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 Fire. At the moment, you can find more information on them from https://www.facebook.com/ModularWorkshop .
Unboxing & Accessories
The Fire 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 Fire 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 Fire is constructed nicely.
Sound Analysis (Compared to Stock Cable)
Lows
The sub-bass has a slight increase in quantity and it is able to extend better. There is a clinical sub-bass reproduction that has a good body. The bass decay is quicker with nice agility while the bass texture is maintained well. Each bass note is articulated with a precise hit and contributes to the overall pace. The mid-bass maintains its body and execute its slam with more speed. The bass reproduction has a higher engagement level with a lively presentation.
Mids
The midrange benefits with an increase in body and it is rendered in an effortless manner with buttery smoothness. The lower mids keeps its body and male vocals are expressed well without sounding too dense. It helps to create an enjoyable listen with emotions conveyed effectively. The upper mids is more forward and adds more intimacy. There is an increase in the level of transparency coupled with the enhanced cleanliness. The alluring sweetness of the midrange does vocals justice.
Highs
The treble extends slightly and the body is maintained. There is slightly more crisp at the top end with no sibilance and harshness. It is able to add finesse which results in a more controlled treble presentation. Treble articulation has extra accuracy with better details retrieval. The amount of air rendered increases by a fair bit and gives rise to an airy feeling.
Soundstage
The soundstage expands with more naturalness and the width magnitude increases slightly. The depth is closed in slightly and helps to add extra intimacy. The precision on the positioning of vocals and instruments improves.
Conclusion
The Fire is an outstanding copper cable that is able to offer good intimacy and deliver a clinical performance that has good pace. The details retrievals is excellent without sacrificing the musicality aspect. The Modular Workshop Fire is a fine cable that is able to exhibit smoothness and details with ease.
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