I recently had the chance to try out the Strauss & Wagner Elche USB-C MMCX Upgrade Cable and was impressed with its performance. This cable stands out for its build quality, design, and sound-enhancing capabilities, especially considering its price. Here is my detailed review based on my experience with it.
Build quality
The Strauss & Wagner Elche cable strikes a perfect balance in terms of thickness. It’s neither too thick nor too thin, making it comfortable to wear. At 1.2 meters (around 4 feet), it provides enough length for everyday use. The MMCX connection feels secure and high-quality, although it’s not compatible with Sennheiser IEMs. The cable works with many other brands, and I found it easy to install and remove without any tangle issues.
The connections are sturdy and reliable. Although I'm not sure of the exact material used, I'm guessing it's OCC copper, given the price and the rest of the Strauss & Wagner catalog.
Design
The Strauss & Wagner Elche cable features the CX31993 chipset, which functions as a DAC and amplifier. This design decision significantly improves the sound quality of mobile devices. The cable adds warmth and a decent soundstage, providing the necessary power for mobile use.
For $40, the Elche cable offers excellent value for money. It includes a DAC/Amp, microphone, and high-quality cable. The microphone is suitable for making calls and sits close to your mouth when worn around your ear. The touch controls are responsive and useful, and the USB 3.0 connection connects quickly to devices.
Sound quality
I tested the Elche cable with the Campfire Moonrover, the Final E4000, and some unreleased IEMs that we will be reviewing here VERY SOON. The cable delivers a warm sound with nice detail and retains the character of the IEMs used. I didn't feel like I was missing anything and noticed a nice bass extension when comparing the Elche to other cables.
When listening to Django Reinhardt's “I'll See You In My Dreams,” the Elche cable added a nice roundness to the clear attack of the recording. The details of Reinhardt's performance remained intact, but the warm rumble was heightened. However, the cable did not pair perfectly with the E4000s, which are bass-heavy IEMs. Since the Elche cable is also a DAC/Amp, it colors the sound more than other Strauss & Wagner cables. This can be beneficial if you know how you want your IEMs to sound, but it's not a perfect match for all IEMs, especially if you're looking to boost your sound.
The soundstage had a nice width compared to a regular 3.5mm to Type-C adapter. Instrument separation remained present despite the additional heat, providing a pleasant listening experience.
Conclusion
The Strauss & Wagner Elche USB-C MMCX Upgrade Cable offers an appealing combination of build quality, design, and sound improvement. For $40, you get a cable that includes a DAC/Amplifier and a microphone, making it a great choice. While it may not be the best choice for all IEMs, especially if you prefer a brighter sound, it significantly improves the warmth and soundstage of compatible IEMs. If you’re looking for an affordable upgrade that adds character and power to your mobile listening experience, the Strauss & Wagner Elche Cable is worth considering.
