Dutch online hifi magazine hifi.nl published a true rave review of our SQM “Star Quad Master” cable. Ruud Jonker goes into depth in this long article, reaching a very clear conclusion at the end:
“In general it is hard to claim that certain sound characteristics are strongly caused by a cable. Perhaps it’s therefore better to report that the Grimm cables do not interfere with the recording and system characteristics. These cables have an unprecedented transparency, linearity and neutrality. We could not hear these cables weaken or accentuate frequencies, causing an audible difference. The spectacular soundstage remains unharmed with a sublime focus and almost endless depth and detail. But, perhaps most important of all, the involvement, realism and the ’you are there’ feeling that our system offers is not undermined. The bottom line is that these cables simply transmit the analog signal as unaltered as possible. This makes them unsuited for tuning systems, but they also do not hamper the performance of a very neutral audio system.
With the SQM, Grimm Audio puts a very neutral interlink on the market that is capable of unprecedented transparency. It is available in both a balanced and asymmetric version with top quality connectors. The retail price is at a normal, completely acceptable level and accessible for every hi-fi lover. These cables are intended for anyone who strives for the most neutral and correct representation possible. It is almost inconceivable that there are cables, perhaps many times more expensive, that can “improve” this performance.”
Very entertaining was the ‘plus and minus points’ list:
Plus points
- Top quality construction
- High quality genuine brand connectors
- Neutral and transparent
- Sound is in balance
- Very acceptable price
- You no longer have to search for ‘better’ cables
Minus points
- Very confronting for other cable brands
- Can mercilessly reveal shortcomings in a hi-fi system
“It is almost inconceivable that there are cables, perhaps many times more expensive, that can ‘improve’ this performance.”
Ruud Jonker, hifi.nl
