As an audiophile who is always on the lookout for gear that offers great value for money, I was intrigued to hear about Strauss & Wagner’s new Salo cable. Priced at just $29.95, this dual 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable promises to improve the listening experience of many popular headphone brands. With some audiophile cables costing up to ten times as much, I was curious to see how the Salo compared to the competition.
Design and build quality
The heart of the Salo cable lies in its high-end silver internals, which Strauss & Wagner claims transmit the signal with great clarity. I found the build quality to be impressive for a cable in this price range. The aluminum housings around the connectors and the braided cable construction give the Salo a durable feel that should stand up to daily use.
One feature that caught my eye was the 24-carat gold-plated connectors. Not only do these look premium, but they also promise superior conductivity, which Strauss & Wagner claims has a positive impact on the sound. Later in the review, I'll discuss the sonic implications of this design choice.
At 1.2 meters long, I found the Salo to be perfect for use with portable listening devices. It's long enough to provide some flexibility, but not so long that it becomes uncomfortable when you're on the move.
Compatibility
One of the Salo's strong points is its wide compatibility. I tested this cable with a variety of headphones and it worked flawlessly with almost all Hifiman models (except those offering their electrostatic products), Meze headphones such as the 99 Classic and the Liric II, and most Focal headphones, with the exception of the Utopia.
In my testing, I primarily used the HE1000 Stealth and the Focal Clear MG. Both earbuds paired perfectly with the Salo, and I didn’t notice any impact on comfort when changing the stock cables.
It’s worth noting that while the Salo works with most headphones that use standard 3.5mm inputs, it won’t always be compatible with proprietary 3.5mm connections like the one found on the Sony MDR-Z1R. However, for the vast majority of headphones that use standard 3.5mm jacks, the Salo proves to be an excellent choice.
Sound impressions
Upon first listening to the Salo Cable, I immediately noticed an increase in bass response across all of the headphones I tested. This was particularly evident with the HE1000 Stealth and Focal Clear MG.
Bass performance
The Salo brought more impact to the low end, with a more powerful sound that I could both feel and hear. Importantly, this change didn’t significantly alter the overall sound signature of the headphones. Instead, it seemed to highlight the sub-bass and mid-bass frequencies more, adding a sense of weight and authority to the low end.
To test the bass performance, I listened to Detain's “Capital Punishment.” With the Salo cable, I experienced a much stronger, more palpable feel in the low frequencies. The bass maintained its shape and definition, with all the attack of the notes still clearly present. This improvement in the low end didn't come at the cost of clarity in other frequencies—the guitars remained clear and well-defined.
Midrange and treble
While the bass showed the most noticeable improvement, I was happy to find that the highs didn't lose any clarity. In fact, the frequency response seemed to become slightly warmer overall. This was a pleasant surprise, as silver cables typically bring a greater clarity to the sound. I suspect that the gold-plated connectors play a role in balancing out this characteristic that is typical of silver cables.
On the Focal Clear MG, which is known for its somewhat bright character, I noticed that the highs remained bright and detailed. However, the improved bass of the Salo cable provided a nice counterbalance, resulting in a more full-bodied sound. Cymbals, in particular, sounded less brittle than with the stock cable, which I found to be a welcome improvement.
Sound scene and image
Despite the changes in tonal balance, I was impressed to find that the soundstage maintained its width and height. The Salo neither compressed nor expanded the sound field, but rather seemed to fill it more completely thanks to the enhanced lower frequencies.
Value proposition
At $29.95, the Strauss & Wagner Salo represents exceptional value in the world of audiophile cables. While it may not offer the same level of refinement as cables costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars, the sonic improvements it brings are far from subtle.
For many audiophiles, especially those just starting out in the hobby or working on a budget, the Salo could be a game-changer. It offers a taste of what high-end cables can do without the exorbitant price tag often associated with luxury audio equipment.
Conclusion
After extensive testing, I can safely say that the Strauss & Wagner Salo far exceeds its class. This audiophile cable offers noticeable improvements in sound quality, especially in the bass area, without spending a fortune.
The improved bass response breathes new life into many headphones, adding impact and weight without muddying the overall presentation. Meanwhile, the slightly warmer tonal balance helps to tame overly bright headphones without sacrificing detail or clarity.
Build quality is impressive for the price, with durable materials and gold-plated connectors that should withstand years of use. Broad compatibility also means the Salo can grow with your audio experience, as they work with a variety of high-end headphones from popular brands.
While the Salo can't compete directly with high-end cables costing hundreds or thousands of dollars, it doesn't need to. For its modest price, it offers a level of performance that I find truly impressive.
Whether you’re a budding audiophile looking to delve into the world of cable upgrades or a seasoned listener looking for a budget-friendly option for your secondary setup, the Strauss & Wagner Salo is worth serious consideration. It proves that meaningful audio upgrades don’t always have to come with a hefty price tag.
In a hobby where performance often diminishes quickly, the Salo offers tangible improvements at a price point accessible to most enthusiasts. It is a testament to Strauss & Wagner's commitment to delivering high-value products that punch above their weight.
For anyone looking to improve their listening experience without spending a fortune, I highly recommend checking out the Strauss & Wagner Salo. It may just be the most cost-effective upgrade you can make to your current headphone setup.
Get the new Salo cable at Strauss and Wagner Website or in Audio 46
Leave feedback about this