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Dekoni Ensemble Cables - Modular Headphone Cables, So easy a Caveman can do it! - Honest Audiophile Impressions

Writer's picture: dbstechtalkdbstechtalk
3 minutes ago5 min read

The variety of alternate cables for headphones appears limitless, with prices spanning from very low to extremely high. Dekoni Audio, known for their remarkable range of replacement pads for headphones, enters the competitive market of alternative cable options. While Dekoni's Ensemble Cables aren't revolutionary in concept, their pricing is quite impressive for what they provide.


I want to thank my friend John with JackRabbit www.jackrabbit.media for providing me with the opportunity to hear and review the Dekoni Ensemble Cables. I also want to thank John for his patience as this review took longer to be published than anticipated. Thanks John, much appreciated.


The Dekoni Ensemble Cables are a modular headphone cable design that allows you to use one cable termination but connect to various headphone connections via the modular split cable options.


Purchase:


Dekoni Ensemble Cables have different prices, but the initial price for the termination cable (52" Nylon Blue copper, 4.4mm option) is $65. If you add a headphone split option, it will cost an additional $60. Therefore, the starting price will be approximately $125.


Dekoni does offer a Silver Braided option that I wasn't provided, that will increase the prices by about $10.

Also, Dekoni offers 64" lenght cable and that will increase the price by $5-$15 depending on if you choose Blue Nylon copper or Silver Braided.

I received the blue nylon copper 52" 4.4mm termination cable, as well as the 4-pin mini XLR, dual 3.5mm, and Sennheiser 2-pin split cables for review.

All four cables came in separate, small, slender white boxes. Each box describes exactly what the product is and features a picture of the connection/termination.

The back of the box features images illustrating how to connect the cables.

Dekoni effectively utilized the box's space, making the process of connecting cables simple and stress-free.

The nylon blue copper cable's build quality is exceptional, as is typical for a Dekoni product. The cable is soft and smooth, yet flexible. It has enough rigidity to avoid feeling flimsy, but it's not so rigid that it displaces items on the desk.

The connectors are made of solid aluminum and are somewhat larger, yet they are not so large as to be heavy or cumbersome.

The split cable connection twists and locks to prevent it from coming apart during sudden movements, like when you're air drumming or jamming.

The different headphone connections seamlessly fit into the intended brands I tested, such as Sennheiser, Audeze, Hifiman, Moondrop, Fiio, etc., and remained securely connected without any issues.

Regarding the sound impressions, did I detect any difference in performance compared to the stock cables? Nothing significant enough to mention. The Dekoni Ensemble cables functioned as expected, delivering the music without altering the sound, simply bringing a smile to my face as I listened.

While sitting and enjoying music through my favorite headphones, the Audeze LCD-5 and various other headphones, I wondered, "Why should I buy the Dekoni Ensemble cable for my LCD-5 when it already comes with an excellent stock cable?"

The initial thought that crossed my mind was that the stock cable ends in a 6.35mm connector, so if I want to use it with a source that only has a 4.4mm connection or another option besides 6.35mm, I would need to buy a different cable.

The subsequent thought was that the original cable is rather lengthy, and I can obtain an alternative cable in my preferred length.

I then examined the prices of other alternative 4.4mm cables compatible with Audeze 4-pin mini XLR connectors, and found that the Dekoni Ensemble cable was significantly more affordable than most high-quality cables.

I examined my collection of cables, comparing the build quality and sound of the Dekoni Ensemble with cables from Apos Flow, Audio Envy, Cardas Audio, Artic Cables, Fog City Audio, and several others.

I discovered that, considering the price of the Dekoni Ensemble relative to the other cables, the difference wasn't drastic or earth shattering. This doesn't mean I didn't notice some subtle sonic differences or that the build quality wasn't superior in a lot of cases, but the Dekoni Ensemble didn't come across as a cheap cable in comparison. Just to clarify, my preferred cable for my Audeze LCD-5 is the Fog City Cardas cable.

To conclude, although the Dekoni Ensemble doesn't entirely match higher quality, higher priced cable in sound quality, the difference isn't as significant as one would think. If I weren't being so nitpicky, I wouldn't be concerned about the slight variations in tonality, clarity, details, and resolution.

Dekoni designed the Ensemble cables to offer a straightforward purchasing experience while providing great value. By the time you buy 3 or 4 different headphone split connections and 1 termination cable, you'll likely spend the same or even less than purchasing one of those other alternative cables. The Dekoni Ensemble cable won't disappoint in sound quality, even if it doesn't offer all the features/benefits claimed by higher-priced cables. Now, if you're looking for customization, exotic wiring, or specific connector brands, other cable makers can assist you. But if you just want a budget-friendly cable compatible with all your various headphones, I highly recommend the Dekoni Ensemble cables.

The Dekoni Ensemble cables are impressive and come highly recommended by me. If you're seeking a straightforward solution for your headphone cable needs, this is an excellent option. It's so easy a cavemen can do it!

I am Dave the Honest Audiophile. Thanks for reading, and I will catch you in the next one. Don't forget to enjoy the music and that honesty is the BEST policy!


I am not a professional sound engineer, producer, musician, or vocalist, etc. I have not done any scientific research, measurements, or in-depth testing of any kind; just my own listening, comparing and internet reading/research.  I have limited, real-life experience with recording, mixing and mastering gear.  I have been involved since my teenage years with various churches as an amateur sound booth technician.

Please take these thoughts, opinions and reasonings as just that, my honest audiophile thoughts, opinions and reasonings.


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Recommended Gear:

Rosson Audio Design RAD-0: http://www.rossonaudiodesign.com/

Audeze LCD 2 Closed: LCD-2 Closed Back (audeze.com)

Massdrop THX AAA 789: 


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