again to the guys at KLE Innovations, the KLEI gZero3D Digital/SPDIF IC, just like the KLEI gZero2D Digital/SPDIF IC, is not just a winner, it’s a REVELATION!
My Review System:
Custom built turntable with a Soundsmith Denon DL103 phono cartridge mounted on and Audiomods Arm with one piece silver litz harness + KLEI Absolute®Harmony RCA’s
Simaudio MOON LP5.3 RS phono stage
iMac (Music Server)
Musical Fidelity V-Link192 USB/SPDIF Converter.
Schiit Bifrost USB DAC with UBER analogue upgrade and Version 2 USB interface Upgrade
NAIM 5i integrated amp (with passive pre-section).
Gershman Acoustics Sonogram speakers.
KLEI gZero6 Speaker Cables
KLEI gZero20 Interconnect Cables
A highly recommended product!
KLEI gZero2D (Digital/SPDIF) Interconnect Review
It wasn't until recently that I had any need for a SPDIF cable. My Schiit Bifrost DAC came equipped with USB, SPDIF and Optical inputs, but up to that point I had only been using the USB option.
However, during my research into the various aspects of the many pitfalls associated with digital music reproduction, I had become aware of the notoriety that a company called Musical Fidelity had achieved, in particular for their USB-SPDIF converters, specifically the V-Link192.
Acquiring this unit necessitated the use of a SPDIF interconnect and the only one I had available at that time was "THE NAME", a 75 ohm interconnect from Van den Hul, that is sold as an analogue interconnect pair, but was also designed to function as a SPDIF interconnect.
The performance of “THE NAME” was adequate and the marriage of the V-Link192 and the Bifrost DAC proved to be extremely successful, so I tried adding the KLEI Absolute Harmony RCA's to THE NAME, which resulted in noticeable improvements across the board.
After further experimentation, I finally settled on a SPDIF interconnect of my own design that utilize the KLEI Absolute Harmony RCA’s, which provided a significantly better performance than “THE NAME”.
Shortly thereafter, KLE Innovations announced the release of the KLEI gZero2D and KLEI gZero3D digital interconnects.
Fast forward to last week, when the package arrived at my door with both the KLEI gZero2D and the KLEI gZero3D inside for my review...
- Closer inspection of the KLEI gZero2D revealed it utilized the KLEI Copper Harmony, which then had me doubting it’s abilities, since my own SPDIF design required the Absolute Harmony RCA's in order to maximize it’s performance.
But as with all things audiophilia - the proof of the pudding is in the listening...
Compared to the Van den Hul “THE NAME” SPDIF, there was nothing "subtle" about the improvements observed...
- i.e. I didn't have to play album after album looking for some indication that the cables were better in some way
- it was more like a swat team bursting through a door!
Dynamics were far crisper across the board, from rim shots that sounded like the crack of a whip, to the startling thud of a bass drum
The improvements in clarity were clearly audible, as observed in a performance from Ray Brown, who "do-be-do'd" along with his double bass instrumental intro on the Oscar Peterson track "You Look Good To Me"
The combination of both dynamics and clarity, easily revealed more improvements, such as the clash of a cymbal followed by it's considerably longer decay on pretty much any track with a cymbal.
The overall presentation sounded much more complete, which had me wondering just how much data I had previously been loosing by using “THE NAME” SPDIF, even after I had installed the KLEI Absolute Harmony RCA’s on it.
Then there were other improvements that highlighted a specific style of an artist, such as...
- a much improved bass performance with significantly more textured detail that was revealed on albums by artists such as Peter Gabriel, Sarah McLachlan and Nelly Furtado.
- the more delicate whispery vocal tones on albums by Norah Jones and Diana Krall
- and by contrast, the pure grit in the voices of Adele and P!nk
- the sheer crispness of the attack in various tracks from The Police
- compared to the more delicate and softer presentations of Sting's solo works.
But for me the most significant improvements were revealed by albums recorded in "Real Venues" as opposed to studio recordings.
- The improvements in clarity revealed extremely delicate venue acoustic details, making the venue appear much larger, even than the confines of my listening space.
- the extremely subtle reverberations and reflections that now fill the void between and around performers and blend from left to right and front to back.
What KLE Innovations has achieved with the KLEI gZero2D Interconnect is provide stunning performance capabilities at an amazingly low price point! i.e. especially when compared to the more esoteric competition.
The Caveat's...
1. Please ensure you burn-in this cable for the recommended period on the KLE Innovations web site
- the cable I tested was already burned in, but it still took a couple of days to settle before performing its best.
2. They perform their absolute best when the other Interconnect and Speaker Cables are also from the KLE Innovations product line.
- it is not just that KLE Innovations products are capable of conveying the finest of details
- their Ground Zero Architecture prevents the induction of noise into the signal conductor
- but more importantly the architecture keeps the Neutral side of the circuit of any attached component at zero volts, thus allowing the component to perform to a significantly high level
- other than the obvious improvements in fidelity, another noticeable side effect of using KLE Innovations products is that solid state components actually run cooler than with other cables
CONCLUSIONS...
The only conclusion I can come to is, if you, the reader...
- is serious about the reproduction of digital music and need a SPDIF Interconnect between two digital components
- wants a SPDIF Interconnect that performs way above it's price point (who doesn't)
- then, purchasing the KLEI gZero2D, at a minimum - is pretty much - a no-branier!
Whether playing tracks recorded in 16/44, 24/96 or 24/192, they all sounded simply amazing.
This is possibly the best value for money in hi-fi right now and will elevate the performance of your existing digital components to levels normally only achieved by investing in a significant component upgrade.
If you've read the other reviews on the KLE Innovations web site, then you've heard other reviewers rave about the abilities of their product line.
- But the KLEI gZero2D SPDIF Interconnect for me, has made the biggest impact of all their products to date.
Congrat's to the guys at KLE Innovations - the KLEI gZero2D Digital/SPDIF Interconnect is not just a winner - it's a revelation!
My Review System:
Custom built turntable with a Soundsmith Denon DL103 phono cartridge mounted on and Audiomods Arm with one piece silver litz harness + KLEI Absolute®Harmony RCA’s
Simaudio MOON LP5.3 RS phono stage
iMac (Music Server)
Musical Fidelity V-Link192 USB/SPDIF Converter.
Schiit Bifrost USB DAC with UBER analogue upgrade and Version 2 USB interface Upgrade
NAIM 5i integrated amp (with passive pre-section).
Gershman Acoustics Sonogram speakers.
KLEI gZero6 Speaker Cables
KLEI gZero20 Interconnect Cables
A highly recommended product!