Comparisons –
Eletech Raphael ($499): The Raphael is a gold/copper hybrid cable offered at a slightly lower price point. It is ergonomically similar and also sports a stunning build but no modular connectors. The Orlog provides a slightly bigger bass with greater dynamics especially. The Raphael is a touch more linear and provides a slightly cleaner mid-bass with a more defined well textured while the Orlog has greater sub-bass focus and a more aggressive attack and impact. The midrange is a touch more present on the Raphael and has a more articulate quality.
It offers slightly more intimate vocals that are equally enlarged with slightly higher definition. The Orlog has more neutral positioning and a slightly cleaner tonality but is also denser. The Orlog has a bit more room and slightly better layering. Both are smoothly articulated, the Orlog is a step darker as the Raphael has greater upper-treble sparkle and slightly better micro-detail retrieval while the Orlog has a bit more lower-treble crispness. The soundstage is a touch more spacious on the Orlog.
Plussound Tri-Copper ($549): The Tri-Copper presents a more predominately warm and rich sound. The bass showcases this notably, being more dynamic but also cleaner on the Orlog and warmer and fuller on the Tri-copper. The Orlog has noticeably harder-hitting and tighter sub-bass slam alongside a cleaner mid and upper-bass. The Tri-copper is warmer, a bit softer around the edges but equally well textured. The midrange tells a similar story. The Orlog has a slightly more neutral presence and slightly larger vocal size while the Tri-Copper is slightly more laid-back.
The Tri-Copper has a warmer tone and its male vocals especially sound huskier and more enriched. The Orlog meanwhile is cleaner and more clearly expressed. It is more resolving and has better layering. Both cables provide a slightly darker background to the treble, the Tri-Copper has a bit more lower-treble presence but lacks the same definition of the Orlog which presents a more technical sound with better extension and detail retrieval. The soundstage dimensions are similar on both with the Orlog having more nuanced imaging.
Satin Audio Hera ($850): The Hera is a palladium, silver and gold hybrid cable with an engaging and robust sound. The low end is powerfully voiced on both with the Hera offering a slightly fuller and bassier sound yet. The Orlog has a slightly greater sub-bass focus and a tighter, more pressurized slam at the very bottom. The Hera offers a more defined, aggressive mid-bass punch offering slightly more bass impact and fullness overall. The Hera has a more contrasted bass-to-midrange transition that gives it slightly clearer and more defined vocals. As a result of pulling back the lower mids, it is a bit drier and slightly more laid back. The Orlog meanwhile is a bit fuller and warmer through its midrange.
It has larger and more present vocals at the expense of clarity. The Hera offers slightly more treble presence with equal bite and cleanliness in the lower treble combined with an airer, more present mid-treble. The background isn’t as dark and clean but fine detail retrieval is enhanced. Both are extended and sparkly though the Hera is slightly more detailed overall albeit brighter also. In terms of soundstage, the Orlog sounds more spacious due to its darker background which grants a greater sense of distance. The Hera is more intimate, and its layers aren’t as delineated, but it has sharper directional cues and superior mid and treble separation.
Verdict –
Over the last decade, I’ve enjoyed custom cables as both a consumer and a reviewer. I’ve had the privilege of getting to know the minds behind them and watch them grow from home office DIYers to powerhouses with cutting-edge tech enabling in-house fabrication. The Orlog is the culmination of the efforts from both Kinera and Effect Audio, and the result showcases the result of productive joint input. The Orlog looks stunning and awes the buyer from the outset with its elaborate unboxing. The combination of Effect Audio’s experience, manufacturing and proprietary feature set alongside the knack for visual flare imbued by Kinera’s design team has created a true statement product. Boasting excellent dynamics, a spacious stage and smooth, clean treble, this isn’t just a cable for Kinera’s IEMs but a high-end design of similar esteem to any premium boutique cable.
The Orlog is available from Kinera Audio (International) for $699/999 USD at the time of writing for 4W and 8W models respectively. I am not affiliated with Kinera Audio and receive no earnings from purchases made through these links.
