Accessories Recommendations - Headfonia Reviews

On this page, you’ll find our Accessories Recommendations and all of our Best Accessory Buys of the moment. Looking for the best accessories on the market? This ever-evolving list is your answer and the item are ranked by increasing price. You can find all of our Best Gear and Recommended Buys here.

 

Linum BaX

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/review-linum-cables/

Starts at $117

The Linum cables are the most comfortable cables on the planet when it comes to IEM Cables. Once you’re used to the lightweight and excellent sound on the go, it’ll be tough going back to another cable.

Roon

Roon Labs LLC – Roon (Software)

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/blog-roon-overdue-revolution/

Starts at $119

Only on very rare occasions, we write about playback software, but Roon was something that we couldn’t leave untouched. It is the most fluid, informative, and impressive software out there. It makes setting up new devices a piece of cake and offers an incredible selection of features, like Parametric EQ, Speaker Correction, or Crossfeed, just to name a few. It combines your locally stored content with your TIDAL account and your DropBox, creating the biggest selection of audio ever. It comes with a 14-day trial and once you have used it you will know that you have been missing it the entire time.

SieveKing Omega (Headphone Stand)

If you’re into full-sized headphones you can’t take yourself seriously without owning the Sieveking Omega headphone stand. It’s one of the best and prettiest stands out there.

Starts at $132

Linum SuperBaX

Linum SuperBaX

Linum has always been a brand that interested me. Lieven has been praising their cables a lot, and now I can fully see why. Not only are they perfect for any monitor under the sun, but they’re also unbeatable for their comfort. I am not a person that wears glasses, except for shades during Summer, but I definitely think that the SuperBaX would also be an excellent choice for everyone who needs them.

Available for 199€ from Linum

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/review-linum-superbax-2/

Effect Audio Signature Series [Added on 27/08/2022]

The New Effect Audio Signature series is simply paying homage to the company’s earlier entry-level cables. The series is now enhanced with better materials and connectors, better braiding quality, and thicker wires.

The three cables appeal to different tastes and different setups/IEMs. I actually liked all three, but to me, the Eros S has been the most impressive one because of staging, layering and imaging. Secondly, I liked the Ares S for its timbre and fullness, and the Cadmus is a great SPC cable with fantastic clarity for the price.

So it’s hard to overlook the performance and the design/build of the new series from EA. I recommend all three if you’re new to IEM cables and want to experience different combinations.

Starts at 179$ from Effect Audio

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/effect-audio-signature-series-review/

Lavricables Master Silver V4 [Added on 19/07/2023]

Lavricables has once again impressed with the Master Silver V4 IEM cable. The combination of high-purity silver, meticulous craftsmanship, and excellent build quality results in a cable that not only enhances the sound quality but also stands out for its build and aesthetics.

Its excellent performance, coupled with a reasonable price point, makes it a compelling option for audiophiles looking to add that cherry on top. I definitely recommend trying it if you are in the market for upgrade cables!

Starts at 289$ from Lavricables

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/lavricables-master-silver-v4-review/

 

Toxic Cables Black Widow XL

Toxic Cables Black Widdow XL [Added on 25/02/2023]

I have heard of Toxic Cables a lot in the past, but never had the opportunity to listen to their cables. Thanks to Brexit things have also become a bit more difficult when ordering from the UK.

Now that I have gotten to know more about Toxic’s cables, I can finally see why so many people appreciate their goods. The Black Widow XL is a masterfully designed cable, albeit being quite big and heavier than their competition. The sound of the BWXL is extraordinary and it deserves its seat on the table of the big names.

The Black Widow XL is a unique cable, which creates a huge stage, gives control over the lows, enrichens the midrange and adds smoothness to the treble. With the Black Widow XL you’ll get an analogue sound, coupled with impressive resolution, layering and imaging. For £325 to me it’s a no-brainer and highly competitive in today’s market. But be warned, because the current build-time is roughly 14 weeks. So your patience will be required when you order a Black Widow XL from Toxic Cables. It is so worth the wait though. 

Starts at £325 GBP from Effect Audio

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/toxic-cables-black-widow-xl-review/

 

Astell&Kern SEM3 [Added on 24/07/2022]

The Astell&Kern SE180 comes with many DAC modules with its modular DAC/Amp solution. Yet, if I have to choose just one module out of these, I would pick the SEM3 with its Quad ESS config. The SEM3 has everything you need in its sound if you’re a pure audiophile. When it comes to technicalities, the SEM3 is the way to go for me.

The SEM3 is the best module you can attach to the SE180 in my opinion. Amongst all of the four DAC modules, the SEM3 has the best PRaT, decay, dynamism and attack. It also has the best instrument separation, and the best sharpness and focus.

$399 from Astell&Kern

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/astell-kern-sem-modules-review/

plusSound X

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/review-plussound-exo-x-series-iem-cables/

Starts at $349.99

The X-series IEM cable offers outstanding flexibility, comfort, and build quality. The cable itself is made of ultra-pure OCC Type 6 Litz and features multiple proprietary damping cores for vibration reduction, consistent conductivity, and a better overall feel and ergonomics. On top, you get a great-sounding cable with striking transparency, meatier lows, and softer highs. Rather than coloring the sound too much, X concentrates on creating a smoother overall tune but leaves other critical aspects of the spectrum untouched.

plusSound Exo (Gold Plated Silver)

plusSound Exo

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/review-plussound-exo-x-series-iem-cables/

Starts at $449.99

The T-Metal Exo IEM cable is made in an unconventional material mix of three different conductor materials: silver, gold-plated silver, and gold-plated copper. All of which have their key-sound-signatures. The build quality is excellent. It again is a very flexible and un-microphonic cable. What I was really surprised with though is the Y-split. When I first saw it I feared it will be too heavy to use the cable comfortably. Nothing could be more wrong. Though it is big in size it is also lightweight, even with the additional metal chin-slider. Sound-wise the T-Metal is a natural cable, with excellent top and bottom end extension. The level of layering and details of it are outstanding, especially for its price point.

Eletech Raphael

Eletech Raphael [added: 02/06/2023]

Raphael is quite a cable. I started listening to it a good bit before I even knew the pricing. And once Eric told me, it was clear he wanted to create a new benchmark, which he absolutely did in my opinion. The Raphael boasts a wonderfully organic and – for the lack of a better word – romantic tuning. It infuses a smoother sound, an emotional mid-range and superb detailing around the entire spectrum. It gives space to the instruments and paints a pitch-black background. I honestly can’t think of a better cable at that price.

Eletech’s new Raphael cable punches well above its weight and fully deserves to be in our Recommended Accessories list! It is just such a damn well executed Gold-Copper cable.

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/eletech-raphael-review/
$499 from Eletech

Double Helix Cables Clone Fusion

Double Helix Cables Clone Fusion

Starts at $549

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/review-dhc-clone-fusion

I was curious about what DHC had to offer for a while, and now that I finally got the chance to try out one of their products at an extended period, I must say I am very impressed. Not only is the Clone Fusion a true one-of-a-kind product, but that also convinces you with outstanding sound, wonderful build quality, and great flexibility. It cures the weaknesses of two of my favorite custom monitors and matches well with a good number of other monitors too. There are only two points for improvement as I see it. The supplied packaging could at least contain a box and the channel indication should be revised. Other than that the Clone Fusion ticks all the boxes and becomes a member of our Recommended Accessories List. Well done DHC!

Effect Audio EVO 10

Effect Audio EVO 10 [Added on 28/03/2021]

I really like the EVO 10 simply because it’s a very luxurious cable combined with a very impressive sound performance. It improves technical aspects like resolution, transparency, dynamism, and texture. But it is also else more fun with better energy, better focus, and refinement with excellent definition. You get closer to the true recording, and you also see your monitor’s capabilities with a good source device.

The price is not off the charts either, so this might be a very sensible purchase for the audiophiles that want to get more from their systems. I certainly recommend the EVO 10 with its excellent design elements and very good gains that it provides in the sound department.

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/effect-audio-evo-10-review/

Starts at $588

Brise Audio STR7-Ref (Added 12/12/2019)

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/brise-audio-str7-ref-review/

Starts at $875

The STR7 does not change the overall presentation apart from that slight supplement of bass. Yet you gain technicalities beyond the price like dynamism, texture, timbre, cohesiveness, and separation. The cable is built to last and I think I will use it for many years to come. The Japanese craftsmanship is really something else and the attention to detail in this cable’s structure is simply excellent. Of course, the price is quite high for a cable. But we actually have options in the market with even higher price tags today. Of course, I haven’t listened to them all, but I’ve tried many. And based on my experience,  this is one of the best cables you can get. It has a fantastic build quality, a very thoughtful design with high-quality materials, and most importantly a great sound.

plusSound X16

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/reviewthe-plussound-x16-apollonian-headphone-cables-need

Starts at $799

The X16 is their TOTL headphone cable and I can only confirm this after months of extensive testing. It makes every headphone sound as good as it gets: detail, clarity, precision, sound stage and layering simply are really good. It’s beautiful but it’s not the most comfortable cable.

PlusSound SPC XL [Added 12/05/2024]

PlusSound continues to offer great options in the realm of high-quality IEM cables. From the packaging, design, build quality, materials and sound, PS cables are among the best options in the market. The two of the newest offerings are no different in that regard.

If you ask which is my favorite, although it’s not easy to choose just one, I would go for the SPC XL, because of its technicalities and supremely balanced and spacious sound. However, that is just my take, and it also depends on the particular pairing. For instance, the Copper XL works great with IEMs like the Viking Ragnar, where added warmth plays really well. But still, the SPC XL became one of my favourite cables as of late.

Starts at 999$

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/plussound-spc-xl-copper-xl-review/

Brise Audio ASUHA Ref.2+ [Added on 20/12/2020]

Brise Audio impresses me every time I test one of their cables. The build quality and attention to detail are astonishingly good. Looks-wise it’s a personal opinion of course. I think Brise Audio is among the best in terms of aesthetics but bear in mind that I like more serious-looking gear.

It’s hard to realize that this is an 8-core cable. It’s very ergonomic for a cable of this kind so it’s surely a huge success. The Japanese craftsmanship is really something else and the attention to detail in this cable’s structure is simply excellent. I don’t actually know if a cable like this exists with an 8-wire configuration.

If you want a warmer presentation from your flat or reference type of IEM, then the ASUHA Ref.2 is the top-end version of the ASUHA line-up.

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/brise-audio-asuha-ref-2-review/

Starts at $1000

Brise Audio YATONO Rh2+ [Added 30/11/2020]

I absolutely loved the STR7 Ref., and I still do. Yet, the Yatono Rh2+ impressed me further, because I did not expect this kind of dynamic range, resolution, and definition. You also gain great technicalities like texture, timbre, energy, and separation. The cable is also built to last with fantastic attention to detail. The Japanese craftsmanship is really something else and the attention to detail in this cable’s structure is simply excellent.

Of course, the price is quite high for a cable. But we actually have options in the market with even higher price tags today. Of course, I haven’t listened to them all, but I’ve tried many. And based on my experience,  this is one of the best cables you can get. It has a fantastic build quality, a very thoughtful design with high-quality materials, and most importantly a great sound. I certainly recommend the Brise Audio Yatono Rh2+

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/brise-audio-yatono-rh2-review/

Starts at $1200

 

AudioQuest Powerquest 707

PowerQuest 707 [Added 19/10/2024]

AudioQuest further strengthened their power conditioner lineup with the PowerQuest 707, offering yet another excellent product. The PowerQuest 707 enhances technical abilities and is probably best in terms of dynamic range, resolution and imaging sharpness. With its multitude of outputs, the PowerQuest 707 is perfectly suited for big HiFi and home theater systems.

The most important feature of the PowerQuest 707 to me is the included surge protection. Making sure my gear survives is the highest priority for me, aside from excellent sound.

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/audioquest-powerquest-707-review/

$1,299 USD from AudioQuest

PlusSound Silver+ [Added 17/06/2022]

The new PlusSound Silver+ is certainly a worthy cable for the company’s 10th anniversary. It creates a sound that has a wonderful resolution, transparency and clarity. It gives an accentuated treble response with great extension, and very clean mids with good dynamism, sharpness and definition. Lows remain almost untouched.

This is simply one of the most high-quality cables you can get in terms of pristine sound with ultimate clarity. If you enjoy neutrality, focus, sharpness and clarity, or you’re in a position where technicalities are the utmost priority, the new Silver+ is your cable. No need to mention the impeccable build quality.

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/plussound-silver-review/

1499$ from PlusSound (Select Silver+ Wire)

Double Helix Cables Prion4

Double Helix Cables Prion4

Review (soon): https://www.headfonia.com/double-helix-cables-prion4-review/

Starts at $1,799

I loved the Empyrean in its stock configuration, but with the Prion4 it really stepped up to a higher level. The Prion4 adds a sense of space, a deep black background, and a certain smoothness in the treble which makes the Empyrean an even bigger delight to listen to.

DHC has made a lasting impression on me with their Clone Fusion last year, and when I got asked to review another cable of theirs with the PEERLESS plug it was a no-brainer for me. After trying out two of their cables, I am confident to say, that they produce some of the very finest cables in the industry.

The Prion4 comes at a hefty price, that’s for sure, but it represents one of the biggest improvements I heard in any cable so far. It is definitely one of the best cables out there and it deserves its spot on our Best Accessories list.

Eletech Sonnet of Adam

Eletech Sonnet of Adam [added 10/2023]

With Eletech’s Ode to Laura and Sonnet of Adam I have reviewed both of their flagship cables in just a short span of time. Both of them are fantastic choices and offer distinct and unique qualities.

The Sonnet of Adam is impressive when it comes to resolution, imaging sharpness, background darkness and vocal immersion. Its unique portrayal of a rich sound coupled with the grand scene and picture is probably the best I have heard in a cable to date. Sonnet of Adam gave all my IEMs a definite step up in sheer quality and control, that it’s impossible for me not to include it in our Best Accessories list. With the Sonnet of Adam Eletech has proven once again that they are in this game to give their competition a serious run for the best cables on the market.

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/eletech-sonnet-of-adam-review/

2,799$ from Eletech

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Eletech Ode to Laura [added 17/09/2023]

Eletech’s Ode to Laura is an ode to a perfect copper cable. It has this organic, analogue sound that many people will love. But it will also please any detail-lover and resolution purist that wants a high end cable to tickle out all the information there could possibly be hidden somewhere in the chain. Laura is an exemplary execution of how good a single material cable can be. 

I know we are pretty late to the Laura party with our review, but I am so glad we could finally join in and give you our view of this spectacular cable. 

Eletech’s TOTL offering sure is a serious force in the field and I doubt Laura is only here to play. She’s going to stay at the table of the best copper cables out there money can buy.

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/eletech-ode-to-laura-review/

2,799$ from Eletech

Effect Audio Centurion [Added 15/08/2021]

Effect Audio has reached perfection in quality and craftsmanship, perfection in product presentation and accessories, and perfection in sound quality. Unfortunately, this level of performance is incredibly expensive and paying a hefty price of $5k for a cable is not something everyone can or wants to do.

In the end, if you have the budget, you can get the Centurion and never ever lookout for an upgrade cable. Case closed, as it performs incredibly with every IEM. It takes them to the highest level, improves every aspect of sound, and the overall performance is simply astonishing.

Review: https://www.headfonia.com/effect-audio-centurion-review

4999$ from Effect Audio

 

Not found what you were looking for? Make sure to check out all of our Best Buy paged and Recommended Buys here: https://www.headfonia.com/best-gear/

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