DV-30 and GQ-24 reviewed by Hi-Fi Choice
Thursday, 14th April 2016
The April 2016 edition of Hi-Fi Choice magazine carried two reviews from our range of cables: the Kimber DV-30 digital interconnect and the Russ Andrews GQ-24 3.5mm jack to phono cable.
Kimber DV-30
The DV-30 is the second in our range of digital coaxial cables, sitting between the DV-21 and the D60. The cable is formed around a 18AWG pure copper conductor and uses an air articulated fluorocarbon dielectric covered by a foil electrostatic dissipative shield. Available in a choice of connectors, the review sample was fitted with Kimber’s UltraPlate phono plugs.
Starting off with a CD of Rosetti’s Symphony in D Major, the reviewer reported that “the sound I am treated to is elegant and refined. All the instruments”, he continues, “are well under control with a good and open presentation”. He adds that “strings in particular are smooth and clear”.
Moving onto rock music, he’s equally impressed: it’s “likewise well controlled and I never feel that the bass overpowers the rest of the performance”.
The only downside is that this cable may be somewhat awkward if used in a tight space as it is quite stiff - this is due to the "solid central conductor, along with the dual shields".
The only downside is that this cable may be somewhat awkward if used in a tight space as it is quite stiff - this is due to the "solid central conductor, along with the dual shields".
In concluding, and awarding the cable four stars, he writes that the DV-30 offers “a smooth and well-controlled performance”.
Magazine: Hi-Fi ChoiceIssue: April 2016
Verdict: 4 Stars
Click here to buy Kimber DV-30
Click here to buy Kimber DV-30
Russ Andrews GQ-24 mini to phono
With more and more people using various smart phones as a music source nowadays, it makes sense to use a high quality cable to make the most of their performance. Enter the GQ-24 mini interconnect.
The version reviewed here is supplied with Nickel phono plugs, but for just £12 more you can choose the better performing Kimber UltraPlate version. This is well worth the additional investment if you use your phone as a regular source but if it’s for occasional or background use, the Nickel phonos are a good choice. Needless to say, any review comments for the Nickel version will be at least as relevant to the UltraPlate option.
Straight off the impression is a good one: used with his Samsung Galaxy S3 connected to his Hi-Fi, Neville Roberts reports that “sonically, the GQ-24 cable performs remarkably well”. This is good news, even more so when you hear that he’s not playing back any hi-res files here but, rather, “a selection of 232kbps MP3 files”! With a selection of Baroque pieces by Guiseppe Valentini, he reports that “the strings are conveyed with a smoothness and refinement that’s surprising given the format, and the performance of the concerto is very believable”.
“Similarly, with Gordon Giltrap’s band playing El Greco, the complexity of the acoustic guitar is nicely conveyed”.
So it’s impressive even with a restricted source format. But the story doesn’t end there. To test just how capable the cable is, Neville Roberts tests the GQ-24, via an adaptor, between his PrimaLuna ProLogue Eight Mk2 CD player and his amp. The result? “The GQ-24 proffers an engaging musicality and clearly demonstrates a talent for carrying the best possible quality signal from whatever it’s connected to”.
Magazine: Hi-Fi Choice
Issue: April 2016
Written By Simon Dalton
Comments
reviewed by ALAN MORGAN
14 Apr 2016
"Dv-30"
You missed the adverse comment off your example.I have one of these cables and agree with the reviewer tha "it is a little stiff"so you woul have trouble with a wall mount tvHaving said that it does give a good clear sound( using on a tv) so not all bad news
Customer Service Reply Hi Alan. Fair point - I've amended the article accordingly. Simon
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