OEHLBACH NF-214
Interconnects
The NF-214 is offered as a 'master set', a factory set, or it is available in any configuration on order. If you still need something more tailor-made than Oehlbach guarantees to meet your need within 72 hours. I don't see this as overpromising because Oehlbach's catalogue is endless.
Function and form
The NF-214 is among Oehlbach's all time best-sellers - the company has been producing the NF-214 since 80's. The NF-214 is a coaxial cable that uses 384 silver plated copper wires in a copper shielding, with polyethylene dielectrics. Also the outer jacket is PE, available in lila and bordeaux colours. It was breeze to work with the NF-214 as it was very pliable and soft despite its 11mm diameter.
Bass management
The version that I reviewed was terminated with HyperCut 4159 XXL series RCA connectors. These gold-plated 'turbine' connectors are similar to WBTs and make a reliable and firm connection.
Clarity & delicacy
Tonal accuracy
The NF-214 provides tonally rich and weighty presentation, as if I was listening to a 40 years old tubed amplifier. Recordings of human voices were radiating warmth and darker tonality which lent them a very viscous quality. The NF-214 is definitely not a neutral cable, yet what it does can be a remedy to low-cost digital systems. However, despite its bass power the lows were inarticulated and boomy. Should there be any weakness you would find it in highs - the top end exhibited a bit of grain and sometimes it got quite prominent.
Spatial resolution
The cable was quite dynamic and able to throw a wide soundstage with slightly compressed depth. The images spread even beyond the speakers which is not an easy task for any cable.
In the end I found the Oehlbach NF-214 to be quite euphonic and easy on ears. If you are looking for a cheap interconnect that would replace your stock laces this might be a good start.
Recommended resellers
Vlk Electronic s.r.o., TG Masaryka 1280, Zlín, tel. +420 577 430 883
Manufacturer's website: http://www.oehlbach.com
Associated components
- Sources: Accuphase DP-55
- Amplifiers: Accuphase E210A
- Interconnects and speaker cables: Dynaudio OCOS, Monster Interlink 300, DH Labs Air Matrix, Supra Trico, Audioquest Python and Nordost SPM Reference
- Loudspeakers: Dynaudio Contour 1.3SEMkII, Dynaudio Contour 1.1
Gallery
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