Introduction
Modular Workshop is a Hong Kong based company that specializes in making handcrafted cables. In their Element series, they have 3 cables – Water, Fire and Wood. I would like to thank Modular Workshop for the review unit of Water. At the moment, you can find more information on them from https://www.facebook.com/ModularWorkshop .
Unboxing & Accessories
The Water comes in a wooden package with a wrapper that sports the logo name and brand name. After removing the top cover, there is the cable seated nicely on top of a translucent plastic sheet on a sponge. The cable is presented neatly with a cable wrap.
Cable Build & Design
The cable is made of 5N OFC and it has a 4 core braided design. The Water I will be reviewing has 2 pins 0.78mm connectors and 2.5mm balanced jack. The cable can be customized in many ways subject to the availability of the component. Each connector has a silver housing with blue and red stripe on the left and right side respectively. There is a memory wire area section in which the cable is enclosed in a translucent heat shrink tube. The chin slider has a circular shape and the y-splitter has a rectangular shape. The jack is 2.5mm balanced gold plated. It has a silver housing with plastic wrapped around it that sports the logo name and brand name. There is strain relief. The Water is constructed nicely.
Sound Analysis (Compared to Stock Cable)
Lows
The sub-bass has slightly more quantity and the extension is similar. There is a fuller sub-bass reproduction with a tight control. The impact is more smooth and retains a nice authority. The mid-bass has slightly more body and the slam is presented well which helps to elevate the dynamics. Bass decay maintains its speed and each bass note is being articulated with a musical hit. There is a significant improvement in the bass texture as it becomes smoother.
Mids
The midrange becomes more lush. There is additional warmth to it and it helps to make the midrange soothing to listen to. The lower mids has an increase in its body and male vocals benefit from it. The extra body helps to prevent hollowness. The upper mids is equally forward and female vocals are expressed in a velvety manner with more smoothness. The crisp is similar. The midrange has a nice tinge of sweetness.
Highs
The treble does not have an improvement in its extension. There is slightly more body and it helps to add extra smoothness to the top end. There is no sibilance and harshness. The amount of air rendered is similar. Treble articulation is maintained at the same standard with good details retrieval. The finesse improves and the treble has a better control.
Soundstage
The soundstage has a more natural expansion to it and the magnitude increases significantly. There is an open feel with good depth. Positioning of vocals and instruments has a better accuracy.
Conclusion
The Water is a great copper cable that helps to add warmth and smoothness to the overall sound. Vocals are expressed more intimately. The midrange becomes sweeter. The Modular Workshop Water is a solid cable for those who love vocals.
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