Impressions: Linum G2 – Music, BaX
& SuperBaX – IEM Cables (MMCX)
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| SuperBaX & 1216.ears 3RM |
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| Music (left) & BaX (right) |
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| SuperBaX |
Technical Specifications:
Music
- Available connector types: MMCX, 2Pin
- Termination: 3.5 TRS (90° angled)
- Silver plated copper litz wires
- Single cable – 42 strands
- Weight: 4-5g / 0.14-0.18oz
- Length: 127 cm/50”
- Impedance: 2.0 Ω
- Pull strength of cable: 60 N/13lbs
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| Music G2 |
BaX
- Available connector types: MMCX, 2Pin, T2
- Termination: 3.5 TRS (90° angled)
- Silver plated copper litz wires
- Double-twisted cable – 84 strands
- Weight: 5-6g / 0.18-0.2oz
- Length: 127 cm / 50”
- Impedance: 1.50 Ω
- Pull strength of cable: 60 N / 13lbs
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| BaX |
SuperBaX
- Available connector types: MMCX, 2Pin, T2
- Termination: 3.5 TRS (90° angled)
- Silver plated copper litz wires
- Quad twisted – 168 strands
- Weight: 8-9g / 0.28-0.32oz
- Length: 127 cm/50”
- Impedance: 0.75 Ω
- Pull strength of cable: 120 N/26lbs
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| SuperBaX |
Price:
- Music – € 69
- BaX – € 79
- SuperBaX – € 199
Note: The SuperBaX arrives with a hard case and cable winder.
Design
The three Linum G2 cables are the new version of the
previous in-ear cables of the company, keeping the same high quality and
usability. These are probably the thinnest and among the most comfortable
in-ear cables ever made. Despite the so compact and minimalistic design, the
build quality is really good, combining excellent materials that provide high
durability and perfect ergonomics. These are not your standard upgrade cables
that usually focus in better looks and tougher outer design with extra wires
that end up being extra heavy and less practical. The Linum cables are
made by the Danish company estron specialized in quality earphones
cables for professional aid use, and the designers definitely know their job.
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| Linum G2 cable diagram (from Linum site) |
Starting from the internal wiring, the Linum G2
utilize silver-plated copper 6-litz wires, each one consisting of 7 super thin
strands. Thanks to the transparent outer coating, it’s possible to see the
different wire colors inside that are tightly twisted together into a single
wire. Assuming the specifications are correct, each single cable consists of 42
strands that together with the outer sleeve doesn’t even reach the 1mm of
thickness.
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| 3 connector types: MMCX, 2-Pin, T2 (from Linum site) |
The three cable models differentiate in the amount of cables
used. The Music is the thinnest one as it has a single cable (42
strands) from the plug to the y-split and then separates into a single cable for
each side. The BaX model has two cables (84 strands) from the plug to
the y-split, softly twisted and then divides into a single cable for each right
and left sides. Lastly, the higher SuperBaX model doubles the number of
cables of the BaX model, made of four twisted cables (168 strands) that
then split into two twisted cables to each side. Also, the SuperBaX
rates a double pull strength than both the Music and BaX,
boosting higher durability for its more expensive price tag.
Moreover, the Linum wires inside are covered by enamel
material, while the outer sleeve is made of TPA and UV resistant materials,
which prevent the inner cable to turn green from oxidation and yellow from
sunlight, and also are very skin-friendly. My use of the three cables limits to
around a month of use, but can confirm that despite the hot summer days the
cables are still practically like new.
The new G2 versions are terminated in a 90° angled plug that
in spite of the light weight it is still robust and well finished to complement
the compact design of the cable. Same goes for the y-split, made of the same
material as the plug with a simple slider that runs smoothly up to the cable
connectors. The three cables here on the review all use the common standard
MMCX connection, which have a soft and compact rubber covering, easy to
attach/detach to the earpieces. Lastly, on both Music and BaX there is a very thin tube attached to connectors that acts as a strain relief, and on the Music is also present on the plug; the cables are
extremely soft and very flexible, anyway.
In terms of comfort, these IEM cables weight almost nothing.
The Music and BaX are around 5g, and even the SuperBaX is
barely felt. The Music and BaX are almost invisible due the
single cables on each right and left sides. Microphonics effect is very low
when moving around, unless you really force it. The cables are advertised as
being resistant to tangling, and compared to the usual cables, including
upgrade cables, this claim is quite accurate. They have a unique coil effect
present on the lower half part of the cable (from plug to split) that helps the
cable return to their compact coiled shape very easily. The effect is mostly
noticed on the Music model and also on the BaX (on a lesser
degree due its dual twisted cable section), and almost none with the SuperBaX
higher cable with its multiple twisted cables design. This coil feature can be
present when wearing the cable, however, thanks to the thin and soft materials
used it does not affect the so ergonomic design.
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| Music (left), SuperBaX (center), BaX (right) |
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| MMCX connectors - Music and BaX |
Sound Impressions
The 3 cable models were tested with different sets of IEM, all
with standard MMCX connections. The earphones’ list starts from below the $100
price mark and goes up to the $500+, and includes the three kinds of current
in-ear drivers’ setup available, dynamic drivers (single and dual), balanced
armature (BA) single and multi-drivers sets, and also hybrid sets that combine
both driver types into a single shell. Just to mention some of the earphones
used: Westone UM20, UM30 Pro, W40, Shure SE215, SE535, Vsonic GR07, MeeAudio P1/P2,
Dunu DK-3001, Oriveti Primacy, Lear Turbo, CA Orion, and the almost unknown
1216 3RM.
The sources used include various digital portable players
from brands such as Fiio, Cowon, Lotoo, Aune, Sandisk, and a few portable
amplifiers from Topping, Fiio, Fireye, and Headamp Pico Slim. Smartphones like
iPhone 4 & 5 and Samsung Galaxy were also briefly used. Extra MMCX cables
were considered for comparison as well, from Dunu, Fiio, MEEAudio and PlusSound,
and a few extra DIY cables.
As described above, despite using the exact single wires, the
three Linum cables differ in their design and number of wires. This is
not just a physical difference, but a fact that contributes in their impedance
rate, sound transmission and channel separation, that may reflect into the overall
sonic performance. The real differences may depend on the earphones and sources
used.
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| Music & BaX with Vsonic GR07 (MMCX ver.) and MeeAudio Pinnacle P2 |
Music G2
Starting from the Music cable, made from a single
cable all the way it also rates the higher impedance of 2Ω. This single
configuration and impedance has some noticeable influence on the earphones’
sound. With low output players, and regardless the IEM used, the sound is
immediately smoothen down, asking for a higher volume to reach an acceptable
listening level and yet remains smoother from the midrange to upper treble,
eliminating certain peaks and harshness with brighter earphones like the MEE
P2, GR07 or 3RM. However, with darker/warmer sounding IEMs like the SE215,
SE535 and Lear Turbo, the results were actually the opposite, a stronger
emphasis on the lower frequencies with thicker texture on the vocals region.
The Music cable certainly is the more fatigue free among the Linum
G2 cable line.
The higher gain setting on some players like the Fiio X3 or
X5 (mk2) improved the sound even more, though the best results were obtained
with some extra amplification. Also, the DAMP function on the Lotoo player (PAW5000)
worked as wonder here; greater dynamics, more coherence and more natural
texture. There’s slight higher level of detail, though the overall smoother
presentation is more focused into ‘musicality’ rather than micro detailing or
wider staging.
BaX G2
With a lower impedance of 1.5Ω and dual cable, the BaX
brings a bit different sound presentation. The just 0.5Ω less than the Music
may not mean much, but together with the two cables configuration it is
slightly more efficient. The benefits of extra power or amplification is less
relevant, too. The cable setup means a single signal for each earphone side,
and the sound is noticeable more effortless and detailed. There is a subtle
elevation on both lows and highs ends giving a slightly more lively overall
signature, with more energy, but not really too aggressive even with more
energetic sounding IEMs. The BaX cable seems to work well with the same
earphones as with the Music, be it dynamic or BA based sets. However,
the most significant change is the more pronounced channel separation; probably
as it tries to reduce the crosstalk effect, so right and left sides are more
separated and distant. In fact, the control and accuracy are better, with a
clearer image, cleaner background and better coherence and sense of air.
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| Music & BaX plugs |
SuperBaX G2
Lastly, the higher SuperBaX cable, which not only
doubles the cable material but also the price of the BaX version. The
twice number of wires halves the rated impedance to a lower ~0.75Ω and makes it
more efficient with any source. As it price may suggest it is more suited for
higher earphone sets, and advertised for multiple driver based options.
Surprisingly enough, this is a very accurate claim, but not for every earphone
tested. The SuperBaX has a similar effect as the BaX, with the
better separation and higher detail. The gain on bass and treble is less
noticed as this higher cable gives a more neutral almost flat sound. With the
lower impedance it pairs much better with multi-BA and hybrid IEM sets where a crossover
system is used, rather than on single dynamic based earphones. The overall
presentation is even more effortless, cleaner and finely balanced. There’s
really no elevation nor a slight hint of coloring, just a clearer and more airy
sound. Like with the BaX, the channel separation is noticed, however
with the SuperBaX it feels much more natural and vivid.
It was a good match for the W30, W40 and 3RM as for pure BA
sets, improving the dynamic range and extension. Also, with the hybrid sets
like the Primacy. However, I personally didn’t like the synergy with
the Dunu DK-3001 as I found this IEM benefits better from some extra coloration,
and with the SuperBaX it sounded flatter and less energetic with a less
engaging soundstage.
Extra amplification is not needed here, and in fact the lower
than 1Ω impedance combined with also low impedance earphones can make the sound
too aggressive and less natural with amplifiers or strong output power sources.
On the other hand, with the PAW5000 DAP from Lotoo the combination was
excellent, with a clean and very natural treble texture and detailed midrange.
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| SuperBaX upper part, right and left sides |
Comparisons
Music G2 Vs MeeAudio P1 upgrade cable
The upgrade MeeAudio P1 is also a silver-plated copper
cable that was designed for more dedicated audio sources, with a higher rated
impedance than regular cables. It is not as effective as the Music G2
with any kind of players, but both cables show better results with some extra
power. In terms of sound, the MeeAudio cable makes the sound more
aggressive, fuller in bass and treble, while with the Music it is
smoother and more linear with a cleaner image.
BaX G2 Vs MeeAudio Balanced cable (w/3.5mm adapter)
Next is the newer MeeAudio cable, with a 2.5mm
termination, but able to connect to any kind of player with the included
adapters. For a more fair comparison against the Linum BaX, this cable
was used with the single 3.5mm converter. Like the above P1 cable and the BaX,
the MeeAudio Balanced cable also carries a silver-plated copper wire,
but much easier to use with portable sources. The BaX has the upper hand
in terms of separation and air, whereas the MeeAudio offers a slightly
thicker and richer tonality.
SuperBaX G2 Vs Dunu Upgrade cable
& PlusSound X series (hybrid wire)
For the last comparison, the SuperBaX against two
‘hybrid’ upgrade cables. Both the Dunu (last SHOCS2401 model) and
this specific PlusSound X mix the pure silver & copper wires on each
strand. Compared to the SuperBaX, these two cables add some color to the
sound, with a fuller bass note, richer midrange and crispy and occasionally
more laid back treble. As described above, the Linum higher option is
much more linear, thinner towards the midrange and brighter in the treble
region. The soundstage is most favorable with the PlusSound in single
3.5mm connection, though the Dunu highly improves the sound when in its
balanced mode.
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| PlusSound X series & SuperBaX |
Summary & Value
All in all, the three Linum G2 cables not just work as
advertised, but even exceed the expectations. With the most minimalistic design
ever that also keeps a strong build quality, and carefully chosen materials
improve the durability of the cables and also make them user friendly with best
ergonomics ever found on any earphone cable. In terms of sonic quality, the
improvements are well noticed, bringing higher resolution, cleaner background
and better clarity overall.
For their price, both Music and BaX models are easy to
recommend for most IEM sets, depending on the source or user preferences. As
for the SuperBaX it is well worth for higher class earphones that benefit for
the specific cable technical characteristics. Nonetheless, the Linum cables are
solid options and good reference of what upgrade cables should be.