K&B Speaker Cable Review

[gene]

K&B Signal Solutions is a newcomer to the audio industry. A group of Mechanical Engineers set out to produce affordable and well performing cable products, snake oil free. One unique perspective they bring to the table is their very clever and practical terminations comprised in their new speaker cable known as the Concert Series.

Read the Review

 

[Dan Banquer]

K & B Cables

No Kosher Chicken Fat? Oy Veh.
d.b.

 

[Mudcat]

If the RLC data presented in the write-up is compared to the 18 other cables tested in the two face offs, the K&B Concert Series cable ranks 12^th out of 19 total cables.

The tri-twist braid construction mentioned is probably similar to the three wire braid Sound King (V3) I made and tested. Mine tested better, but it is 10 AWG, the K&B is only 12 AWG.

Maybe that excel file shouldacouldawoulda be made available to members?

Other aspects that we could tear apart.

Tri-TwistTM ultra-pure copper cable braid ensures flawless signal transfer of high frequencies

Based on my work, I have not found a three wire braid to have significantly better RLC characteristics than two twisted wires with the exception of where I twisted three pairs and then braided them.

Extra heavy (12) gauge cable maximizes deep base response through ultra-low resistance cable construction

No foundation, unless they are using a large gauge litz wire. Even then this is questionable.

Soldered on gold-plated banana base connectors maximize surface area for superior electron (signal) flow

Does soldering actually do anything better than the 8^th inch diameter set screws in inexpensive GLS locking banana plugs?

Gold-plated accessory connectors provide un-compromised electrical connections in any configuration

Gold has a higher resistance than copper and therefore does compromise electrical connection. It is very very very very very tiny though. Like a teeny weeny speck of naval lint.

"Tight-WeaveTM" Nylon Over-braid for superior insulation protection and professional appearance

I'll give them cudos for the professional appearance, but what does the nylon braid do to improve insulation?

Low Durometer PVC over-molded Y-Block transition maintains cable integrity over time

Low Durometer is soft, how low is the durometer? How does this maintain integrity? Though it is great for flexibility and feel. Is the "molded Y-Block transition" where the pos and neg lead are separated? This is basically a non-sequitur.

Now that I ripped what was written in the "Specifications and Features", what was the source for this? I did not find it on their web site.

 

[Unregistered]

Stranded cable is inferior to solid core because of strand-jumping

I even tried solid-core vs stranded in my systems, solid-core sounded much better

 

[mtrycrafts]

K&B Signal Solutions is a newcomer to the audio industry. A group of Mechanical Engineers set out to produce affordable and well performing cable products, snake oil free. One unique perspective they bring to the table is their very clever and practical terminations comprised in their new speaker cable known as the Concert Series.

Read the Review

I am wondering if you could add a frequency response curve to these cable analysis tests, in dB loss over the audio band? This would be more meaningful? Or, did I ask this before

 

[mtrycrafts]

Extra heavy (12) gauge cable maximizes deep base response through ultra-low resistance cable construction

"No foundation, unless they are using a large gauge litz wire. Even then this is questionable."

I was scratching here too 12 ga is 12 ga, no? Or, is something added toi increase weight?


Gold-plated accessory connectors provide un-compromised electrical connections in any configuration

"Gold has a higher resistance than copper and therefore does compromise electrical connection. It is very very very very very tiny though. Like a teeny weeny speck of naval lint."

Yep,

 

[warnerwh]

I don't think 80 bucks for 12" pair is cheap. I'd need a pair of 9 footers which is 720 dollars for some fancy looking zip cord. This place must be full of millionaires.

 

[mtrycrafts]

I even tried solid-core vs stranded in my systems, solid-core sounded much better

Is this a serious post???

 

[mtrycrafts]

I don't think 80 bucks for 12" pair is cheap. I'd need a pair of 9 footers which is 720 dollars for some fancy looking zip cord. This place must be full of millionaires.

It supposed to be 12 feet, not inches. That is the problem not spelling it out.

 

[Mudcat]

I don't think 80 bucks for 12" pair is cheap. I'd need a pair of 9 footers which is 720 dollars for some fancy looking zip cord. This place must be full of millionaires.

I do not think it is zip cord. I think it looks like one of the attached photos.

 

[Annette]

I don't think 80 bucks for 12" pair is cheap. I'd need a pair of 9 footers which is 720 dollars for some fancy looking zip cord. This place must be full of millionaires.

You have to keep in mind there are "audiophiles" who pay upwards of 10,000 for cable (some of whom may be on this site). Let's face it, there is only so much engineering you can do to "make a better mousetrap." To me purchasing the connectors seperate adds up. At least with this you have everything you need and don't need to mess around - installs are faster with the snap on connectors. Best of all you don't have to go to Best Buy to get it....

 

[xrayeyes]

I don't think 80 bucks for 12" pair is cheap. I'd need a pair of 9 footers which is 720 dollars for some fancy looking zip cord. This place must be full of millionaires.

I believe the price is $80 for a 12' (12 foot) pair with terminations.

 

[jneutron]

Other aspects that we could tear apart.

Extra heavy (12) gauge cable maximizes deep base response through ultra-low resistance cable construction

No foundation, unless they are using a large gauge litz wire. Even then this is questionable..

They meant with respect to 14, 16, 18, 20 awg..

Soldered on gold-plated banana base connectors maximize surface area for superior electron (signal) flow

Does soldering actually do anything better than the 8^th inch diameter set screws in inexpensive GLS locking banana plugs?.

Yes. I've not had to re-tighten any of my solder joints..setscrews, at least every year..

Gold-plated accessory connectors provide un-compromised electrical connections in any configuration

Gold has a higher resistance than copper and therefore does compromise electrical connection. It is very very very very very tiny though. Like a teeny weeny speck of naval lint..

Correct, but being noble, it does not oxidize, so keeps contact integrity much longer than non noble metals..this is why I've replaced all my 1/4 inch nickel plated jacks with gold plated ones..contact integrity.

"Tight-WeaveTM" Nylon Over-braid for superior insulation protection and professional appearance

I'll give them cudos for the professional appearance, but what does the nylon braid do to improve insulation?.

It protects it from abrasion..that is what they said. not improve it, but protect it from guys like me...

Low Durometer PVC over-molded Y-Block transition maintains cable integrity over time

Low Durometer is soft, how low is the durometer? How does this maintain integrity? Though it is great for flexibility and feel. Is the "molded Y-Block transition" where the pos and neg lead are separated? This is basically a non-sequitur..

How low he asks......low enough..

It maintains integrity by flexing in response to cable bending, so that the cable is not worked around a sharp edge...it keeps the bend curvature above some minimum radius.

Now that I ripped what was written in the "Specifications and Features", what was the source for this? I did not find it on their web site.

Perhaps you need more "ripping practice", as I just toasted all of it ..you're getting flabby in your old age, mudcat.....go over to props, and rip some chipsters for exercise..what a wasteland that site has become...
Cheers, John

 

[mtrycrafts]

Perhaps you need more "ripping practice", as I just toasted all of it ..you're getting flabby in your old age, mudcat.....go over to props, and rip some chipsters for exercise..what a wasteland that site has become...
Cheers, John

You peeked in?
I have. I am at a loss to explain, but then I read a web page looked to be a machinist site where they discussed dowsing in one thread. WOW. That thread was no different from AA

 

[jneutron]

You peeked in?

Yah, silly me..I posted on my current endeavor, that of 2-d localization capability. Other than a few reasonable low level questions, it's a wasteland.

Now, the moderators move all chip related posts to props, leaving it as the dumping ground for all chip stupidity.

Sigh..

Ran the stuff by DIY.com...again, some rather reasonable low level questions and actually some good comments...but there, any possibility of continued discussion is overshadowed by some old timers who toss verbal barbs at me with the approval of the moderators..taking the offender to task for his insults only got me a 24 hour time out...

Sigh..

Ah well, Summer arrives..meaning it's time again for the Sunday tours.. less time for intellectual persuits, more time for the fun..

Cheers, John

 

[mtrycrafts]

Yah, silly me..I posted on my current endeavor, that of 2-d localization capability. Other than a few reasonable low level questions, it's a wasteland.

Now, the moderators move all chip related posts to props, leaving it as the dumping ground for all chip stupidity.

Sigh..

Ran the stuff by DIY.com...again, some rather reasonable low level questions and actually some good comments...but there, any possibility of continued discussion is overshadowed by some old timers who toss verbal barbs at me with the approval of the moderators..taking the offender to task for his insults only got me a 24 hour time out...

Sigh..

Ah well, Summer arrives..meaning it's time again for the Sunday tours.. less time for intellectual persuits, more time for the fun..

Cheers, John

I think your research is exceeding the audio boards population's interests and intelligence in most cases. You may need to hook up with some industry research types, such as the Canadian NRC??? Or Dr Toole? Or his ex partner who was the psycoacoustician at NRC when Toole was there, Dr Grusec? He has some papers at AES that may indicate where he is now?

I am reading one of Martin Gardner's books "Science, good, bad, bogus"
In there he talks about a quantum mechanics physicist, Jack Sarfatti, who posited about quantum receptors in the brain hence the parapsychology connection and his subsequent research of it. Maybe that quantum dot chip excites those quantum brain receptors, LOL

 

[jneutron]

I think your research is exceeding the audio boards population's interests and intelligence in most cases.

I am confident you are correct.

You may need to hook up with some industry research types, such as the Canadian NRC??? Or Dr Toole? Or his ex partner who was the psycoacoustician at NRC when Toole was there, Dr Grusec? He has some papers at AES that may indicate where he is now?.

Indeed. I've been discussing with a guy across the LI sound, and may collaborate..

An unfortunate side effect of collaboration would be the complete cutoff from the forums..I'm not sure I wish to do that..but, maybe..

I am reading one of Martin Gardner's books "Science, good, bad, bogus"
In there he talks about a quantum mechanics physicist, Jack Sarfatti, who posited about quantum receptors in the brain hence the parapsychology connection and his subsequent research of it. Maybe that quantum dot chip excites those quantum brain receptors, LOL

I recall two deja vu incidents back in my yewwwt. There is much we do not know w/r to CPT violation or lack thereof.. I remain open, but skeptical..

Cheers, John

PS..my favorite book is: Breakdown...Deadly Technological Disasters..well, ok, that and Jackson, "Classical Electrodynamics"..

 

[Privateer]

I think your research is exceeding the audio boards population's interests and intelligence in most cases.

mtrycrafts, when you are deaf does that increase your intelligence? Do you want people to argue about wires making a difference like they do over on AA?

 

[jneutron]

mtrycrafts, when you are deaf does that increase your intelligence? Do you want people to argue about wires making a difference like they do over on AA?

Interesting post..

Not clear, but interesting..what is it you are trying to say?

Cheers, John

 

[Privateer]

Not clear, but interesting..what is it you are trying to say?

Well beside the fact that mtrycrafts might be deaf, if this is true I give up on arguing with people. Next point is about AA and how pathetic it has become with wires and tweaking. Hell the big tweak now days is raising your cables off the floor or using a cotton dielectric, people over on AA apply electrical properties to the audio spectrum when they do not take place until the 10,000 meter mark in a cable or the 50,000 watt power rating.