KBL SOUND PRISM D-451R & D-551X

Until lately my dealings with KBL Sound’s lineup had been restricted to analog sign and energy cables. Since all of the experiences turned out to be very optimistic I made a decision to check out a few of the digital cables as nicely, and thus I can share my ideas on the KBL SOUND PRISM D-451R & D-551X cables.

Introduction

Most of the cable corporations supply a big selection of merchandise that cowl most, if not all, potential audiophile wants. The latter embrace analog and digital sign cables and energy and speaker ones. Recent years noticed an enormous improve in curiosity in audiophile USB and Ethernet cables, and DC energy cables, because the audio recordsdata turned an essential a part of many audiophiles’ programs. Where there may be demand provide normally follows. At first, there have been just a few manufacturers providing most of these cables however right this moment yow will discover dozens, if not lots of of them. Which on the one hand provides you an opportunity to decide on amongst numerous merchandise accessible, on the opposite selecting the best one for you will not be that straightforward. The opinions are supposed to counsel which manufacturers and merchandise are price your curiosity.

While KBL Sound, which our readers know nicely from opinions of analog interconnects (KBL Sound Himalaya HERE, KBL Sound Himalaya II XLR HERE, KBL Sound Red EYE HERE and KBL Sound Red EYE Ultimate Phono HERE – each now out of date), and energy cables and distributors (KBL Sound Synchro Master Power, and RPD-6 Mk3 HERE), appears or appeared till lately to focus their efforts on analog interconnects, speaker and energy cables, they do supply digital interconnect as nicely. Currently, there are already two strains of digital cables, together with the most recent addition to line up, USB cables. There is PRISM and there may be the top-line HYPERPRISM, each together with all fundamental forms of hyperlinks required by audiophiles, Coaxial and BNC, AES/EBU, and USB. This time, nonetheless, I shall take a more in-depth have a look at each Coaxial RCA and AES/EBU digital Prism cables however, spoiler alert (!), USB is ready its flip…

Design and options

As the designer, Mr. Robert Szczerbowski, instructed me, each digital interconnects are similar aside from plugs and impedance as the necessities/requirements for them on this regard differ. For your data, there may be additionally a BNC model (Prism D-355B) – the identical story, that means the identical cable with a distinct termination. The Coaxial SPDIF or PRISM D-451R is a 75 Ohm cable whereas AES/EBU or PRISM D-551X is a 110 Ohm one. So the variations, if any, one can hear utilizing each of them ought to come from the properties of every of the 2 interfaces (transmitter and receiver) somewhat than from any design variations. Sure, they use completely different plugs, but the sonic signature ought to come largely from the cable itself.

The data on the design is scarce, as is normally the case with this producer, however let’s evaluation what we all know. The commonplace size of every kind is similar – 1,2m (longer cables can be found upon order). As the designer explains it not solely permits customers for better comfort as it’s simpler to connect with units with a bit longer cable, nevertheless it does supply additionally sonic advantages. The fundamental materials, conductors, are manufactured from pure mono-crystal copper, and the wires are hand-polished. The designer determined to make use of a number of dielectrics together with air, non-colored PTFE, kapton, polyurethane, and polyolefin.

Another essential characteristic of the design is wide-band shielding utilizing copper, and tinned copper. Also, the exterior sleeving is part of cable shielding that covers the high-frequency noise. It is a braided sleeve manufactured from anti-static carbon-infused polymer. KBL Sound is thought for utilizing high-quality parts of their merchandise therefore RCA WBT-0114 Cu nextgen™ WBT-PlasmaProtect™, True 75 Ω connectors for PRISM D-451R, and Neutrik NC3FXCC/NC3MXCC 110 Ω connectors come as no shock. Both cables are available in easy however nice-looking containers with Certificates of Authenticity.

Sound

To be sincere, it is a bit uncommon take a look at for me. Simply as a result of initially, I don’t use digital interconnects commonly (until you rely USB and Ethernet cables amongst them). It doesn’t imply I don’t have any expertise with coaxial, BNC, and AES/EBU cables as I typically want most of these hyperlinks for some opinions, and producers or distributors typically present me with correct, high-quality fashions. Secondly, for this take a look at, I had to make use of different reviewed parts, particularly the wonderful Playback Design (PBD) MPD-6 D/A Converter and the identical model’s digital frontend MPD-X that I linked utilizing KBL Sound digital interconnects. I’m not positive in the mean time which evaluation will likely be printed first, however simply in case it’s this one let me simply say, that each Playback Design parts are extremely good which makes them an awesome software for this evaluation!

I used each, coaxial and AES/EBU KBL Sound Prism between the 2 PBD parts, and the coaxial additionally between MPD-X and my very own LampizatOr Pacific 2. Later, to check PRISM D-451R with a counterpart by Siltech, I used Ayon Audio CD-35 HF CD/SACD Player as a transport, and my LampizatOr Pacific 2 as a DAC. Let me add, that on the time of this evaluation, I nonetheless had three KBL Sound prime energy cables Extrema within the system that I’d lately reviewed for HighFidelity.pl. They simply outperformed my very own LessLoss energy chords, therefore, since I didn’t should return them simply but, I stored utilizing them and loved the additional high quality they added to the setup’s efficiency. OK, let’s get to it.

KBL Sound PRISM D-551X (AES/EBU)

I begin my listening classes with KBL Sound PRISM D-551X (AES/EBU) connecting Playback Design MPD-X with MPD-6 (see the evaluation HERE) and enjoying a number of tracks straight from my customized server used interchangeably with JCAT’s XACT S1 (see the evaluation HERE), each linked to the previous through David Laboga Custom Audio Expression Emerald Mk 2 USB cable. The very first impression is of a really ‘non-digital’ sound. OK, let’s be sincere, digital sound right this moment differs considerably from that of, say, 10-15 years in the past. Back then, digital sound was, to my ears, harsh, vivid, irritating, and virtually not possible to hearken to for an prolonged time. It has modified sooner or later and right this moment prime digital sources sound (virtually) pretty much as good as prime analog rigs (sure, I do know a few of you received’t agree, preferring digital sources, and that’s your prerogative, but claiming in any other case is mine). So non-digital doesn’t imply as a lot right this moment because it as soon as did, but for me it signifies that nothing irritates me within the sound which is the very base for me of digging deeper into efficiency to seek out out extra about KBL Sound PRISM D-551X.

As I’m listening to Isao Suzuki’s „Blow Up 2” album I admire how pure, how wealthy the double bass is, and the way properly all of the intricate particulars of the maestro’s enjoying are offered. The instrument has a big and heavy physique that helps every string pluck including, nicely… physique to it. I can hear all of the tiniest particulars of fingers transferring alongside the strings and even the way in which strings are plucked and vibrate on the instrument’s neck. The sound of my favourite instrument is due to this fact very wealthy, deep, full, and tuneful with quick, but naturally comfortable assault and correct maintain and decay. It additionally extends actually low when wanted, which Mr. Suzuki likes to showcase now and again on this recording. In truth, it goes as deep as I’ve ever heard it from my audio system.

The piano that joins the bass sounds additionally a bit of bit comfortable, but wealthy, and vibrant. The „softness” comes from the massive, heavy physique of the instrument because the strings are crisp sufficient. The mixed sound of each could be very pure and coherent. Both devices play with authority such enormous our bodies ought to give them, however that not all the time (not with each part, not with each cable) is correctly reproduced. The subsequent instrument that pulls my consideration nonetheless in the identical recording is drums. I significantly just like the crisp, vibrant, very well-differentiated cymbals. The drums are tight, quick, and highly effective, and the rhythm as delivered with PRISM D-551X is not only good, it’s addictive and thus I can’t assist however faucet my toes alongside.

The superb PRAT (tempo, rhythm, and timing) turns into much more distinguished after I play the title monitor from Prince’s „Welcome 2 America”. The highly effective electrical bass performs with authority extending very low whereas protecting a powerful tightness and excessive vitality. Yet, it’s the Prince’s vocals that seize my consideration and maintain me engaged from begin to end. While each vary extremes sound (normally) extra spectacular, it’s the midrange that’s all the time an important a part of the vary. And so additionally it is right here on this monitor. It’s clean and wealthy, but resolving and clear. Every element of Prince’s voice timbre and texture is offered in a fairly exact manner, but the singing appears easy and relaxed. The vocals are open, filled with air, tuneful, but not coloured, and final however not least, extremely expressive.

KBL SOUND PRISM D-451R Coaxial SPDIF

Moving on to the coaxial KBL Sound PRISM D-451R connecting the identical pair of Playback Design parts doesn’t introduce actually any vital variations, solely delicate ones. Mr. Robert Szczerbowski instructed me that from the suggestions from his prospects, evidently normally one or the opposite cable sounds clearly higher of their programs and that most often it’s the coaxial model. That’s not fairly my expertise on this specific case. The sound with coaxial Prism is a contact extra open, there may be an additional layer of air surrounding devices and vocalists, and on the similar time, the midrange appears a bit of bit denser. On the opposite hand, it appears to me that bass has much more authority with AES/EBU interconnect which shifts the tonal stability barely decrease. All the variations I level out are fairly delicate although, and I can hear them solely after repeatedly switching from one connection to the opposite utilizing the identical 5 tracks.

After longer listening classes with out switching between the 2 Prisms each minute or so I begin to acknowledge that I are inclined to favor coaxial PRISM D-451R in relation to acoustic music, and recordings with distinguished vocals. On the opposite hand, after I begin to hearken to some electrical blues, equivalent to Dżem’s „Detox”, for instance, or rock (Dire Strait’s „Love Over Gold”) the AES/EBU is my alternative most of the time. I’m speaking about virtually unconscious decisions as one connection is simply two clicks (on a distant) away from the opposite. So it’s straightforward to test one choice and the opposite and cease switching them sooner or later for every album.

It nonetheless doesn’t imply there are any enormous variations between each Prisms as listening to Dżem’s album utilizing the coaxial PRISM D-451R delivered glorious outcomes as nicely. Rysiu Riedel’s voice is proven from a distance, but it teems with contagious feelings. He was so good at involving the viewers throughout stay performances, that studio albums could seem a bit „chilly” as compared (at the very least for these of us, who keep in mind his stay performances). Yet, KBL Sound Prism, each of them to be sincere, is so pure, that Rysiek even on this studio album sounds very vigorous, current, and engaged. While the bass and kick drum could also be a bit of bit extra highly effective with the AES/EBU model, I like electrical guitars a bit extra with the coaxial. They appear only a contact richer as if their sound was deeper and saturated with much more vitality within the midrange.

One of the albums I play subsequent is Aerosmith’s „Permanent Vacation”. That’s one other non-audiophile recording however I hearken to it to seek out out whether or not KBL Sound Prism fulfills my definition of a „good” audio part. The latter doesn’t play nice in relation to the super-duper audiophile releases whereas doing its greatest to show how badly the lesser-quality ones carry out. That’s a definition of a studio product designed to indicate all the failings of a recording in making, not one for somebody who desires to take pleasure in music even when it isn’t completely recorded. I all the time search for parts and programs that may play any style and any (I imply of at the very least first rate high quality) recording enjoyably whereas nonetheless differentiating the standard of the enter sign correctly. And that’s what each Prisms do. They clearly present me that the sound high quality on this album is first rate in audiophile phrases, and actually good in comparison with many different rock recordings.

All in all, Prism delivers a enjoyable, ‘rocking’ efficiency with improbable Steven Tyler vocals, sensible guitar enjoying by Joe Perry, and so forth. There is an efficient drive, there’s a stunning movement of music, there’s a little bit of ‘grime’ and a whole lot of energy and vitality within the sound. It is a extremely gratifying presentation that I favor with coaxial PRISM D-451R after I give attention to vocals, and with AES/EBU PRISM D-451X after I care extra concerning the highly effective efficiency one expects from a rock legend. In every case, I simply sit there absolutely engaged, singing alongside, and typically even enjoying imaginary guitar. I additionally discover myself pushing the quantity up manner greater than I normally don’t solely due to how a lot I benefit from the presentation, but additionally as a result of it doesn’t trigger any unfavourable sonic impact.

Looking for the variations between the 2 Prisms and finding out additional their options I play one in every of my favourite soundtracks, the one from „The Abyss” with music by Alan Silvestri. Similarly to the one from the unique „Predator”, „The Abyss” is a superb take a look at for dynamic capabilities of a system/part. Both KBL Sound digital cables do very nicely on this regard however the balanced one (AES/EBU PRISM D-451X) appears to take a slight lead within the hottest, most advanced fragments. It conveys the very quick shifts from the quiet to the loudest moments in a extra quick, extra convincing, clearer manner. Also, when the bottom notes construct the ambiance of the (deep ocean) scenes, they appear to have a contact extra vitality higher portraying the vastness and immense energy of the ocean.

Yet once more, in relation to the calmer, extra relaxed fragments of the soundtrack I virtually instinctively change to the coaxial PRISM D-451R because it appears to supply a extra calming impact. These elements, lead by string devices, are delivered with aptitude and panache, however as quickly because the mighty drums enter accompanied by equally highly effective brass devices AES/EBU PRISM D-451X does an much more convincing job. Still, when sooner or later I once more quit frequent switching between Prisms in seek for the „higher” choice, the presentation in each instances is spectacular, dynamic, extremely energetic, it has an awesome movement, it’s correctly dramatic and thrilling. I’m not positive I might be capable of select my most well-liked connection if I needed to as each sound extremely nicely on this specific setup. It is feasible, that in different ones I or you can select otherwise, however right here and now I really like them each.

It so occurs {that a} extra „conventional” machine lands in my listening room, the Ayon Audio CD-35 HF CD/SACD Player. It options high-quality CD transport and Coaxial SPDIF output so I determine to make use of it as one other software for this take a look at. It provides me an choice to check three digital cables. From the underside of my „cable drawer” (that I’m positive a lot of you’ve as nicely after years of audiophile adventures) I take out one other Polish product, as soon as (that means some 10-12 years in the past) prime Coaxial SPDIF cable by Audiomica. Together with Ayon CD-35 I additionally get Siltech Classic Legend 880D. The latter is the most costly amongst them, though the Audiomica is an „previous” mannequin that again then if I keep in mind accurately, was priced at 6-7 kPLN.

First I put in my previous Audiomica. It does a very good job providing detailed, resolving, fairly impartial sound. It’s onerous to level out any cons in its presentation, though even with out direct comparability it appears to me, that KBL Sound PRISM D-451R is extra pure, extra energetic, and dynamic in its presentation. Once I change the previous for the latter my impression is confirmed. Remember that we’re speaking concerning the newest product of the KBL Sound and a (greater than) 10-year-old product by Audiomica. It can be far more honest to check a mannequin from the present lineup however I didn’t have one at my disposal. The latter stands its floor, it’s nonetheless a really succesful contender, however the KBL Sound PRISM D-451R is just even higher.

The examined PRISM D-451R merely sounds richer, and extra pure, with a extra open prime and a contact tighter decrease finish. Its presentation outperforms the competitor when it comes to spatial results, significantly the depth of the stage and precision of imaging. Between the 2, I’ve no doubts that the PRISM D-451R is a better option delivering a extra resolving, extra open, spatial, extra „analog” presentation. A mixture of these qualities merely attracts me deeper into the music and lets me take pleasure in it extra. Don’t get me unsuitable – the previous Audiomica remains to be an excellent cable, simply not so good as the brand new KBL Sound so if we focus purely on sound high quality and neglect concerning the monetary side the latter is clearly the way in which to go.

KBL SOUND PRISM D-451R vs Siltech Classic Legend 880D

Now it’s time to roll out the massive gun. After all, Siltech is among the main audio cable producers on this planet and their Classic Legend 880D digital interconnect is the highest of the (Classic Legend) line. And it prices considerably greater than PRISM D-451R. From expertise, I do know that past some level on the standard/worth curve, the precise variations in sound high quality develop into somewhat small, whereas perceived variations are nonetheless vital for potential consumers. It’s simply that at some stage any progress is welcome and anticipated to value so much. That’s why on the one hand I anticipate some variations between KBL Sound and Siltech, on the opposite I notice they will’t be enormous, as each of them already characterize high-end ranges.

Siltech 880D has this characteristic that I take pleasure in and admire in all cables from the Classic Legend line, this extremely silky smoothness. There is nothing synthetic about it – Janis Joplin or Steven Tyler nonetheless „scream” at me, and Stańko’s trumpet pierces my ears when wanted. Yet the entire presentation has, I’m tempted to say, a contact of gold in it. Well, the cable has some gold in it, and it appears to me that it interprets into this characteristic. You don’t have to love it like I do, nevertheless it’s there and it makes music extra stunning. To be clear, it’s a extremely resolving, well-balanced, refined, dynamic, and open-sounding cable. The silkiness is simply one of many options, however one which makes it stand out.

Switching to KBL Sound PRISM D-451R the very first thing I discover, additionally as a result of the character of the monitor I play, is that the reverb with it appears longer and deeper. A facet impact is an impression of an excellent deeper area behind the devices. On the opposite hand, the midrange will not be fairly as wealthy and clean as with the Siltech, however I don’t actually anticipate it to be because the latter could be very particular on this regard. To be clear, whereas listening to a number of tracks with vocals, violins, and guitars I don’t discover something lacking within the mid-frequencies. The sound with PRISM could be very pure, wealthy, and palpable, simply not as a lot as with Siltech, therefore in direct comparability the previous appears to supply a tonal stability set a bit greater. I consider the aforementioned opening of the area in virtually each recording has to do with the impression too.

The longer I pay attention to those two, the extra it appears to me that Siltech is a little more centered on the midrange, whereas PRISM provides much more air to the treble, opening it a contact extra. PRAT is superb with each, though Siltech provides a bit extra mass to the bottom a part of the vary whereas KBL Sound retains the bass a contact tighter. In each instances dynamics, vitality of the presentation, and the coherence of it are on the identical, very excessive stage. Long story brief, regardless of the value distinction, each Coaxial SPDIF cables offered the identical high-end stage of efficiency simply with some accents unfold otherwise. If your system wants a bit extra richness and mass within the midrange and bass space or is a contact too vivid, Siltech could be the way in which to go. If, alternatively, it wants a bit extra opening up, extra air within the higher a part of the vary, and bigger area, KBL Sound PRISM D-451R can be my alternative. No doubt each supply a extra refined sound than the previous Audiomica.

Summary

As talked about earlier than, digital interconnects will not be fairly my cup of tea as I don’t use them day by day. In this case, although, I used them first to attach two Playback Design units that had been delivering a really high-end efficiency throughout a month-long analysis earlier than I began this evaluation, and later Ayon Audio CD-35 with my LampizatOr Pacific 2. In each instances, KBL Sound Prism whether or not in AES/EBU KBL SOUND PRISM D-551X or Coaxial SPDIF KBL SOUND PRISM D-451R delivered a wonderful, coherent, pure, non-fatiguing efficiency that allowed me to hearken to the music for a number of hours a day.

The sound was extremely resolving, exact, spatial, and teeming with particulars and subtleties, and but I wouldn’t name it analytical or chilly (which I don’t like). Instead, it was relaxed, easy, clean when wanted, and super-dynamic and energetic when recordings demanded it. Compared to a costlier competitor PRISM held its floor delivering barely completely different when it comes to character, but equally refined, merely put high-end efficiency. From now on I’ll maintain KBL Sound cables on my record of extremely advisable cables, and it received’t be solely analog and energy ones anymore. The digital ones appear pretty much as good as another product by this model I had an opportunity to evaluation to date.

Prices (when reviewed):

KBL SOUND PRISM D-451R 75 Ohm 1,2 m: 1.760 EUR (355 EUR for every extra 0,5m)
KBL SOUND PRISM D-551X 110 Ohm 1,2 m: 1.760 EUR (355 EUR for every extra 0,5m)

Manufacturer: KBL SOUND

Technical specs (in line with the producer):

Conductors: pure monocrystal copper, hand-polished
Gauge 22 AWG
Dielectrics: air, non-colored PTFE, kapton, polyurethane, polyolefin
Wideband shielding: copper, tinned copper
Braided sleeve: Antistatic carbon-infused polymer Sleeving for high-frequency shielding
75 Ω connectors: RCA WBT-0114 Cu nextgen™ WBT-PlasmaProtect™, True 75 Ω
75 Ω BNC connectors: Furutech FP 3-117(R)
110 Ω connectors: Neutrik NC3FXCC/NC3MXCC
Standard size: 1,2 m
Other lengths upon request (each 0,5 m extra)

Associated gear:

Digital supply: a customized passive server with WIN10, Roon, Fidelizer Pro 7.10, JCAT NET XE, and JCAT USB XE playing cards with FERRUM HYPSOS Signature energy provide, KECES P8 (mono) linear energy provide for the server, JCAT USB Isolator
D/A Converter: LampizatOr Pacific 2 +Ideon Audio 3R Master Time (USB sign regenerator)
Analog entrance finish: J.Sikora Standard MAX turntable, J.Sikora KV12 tonearm, J.Sikora KV12 MAX tonearm, AirTight PC-3, phono phases: Grandinote Celio MK IV, ESE Lab Nibiru V 5.
Power amplifiers: GrandiNote Shinai, Circle Labs M200, Art Audio Symphony II (modified)
Preamplifier: Circle Labs P300
Loudspeakers: GrandiNote MACH4, Ubiq Audio Model ONE Duelund Edition.
Interconnects: Bastanis Imperial x2, Soyaton Benchmark, Hijiri Million, Hijiri HCI-20, KBL Sound Zodiac XLR, David Laboga Expression Emerald USB, David Laboga Digital Sound Wave Sapphire Ethernet
Speaker cables: Soyaton Benchmark
Power cables: LessLoss DFPC Signature, Gigawatt LC-3
Power: Gigawatt PF-2 MK2 and Gigawatt PC-3 SE Evo+; a customized energy line with Gigawatt LC-Y in-wall cable; Gigawatt G-044 Schuko and Furutech FT-SWS-D (R)
Network: Silent Angel Bonn N8 + Silent Angel Forester F1 + optical LAN isolator
Racks: Base VI, Rogoz Audio 3RP3/BBS
Anti-vibration equipment: ROGOZ-AUDIO SMO40 and CPPB16 platforms and ROGOZ AUDIO BW40MKII toes, Franc Accessories Ceramic Disc Slim Feet and Wood Block Platform, Graphite Audio CIS-35 and IC-35