Cables & Accessories

By applying the QSeries architectures developed for its analogue cables, KLEI aims to bring similar benefits to its digital cables. The cable’s architecture is designed to maintain a zero voltage and low-noise earth state, claimed to enhance the electron flow in the signal conductor. The aim of the design is to produce a cable that protects the signal from surges and RFI, capacitive and inductive effects as well as static charges in order to facilitate a smooth uninterrupted signal flow from one component to another. As a result, the components are effectively isolated, allowing them to perform their individual task without interference.

The cable is fitted with a USB Type-A (flat) connector at one end and a Type-B (square) at the other, making it suitable for connecting a PC with, say, a USB DAC. I use it to connect a Windows PC to an Alpha Design Labs GT40a (HFC 399), acting as a DAC for playing files stored on a PC through my hi-fi.

Sound quality

After running the cable in, I put it through its paces with some jazz and Cécile McLorin Salvant singing Mad About The Boy. This relaxed piece is very involving and the piano, double bass and drums are superbly clear. The soundstage is very well laid out in front of me and McLorin, together with each instrument in the ensemble, has her own clearly defined position. In particular, the piano is very believable, especially in the Bach-like solo section of the track.

Elinor Frey on the cello and David Fung on the piano playing De Falla’s Nana is extremely captivating. The position of both instruments is well defined with the cello very much in front and to the right of the piano.

It may be costly for a USB cable, but it provides a solid connection for digital audio components and its performance is hard to fault. NR

DETAILS
Product: KLE Innovations QFLOW7
Price: From £300 for 1m 
Type: USB Cable
Telephone: 01536 762211
Website: divineaudio.co.uk
Read the full review in November issue 441