As an audiophile always on the lookout for gear that offers great value, I was intrigued when I heard about the new Strauss & Wagner Salo cable. Priced at just $29.95, this dual 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable promises to enhance the listening experience for many popular headphone brands. With some audiophile cables costing up to ten times more, I was curious to see how the Salo would stack up against the competition.

Design and Build Quality

The heart of the Salo cable lies in its high-end silver internals, which Strauss & Wagner claims carry the signal with great clarity. I found the build quality to be impressive for a cable in this price range. The aluminum shells around the plugs 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 24k gold-plated plugs. These not only look premium but also promise superior conductivity, which Strauss & Wagner says positively impacts the sound. I'll dive into the sonic implications of this design choice later in the review.

At 1.2 meters in length, 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 cumbersome when you're on the move.

Compatibility

One of the Salo's strengths is its wide compatibility. I tested this cable with a variety of headphones, and it worked flawlessly with nearly all Hifiman models (except for their electrostatic offerings), Meze headphones like the 99 Classic and 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 headphones paired excellently with the Salo, and I noticed no impact on comfort when swapping from the stock cables.

It's worth noting that while the Salo works with most headphones using standard 3.5mm inputs, it's not always going to be compatible with proprietary 3.5mm connections like the one found on the Sony MDR-Z1R. However, for the vast majority of headphones using standard 3.5mm plugs, the Salo proves to be an excellent option.

Sound Impressions

Upon first listening with the Salo cable, I immediately noticed an increase in bass response across all 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 bass, with a heavier slam that I could feel as well as hear. It's important to note that this change didn't significantly alter the overall sound signature of the headphones. Instead, it seemed to bring out more from the sub-bass and mid-bass frequencies, adding a sense of weight and authority to the low end.

To put the bass performance to the test, I listened to "Capital Punishment" by Detain. With the Salo cable, I experienced a much stronger, more palpable feeling in the bass frequencies. The bass guitar maintained its shape and definition, with all the attack of the notes still clearly present. This enhanced 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 saw the most noticeable improvement, I was pleased to find that the high end didn't lose any clarity. In fact, the frequency response seemed to get slightly warmer overall. This was a pleasant surprise, as silver cables often bring added sharpness to the sound. I suspect the gold-plated connectors play a role in balancing out this typical characteristic of silver cables.

On the Focal Clear MG, known for its somewhat bright character, I found the high end remained shimmery and detailed. However, the enhanced bass from the Salo cable provided a nice counterbalance, resulting in a more full-bodied sound. Cymbals, in particular, sounded less brittle than they did with the stock cable, which I found to be a welcome improvement.

Soundstage and Imaging

Despite the changes in tonal balance, I was impressed to find that the soundstage maintained its width and height. The Salo didn't compress or expand the sound field, but rather seemed to fill it out 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 new to the hobby or working with a limited budget, the Salo could be a game-changer. It offers a taste of what higher-end cables can do without the eye-watering price tag often associated with boutique audio gear.

Conclusion

After extensive testing, I can confidently say that the Strauss & Wagner Salo punches well above its weight class. This audiophile cable offers noticeable improvements in sound quality, particularly in the bass region, without breaking the bank.

The enhanced low-end response brings new life to many headphones, adding impact and weight without muddying the overall presentation. Meanwhile, the slightly warmer tonal balance helps tame overly bright headphones without sacrificing detail or clarity.

Build quality is impressive for the price point, with durable materials and gold-plated connectors that should stand up to years of use. The wide compatibility also means that the Salo can grow with your audio journey, working with a variety of high-end headphones from popular brands.

While the Salo may not compete directly with ultra-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 dip your toes into the world of cable upgrades, or a seasoned listener seeking a budget-friendly option for your secondary setup, the Strauss & Wagner Salo deserves serious consideration. It proves that meaningful audio upgrades don't always have to come with a hefty price tag.

In a hobby where diminishing returns often set in quickly, the Salo offers tangible improvements at a price point accessible to most enthusiasts. It's a testament to Strauss & Wagner's commitment to delivering high-value products that punch above their weight class.

For anyone looking to enhance their listening experience without breaking the bank, I wholeheartedly recommend giving the Strauss & Wagner Salo a try. It might just be the most cost-effective upgrade you can make to your current headphone setup.

Get the new Salo cable at the Strauss & Wagner Website or on Audio 46