Started in April 2012, Plussosund is known for their high quality, fully customizable cables. In fact they were the first cable maker to offer full customization, giving total control to the consumer. If I remember correctly, they started gaining popularity with their Exo series of cables and haven’t looked back since then. Couple of years ago Plussound launched 3 high end IEMs Allegro, Sonora and Volta and recently they have refreshed Sonora and Volta with their special edition variants.
What I have here is their latest upper mid range cable, Hybrid XL and I have to admit this is one of their best looking cables. It takes their core Litz structure to the next level, offering much better performance when it comes to both build and sound quality. Priced at $1299 this cable uses separate groups of pure silver and copper lines in a Litz structure. It comes in only one color scheme though. I will compare it with a couple other similarly priced cables. $1299 is mighty high for a lot of us but for those who are habituated with these super capable cables, this is not a big ask given that we are getting a lot more tech at around half the price that we used to an year ago. Let’s see if this cable can hold its ground.
Get one from here:
In Their Words:
We’re proud to unveil Hybrid XL, the first cable release of 2025 and our most ambitious design to date.
Born from months of experimentation and a return to the fundamentals of cable architecture, Hybrid XL re-imagines past concepts with a fresh perspective. The result is a bold, high-performance design that blends familiarity with innovation. At the heart of Hybrid XL is our thickest configuration ever—a robust 16AWG 7x quad-layer coaxial Litz structure—engineered to maximize conductivity and sonic integrity across a wide range of equipment.
Each of the seven internal groups features four precision-layered strand sets, allowing for a denser, more efficient transmission path that scales effortlessly from sensitive IEMs to power-hungry full-size headphones. Every strand is individually enamel-coated to eliminate electrical interference, mitigate the effects of skin effect, and resist oxidation over time.
ACCESSORIES:
Hybrid XL comes in an IEM like box. We get a leatherette draw string carry pouch and a cable tie with it. I definitely would have liked a hard case with a cable in this price but its okay I guess.
BUILD QUALITY:
This cable looks super sexy thanks to the amber and silver strands. It has totally different core structure as the Copper XL. Copper XL uses copper cores in a type 6×6 Litz structure with dampening cores in between them. While Hybrid XL uses selected UP-OCC pure copper and pure silver strands in a 7x Quad-layer coaxial type Litz structure and the strands are individually coated with enamel. This 2 core cable uses 16AWG wires for optimum performance and has proprietary PS insulation for better flexibility.
All of this is fantastic but how is the feel. Thankfully it is more supple, less bouncy and less memory prone than similarly priced EA cables. It has slightly thinner cores and weighs less too. The parts as usual are of very good quality, made out of metal but the good thing is it isn’t heavy. The cable slider and Y splitter looks nice and fairly light weight. Just like other PS cables, Hybrid XL too has no cable guides to worry about. They have ergonomically bent the connectors to offer superb comfort and stability. It is softer and thinner than the 8W versions of signature series cables.
In their words:
• Proprietary PS Insulation – for enhanced ergonomics and superior flexibility
• Cryogenic Treatment – stabilizes conductor performance and improves long-term durability
Despite its size, Hybrid XL retains an impressively soft, pliable feel—eclipsing the comfort and handling of many similarly sized cables.
SOUND QUALITY:
Where do I start? When we like a thing, we just like to blabber about it. This is one of those products. This cable is like a mature and clarity oriented upgrade that pairs superbly with warm and slightly dull sounding IEMs. Hybrid XL doesn’t try to change the signature of the IEM but polishes out the edgy and rawness while dialing down the unwanted warmth.
So what’s the signature of this cable? Hybrid XL has a well balanced, slightly W shaped signature. It has a little bit of lower end emphasis with a bit of elevation with vocals and highs while focusing more on clarity. The difference in energy of instruments around the vocals is small but perceivable. So, is it analytical? No, it has aptly fuller notes that adds a bit more body and has a lot of character but focuses more on technicality than weight or rumbles. If I compare it with the Fusion 1, this is not trying to be very cohesive or smooth but more technically capable while maintaining superior resolution and definition.
BASS:
I like this kind of tuning a lot, tight clean and resolving. This is not a bassy or warm sounding cable by a good margin. It’s not about the quantity but the quality and the delicate balance between these two. It has one of the best balances of body, definition and details but yes, it does priorities details and control a bit more. We get exceptional precision, no bass note has overly soft landing, they are aptly tight and when hitting harder upper bass notes, notes are not overly dry or heavy, making this a special and unique sounding cable. The layered delivery of bass notes is delightful. We do not get a bloated or ever so present kind of lower end. What I liked a lot is the ability to separate upper bass notes from the rest of the lower end, providing one of the best dynamics and clarity. The decay is nicely paced to deliver an exquisite balance of heft, that is satisfying and speed, that doesn’t make things slow or bloated. We get plenty rumble and very good movement of air too. Hybrid XL has superb sub-bass extension and very good amount of rumbles. Mid bass doesn’t get overly voluminous or heavy with an aptly full bodied slam that hits, makes its presence felt and leaves without unnecessary residue.
MID RANGE:
As mentioned earlier, this is a slightly W shaped cable with very good vocal emphasis and cohesion while enhancing overall clarity and definition. I have worked on a handful of cables in this price range but this sounds unique and more detailed than any of them, as good as the Cleopatra II but with a bit more natural presentation. It has a more conservative, gradual transition from upper bass to lower mids. We get a bit of extra pop and room for the vocals giving it an effortless feel. Make no mistakes, precision and accuracy in both vocals and instruments are not eliminated like Code 24 (1st gen). They have their spark and energy but aren’t aggressive. Taking the unnecessary sharpness away is one of the standout characters of this cable.
Vocals gain superb timber and tonality. Yes, the vocals are organic and slightly warmish in general but behave differently with different IEMs. both male and female vocal notes have a bit more body, depth and are more planted while the finishing region have the right amount of energy to keep me engaged while providing excellent definition and staying clear of sibilance. Male vocals sound superb with a throaty and authoritative weight while the female vocals are aptly sharp. Both exhibit excellent texture. Instruments on the other hand are slightly less forward but they are agile, supple and willing to go places thanks to the exceptional sonics and cue placement. The transient notes are surreal. Bigger stage provides excellent air between instruments and its slightly slower decay gives the IEMs a real stage like coherency.
HIGHS:
There is something really special about this cable. Coming from a guy who has just finished working on 3 high end PW Audio cables. This cable delivers a tasteful delicacy that is airy yet detailed. It offers superb agility and sparkle. No other cable offers the balance of tonality and transparency like this. What we get is a high end that is superbly detailed, uniformly energized, free of any unwanted sharpness with superb extension. It maintains excellent energy till the end, enhancing overall clarity and definition. If you are sensitive to sharpness, this cable takes of that. It dials down the unwanted aggression while maintaining superb back and foregrounding layering. The finishing region is well defined with slightly better energy and transparency, maintaining the right amount of bite and aggression while staying clear of any fatigue.
It’s calmness presentation makes it easier to spot each note as they are portrayed with excellent composure. Not sharp, horrid, rigid or rushed. Layering and separation are superb with very good air between instruments. The floor is clean even with busier tracks. All of this makes the Hybrid XL an resolving yet aptly relaxed sounding cable.
STAGE AND IMAGING:
This is something that makes a cable great. We need bigger stage and the Hybrid XL has an exceptionally well developed stage. It has one of the biggest stages that provide expansion in every direction. It has very good height, nicely spread X-axis width and class leading z-axis depth. Instrument distribution is mostly even with no part of the spectrum getting extra emphasis but yes, the mid range, especially vocals take a slightly larger area. Yes, there are cables with around 10-15% bigger stages but they cost nearly 2 times more but none of the PW Audio cables I have heard have better sonics than this. Back and foreground micro notes are soft and subtle with superb transient effects. Imaging is very accurate with very good resolution and cue placements.
PAIRING WITH IEMS:
Custom Art Fibae 5: make an superb IEM exceptional!!
Fibae 5 is one of those IEMs that responds exceptionally well to cables and this pairing takes the whole experience to another level. It easily matches up to the flagships of Last gen like Odin and Kublai Khan. Yes, it’s not exactly same but the expansion in stage, air between instruments are on par while the extra bit of finishing definition makes it better than them. The stock cable didn’t had taller notes but that’s taken care by Hybrid XL. Notes have superb definition and layering is exceptional. The slightly detail oriented tuning of the Fibae 5 pairs exceptionally with the slightly revealing signature of the Hybrid XL, offering superb technicalities.
We get a bit more control bass volume, offering very good rumbles with bassy track moving serious amount of air, yet staying clean and clear (Zhu – Waters of Monaco). Sub-bass lovers will love this and mid bass lovers will please with the weight and slam. Biggest gainer here is the upper bass, we get a bit more clarity and cleaner notes. The contrast between back and foreground improved a lot, providing a private concert like experience.
Mid instruments are transparent but now they have a bit more weight and authority with agility, giving a wholesome feel. Both male and female vocals have superb texture and a bit more juice, improving the timber while sounding more emotional. Treble is stupendous now. Fibae 5 felt slightly dry before, now it’s a lot more organic yet highly detailed. Layering and separation are even more impressive with better air with superior instrument placement.
Craft ears Aurum:
This is an interesting pairing. Aurum in its own is a highly technically capable IEM and hybrid XL too sounds a bit more technical and detailed in general. So what does this pairing brings to the table? Surprisingly it doesn’t sound lean or thin, in fact the mid range is slightly warmish while offering a much bigger stage and air between instruments.
This pairing offers slightly deeper sub-bass punches while keeping it tight and clean. Mid bass is slightly fuller and has very good weight behind the notes. Layered delivery has improved with better back and foreground separation. It offers a bit more natural body to the upper bass notes too. As mentioned earlier, mid range sounds a bit more organic and natural with slightly fuller vocals and improved textures. Yes, female vocals are slightly less attacking though. Instruments sound a bit less forward while maintaining high quality resolution and definition. The biggest improvement is with the imaging, Aurum gains an extra layer of instruments thanks to the deeper Z-axis depth. Treble on the other hand sounds slightly more natural with very good control over sharpness. Layering and separation too are a lot cleaner with superb definition.
64audio Aspire 4:
Now, this is an odd kind of pairing. Aspire 4 is a warm, fun and smooth sounding IEM and it nicely reciprocates the true nature of Hybrid XL. This pairing offers a much bigger stage with better micro details and resolution across the spectrum.
We get impressive sub-bass depth and good rumbles but this pairing has tighter and slightly less hefty mid bass presentation. Area of impact is smaller but has deeper hits with better layered delivery and cleaner back and foreground separation. Upper bass too is cleaner with better definition. Mid range is where this cable shows the superb technical capabilities offering better resolution and cleaner definition with a bit more texture and micro details of the instruments. Vocals on the other hand sound slightly more precise and accurate with superb finishing and clarity. Yes, it sound slightly less organic but offers much better transparency with micro details. This cable has a huge impact on the highs of this IEM. Aspire 4 gains much better energy with the upper treble regions while offering superb agility and transparency. It adds a lot more air between instruments which results in much better layering and separation of background instruments.
COMPARISONS:
Cadmus Founder’s Edition:
This is an excellent cable in general but an exceptional cable according to my preference. It’s mid forward signature, vocal accuracy, texture on notes and transparency is simply outstanding but doesn’t have similar emphasis on bass or highs.
Subs are good with rumble. Mid bass has good slam and punch. Body is decent but it doesn’t have as meaty or full bodied presentation like the Hybrid XL. Mid range are nearly similar but Hybrid XL has Slightly less forward vocals, similar texture but a bit more resolution and definition. Instruments have similar definition and details but are cleaner and more resolving with the Hybrid XL. Treble is more a lot more airy and cleaner with the Hybrid XL with better layering and separation with better directional cues. Hybrid XL has a bigger treble stage too.
Basically Cadmus FE is warmer and mid focused IEM while the Hybrid XL offers better end to end clarity and resolution.
VS PW Audio Metropolis ft.60s:
This is nearly twice as expensive and has better definition thanks to nearly 15% bigger stage but the stage is bigger near the head and further away while it’s thin and lacking height.
Lows are similarly full and rounded but have a bit more space and layering. Mid range instruments and vocals are in the V with the ft.60s while Hybrid XL has a more organic and emotional vocals with slightly less clean instruments. Macro details are a lot more cohesive with the XL while micro details are a bit more resolving with the ft.60s. Treble of the ft.60s sounds a bit taller, slightly cleaner, more defined and resolving but can sound a bit dry and aggressive.
CONCLUSION:
What is a great IEM or cable? When a cable or IEM makes the experience so cohesive that you don’t want to end your listening session, that’s what the Hybrid XL is offering with most of the IEMs. I just can blabber a lot. That’s how good this thing is. Doesn’t matter the pairing, this cable delivers like a champion. “What is it champion of?” you may ask. It’s the champion at making an IEM sound bigger and grander while offering better resolution and definition, enhancing its technical capabilities. The outstanding balance this cable brings in with Precision, rhythm and timing, makes it special.
Its ability to extract better transparency, technicalities and details while bringing in class leading sonics, bigger stage and excellent contrast between back and foreground notes is unique. Yes, it’s a flavored cable with a bit of brighter signature that doesn’t negatively affect the rest of the spectrum. But I have a small advice. This cable works exceptionally well with a well balanced, detailed and technically sound IEMs. I threw a few BA based IEMs at it and its response was equally impressive.
So who should get this cable? This cable is for anyone who wants a bit of extra technical oomph and better resolution without sacrificing the musical aspects. The EST based flagship hybrids will love to pair up with this highly capable, elegant and classy looking cable. Definitely one of the best cables I have ever used irrespective of the price.
