Does Strauss & Wagner Matz Upgrade Cable Improve Listening?

Strauss & Wagner has introduced another upgrade cable to its already extensive lineup. The Matz dual 3.5 mm premium upgrade cable is perfect for high-end headphones, compatible with models from Hifiman, Focal, and more. How does the Matz cable upgrade your listening? Today, we tested the Matz with a couple of different headphones to see what kind of upgrade you get for this $300 cable. 

When it comes to upgrade cables, Strauss & Wagner makes some very well-crafted accessories. You can tell the Matz is a high-quality cable from the build alone; its look and feel both exude luxury. The CNC-machined aluminum alloy is lightweight and still strong, so you can confidently use this cable and know you have a stable connection. Most cables stick to circular designs and cylindrical shapes for the decals near the connection points, but not the Matz cable. The Matz cable has angular, geometric decals at the connection points to make it stand out above the rest. The gold touches made the finish all the more luxurious. 

One notable thing about the Matz cable is the choice of termination. You can get the Matz cable with a 3.5mm termination or a balanced 4.4mm end. Depending on what termination you need for your setup, you can get the correct cable that will connect your headphones and DAC seamlessly. The physical build is the same whether you get the 4.4mm or 3.5mm termination, so you don't have to worry about any compatibility differences between them. It's important to note that the Matz does not have an interchangeable termination, but simply variations in the termination that the cable comes in. 

Since the Matz is a dual 3.5mm connection, you would assume it is compatible with a lot of types of headphones. However, because of the more rectangular physical decal near the headphone connection point, the Matz cable will not fit certain headphones. A lot of headphones with recessed ports will not be able to benefit from the Matz as an upgrade. Below is a short list of headphones we tested the Matz with that fit perfectly. If you have a headphone that is not on this list, feel free to reach out to us or bring in your headphones to test whether the Matz will be compatible. 

• Headphone Connector: Dual 3.5mm Mono
• Source Termination Options: 4.4mm Pentaconn Balanced or 3.5mm Unbalanced
• Cable Structure: 8-Wire Braided
• Connector Housing: CNC-Machined Aluminum Alloy
• Contact Finish: Gold-Plated Connectors
• Cable Length: 1.5m

SOUNDSTAGE & IMAGING

Physically, the Matz cable has already impressed and proved itself to be a great upgrade. But what are the sonic characteristics of a cable like this? Using the cable with many different headphones, both open and closed, allowed me to hear how the cable improved the sound signature and whether there were any noticeable differences in the profiles. The Matz didn't completely change the signature of the headphones; instead, it offered a supportive base to the signature that made each headphone entertaining to listen to. 

The Matz cable worked brilliantly with a lot of Hifiman headphones, and I particularly enjoyed it with the HE1000se. The space in the soundstage of the HE1000se is one of its most noticeable elements, and with the addition of the Matz cable, you get to still appreciate this horizontal space and even notice some more distinct separation. I liked how the Matz kept the expansive soundstage of wide headphones, like the Hifiman series or the Focal series. It didn't create a whole new layer of sound, but the Matz made sure that the details that come from these distinct layers were more distinguished and precise. 

FREQUENCY RESPONSE

Looking at the exact frequency ranges, the Matz cable does a great job reproducing frequencies accurately and cleanly. From bass to treble, the Matz cable reproduces the frequencies with a naturalness that honors the headphones' original sound signature. The bass was still full and deep in headphones like the Meze Strada or the HEDDphone D1, where the low end is one of the standout features of the signature. The Matz cable kept the low end clean and didn't lose detail. In headphones like the Focal Clear MG and the Grado S150, the midrange is a highlight of their profiles, and the Matz cable keeps these details well intact so you can still appreciate all the details of the sound signature you know and love. At the top of the range is the treble, and headphones like the Meze POET or the Hifiman Unveiled series are great at reproducing the very top range and making everything sound open and immersive. The Matz cable's aluminum alloy construction didn't make the frequencies in the top range too piercing, but instead brought another level of detail to the range as a whole, simply enhancing the detail that already exists in these high-end headphones. 

At $300, the Matz cable is a more expensive, more substantial upgrade than a standard replacement stock cable. What sets the Matz apart? There are other upgrade cables you could choose from, both from Strauss & Wagner and other companies, so what makes the Matz the more attractive choice? The Matz has a smooth sound and an intriguing physical design that makes it an aesthetic upgrade as well as a sonic one. The 8-wire braided cable structure is sturdy and makes the connection from your headphones to the DAC a stable one.

Strauss & Wagner also has a cable called the Annecy, another multi-core upgrade cable with a dual 3.5mm headphone connection. This cable has a thinner, cylindrical shape that makes it more compatible with recessed ports. It only has the option of one termination, so if you're solely looking for 4.4mm, then you have a nice option. The Matz cable stands as a nice option for those looking for the aesthetics as well as the sound quality, and with the option of cable variations, the Matz is a little more versatile than the Annecy. Both deliver reliable, clean, and smooth sound that makes them a great addition to any listening setup. 

Is the Strauss & Wagner Matz cable the right upgrade for you? This aluminum-alloy cable is a great upgrade for many dual 3.5mm headphones, as it enhances the signature for a lot of open- and closed-back models. While the physical design does limit its compatibility with some models, the Matz cable still works with a large selection of high-end headphones. If you're not sure if it's compatible with your headphones, feel free to bring in your set to Audio46 and try the cable yourself. 

You can get the Strauss & Wagner Matz cable at Audio46.