Although 95% of headphones with detachable cables can be swapped to a balanced connection, it isn't always a cost efficient option. Sometimes the mark-ups on cables can be so ridiculous, that it's hard to justify a $300+ upgrade. Budget options at times work well, but can also increase static noise and overall fidelity. Certain headphones like the Sony MDR-Z1R have proprietary 3.5mm connections. This means that it's nearly impossible finding third-party cables which are compatible. Strauss & Wagner's new Rome cable claims to work with all of these, so let's so how it stacks up.

Quality and Feel

OCC silver (Ohno Continuous Cast) is well known for both it's purity and it's quality. The continuous design means that there is minimal soldering inside this wiring, allowing you to get the most signal to your 4.4 balanced connections. In terms of the connectors, they all feel sturdy and secure. The plastic around the braided cable feels soft and wont snag on your shirt. The thick braiding makes it hard to tangle these cables. For $149, it's going to be very difficult finding a cable with this quality at this price.

I often get asked how much of a difference cables make to the sound quality of certain headphones. The answer to this lies almost entirely in the quality of your existing cables. Theoretically, a cable won't effect the sound as it's only transferring signal. In practice, perfect cables are impossible to produce and there's always a variable that will effect the way signal is transferred. Most headphones don't come with the highest quality cables, and you'll most likely have to spend over $2500 to get premium metals in your wiring. Unless you're using hi-fi headphones, most of us will notice a difference in upgrading to a cable like this.

Design

Measuring in at 150cm (~4.9ft), this is an excellent length for a desk or portable DAC setup. If you wanted to relax on your couch and listen to an amp that's significantly too far, the ALTA extension cable is the perfect companion. When testing both together, I got all the details and nuances in mixes. The extended cable didn't impact the fidelity at all, even when coiled up on my desk. The cables feature stereo male 3.5mm connections which terminate into a 4.4mm output. Some other colors would be a welcome addition, but the silver cables give a high quality aesthetic nonetheless.

Compatibility

I've tested a lot of Strauss & Wagner cables, and it's great to see that the designers have outdone themselves with this new iteration. Strauss & Wagner products sit in a great place in regards to value and quality. For $149, I was shocked to see the wide compatibility the Rome has. As previously mentioned, not all 3.5mm connections are the same. Sony for example is notorious for adding a proprietary connectors to their 3.5mm cables. I'm happy to say that when testing the MDR-Z1R, the connectors were thin enough to fit perfectly. I also tested the Hifiman HE1000, Meze Liric II, and Sivga Luan. All these cables not only fit perfectly without any signal loss, but I also noticed an increase in fidelity. Check out the Strauss & Wagner website to see if these will fit your present headphones.

Listening Impressions

From the moment I plugged in the Rome cable, I noticed a significant increase in clarity and sharper highs in all my listening tests. The difference was immediately apparent, with sounds becoming more defined and the overall audio presentation gaining a new level of crispness.

I was particularly impressed with how the Rome cable improved the performance of some of the budget-friendly headphones. The Meze 99 Classic, already a stellar performer in its price range, reached new heights with this cable upgrade. The bass, which is a strong point of the 99 Classic, became more controlled and articulate, while the mids gained additional presence and detail. Similarly, the Sivga Luan, another budget-friendly favorite of mine, underwent a remarkable transformation. The Rome cable seemed to unlock hidden potential in these headphones, drastically increasing their fidelity. The soundstage expanded noticeably, and instrument separation became more pronounced, allowing me to pick out individual elements in complex mixes with ease.

To put the Rome cable through its paces, I listened to a variety of genres. One track that really showcased the cable's capabilities was "Allegiance" by the Atmospheric Black Metal band Dimmu Borgir. The Rome cable brought out the intricate layers in this densely packed song, revealing nuances in the guitar work and symphonic elements that I couldn’t fully discern before. The harsh vocals cut through the mix with increased clarity, while the thunderous drums gained extra impact without overwhelming the other instruments.

On the other end of the spectrum, I tested the cable with "Eric B. Is President" by old school hip hop group Eric B. & Rakim. This classic track took on new life through the Rome cable. The iconic drum loop sounded punchier and more dynamic, while Rakim's smooth flow gained an extra layer of articulation. I found myself noticing subtle details in the production that had previously escaped my attention. Testing these on the HE1000s brought so much life to this iconically lo-fi recording.

What impressed me most about the Rome cable was its consistency across different headphones and musical genres. Whether I was listening to metal, hip hop, classical, or anything in between, the cable consistently delivered increased clarity and more refined highs. It’s a transparent performer that really brings cheaper headphones to life.

Summary

The improvements were not subtle or imagined – they were clear, consistent, and genuinely enhanced my enjoyment of my music collection. For anyone looking to squeeze extra performance out of their headphones, especially budget-friendly models like the Meze 99 Classic or Sivga Luan, I can wholeheartedly recommend giving the Rome cable a try. The fact that these cables perform on a wide variety of headphones makes them an excellent option for those of us with multiple pairs of cans.

Get the New Rome Cable and all the other products mentioned at Audio 46

For more information about compatibility go to the Strauss & Wagner website