I recently had the opportunity to test out the Strauss & Wagner Elche USB-C MMCX upgrade cable, and I was impressed by its performance. This cable stands out for its build quality, design, and sound enhancement capabilities, especially considering its price point. Here’s 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 use. At 1.2 meters (around 4 feet), it provides ample 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 tangling issues.

The connections are sturdy and reliable. While I’m unsure of the exact material used, I would assume it’s OCC copper, given the price and the rest of Strauss & Wagner’s catalog.

Design

The Strauss & Wagner Elche cable features the CX31993 chipset, which functions as both a DAC and an amplifier. This design decision significantly enhances the sound quality from mobile devices. The cable adds warmth and a decent soundstage, providing the necessary power for mobile use.

At $40, the Elche cable offers excellent value. It includes a DAC/Amp, a microphone, and a high-quality cable. The microphone is suitable for making calls and sits near the mouth when wrapped around the ear. The touch controls are responsive and useful, and the USB 3.0 connection quickly links to devices.

Sound Quality

I tested the Elche cable with the Campfire Moonrover, Final E4000, and some unreleased IEMs which we will be reviewing here VERY SOON. The cable delivers a warm sound with nice detail, and it retains the character of the IEMs used. I didn’t feel like I was missing anything, and I noticed some nice bass extension when comparing the Elche to other cables.

Listening to "I’ll See You In My Dreams" by Django Reinhardt, the Elche cable added a great roundness to the clear attack of the recording. The details of Reinhardt’s playing remained intact, but the warm rumble was more elevated. However, the cable didn’t pair perfectly with the E4000, 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 pairing for every IEM, especially if you’re looking to brighten your sound.

The soundstage experienced good width when compared to a normal 3.5mm to Type-C adapter. The separation of instruments remained present despite the added warmth, providing a pleasant listening experience.

Conclusion

The Strauss & Wagner Elche USB-C MMCX upgrade cable offers a compelling mix of build quality, design, and sound enhancement. For $40, you get a cable that includes a DAC/Amp and a microphone, making it an excellent value. While it may not be the best choice for every IEM, 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.