Warren Audio HD800 cable – aka Double-Helix cable: I had the HD800 cable on display at RMAF 8 weeks ago, with my Eddie Current ZDT amp and GE 5751 black plate tube, and everyone loved it. The cable clearly improves the detail and transparency of the HD800, and takes the HD800 another step further in approaching my electrostatic headphones in speed and transient response. I consider the HD800 to be like an HE60 with bass impact, which is a good thing. I did find that people listening at RMAF would switch the PS Audio DAC to 96K up-sampling when using the HD800, as it was not as bright, but then when they’d listen to the Woo GES/Stax O2 Mk1 they’d go back to the brighter 192K mode, so I’m not the only one.

I have only gone back to the stock cable once since RMAF and that was to compare cables after switching to a brighter sounding Sylvania 5751 gold pin tube in the ZDT. I found that when I switch the PS Audio Digital Link III to 96Khz up-sampling to compensate for the brighter Sylvania tube, that I enjoy the HD800 better with the Warren Audio (aka Fidelity Audio) cable than the stock cable. I also found the Apogee mini-DAC compensates fairly well for the brighter Sylvania tube, allowing me to still use the Warren Audio cable which is not as rolled off in the highs as the stock cable.

The V2 cable and the HD800 combo changed that, first off the price came down significantly, but more importantly the little issues I still had with the re-cabled HD800 are resolved: the HD800 grew some bass – with nice, tight impact unlike the stock version’s hint at the lower registers. The soundstage always was huge but now it also sounds natural unlike the stock version – maybe the best sound staging / imaging I’ve heard besides an HE90 and it retains all the great qualities in a more tonally balanced and accurate (to my ears) presentation. 

Seems to me that separation is even better than before, which was what impressed me the most with stock HD800. It sounds a little warmer and fuller too; and not so cold. Maybe the stock cables weren’t so great? As far as the cables themselves, I like how it is marked left and right on the cables; very nice touch, since I always feel like red should be on the left side; reading left to right, I guess. Why is that the standard scheme, anyway? I think the Cardas connectors on HD650 had the same color marking scheme. Anyway, thanks again for the cables, really. I can already tell it’s a big step up from the stock cables, probably a bigger jump than when I put the APS cable into the HD650 about 2 years ago. If I had money lying around, I would most definitely invest in your RCA cables; I have a feeling those would make a difference.

Overall, I have listed impressions with different recordings but it all seem to revolve around the same point: there’s a feeling of smearing of highs with the stock cable which at first gives the impression of detailed sound but soon turns into lack of spacialization and increased sibilance / graininess of high pitch sounds. The Warren Audio cable makes a very noticeable improvement to the presentation with a smoother sound, better layering and placement of instruments, no sign of sibilances / graininess. The Blue Dragon also does a very good job at reducing the treble emphasis of the stock cable but sacrifices some resolution in the process. The Warren Audio cable is very detailed while significantly improving transient response / decay.

It took me 15 minutes to gently unravel your protective wrapping thinking there must be a handful of diamonds inside. My first impression was how solid and professional the cables were put together. The detail work was impressive. For some reason I had expected a thicker cable thinking that double helix means many strands in a helix shape wrapped around each other. This cable was sleek with a nice black wrap.

Overall this is a nice upgrade for the HD800 and is now even more affordable. I think it makes the HD800 sound more balanced and detailed than the stock cable. And it allows one to put in less effort to get just the right DAC, tubes and other components to pair up the HD800 with one’s rig.

Blutarsky came over to listen to the eXStatA amp this weekend with his Stax Lambdas, and while he was here he tried out the newest HD800 Double Helix cable. Now, as some of you know, prior to hearing the HD800 with the original Double Helix cable Blutarsky didn’t like the HD800 with stock cable, as he thought his Equinox cabled Grado HP-1000 were superior. When he first heard the HD800 with the original Double Helix cable a few weeks ago he began to seriously consider buying an HD800 for himself, as they weren’t as veiled or sibilant to him as with the stock cable, and he loved the huge soundstage (we have the same EC ZDT amp to drive them, and similar sounding DACs).

One thing holding him back was the high price for the HD800 cable. He did not want the HD800 without the upgraded cable, and $799 for a 3-meter cable just pushed the total price too high in this economy. This time, with the latest Double Helix cable, Scott was thrilled because he said it sounded even better – fuller, stronger and that it “just sounded right”. He was asking me if I changed tubes, or what did I do to make it this good. He was surprised that the only change was the updated cable, and he feels the sound is even better balanced now. He went as far as to say that while he really did like my Woo WES with Stax O2 Mk1 today, he felt that the HD800/Double Helix combo on the ZDT was superior. He agreed that my HE60 on the WES amp now have the best bass he’s ever heard from them, and that they sound similar to the HD800/Double Helix; but he felt that the Warren-Audio cabled HD800′s soundstage and dynamics were still superior, and that it was like being there vs listening to a really good reproduction on the HE60.

So if looking for the ultimate improvement for your HD800 headphones, or any headphones for that matter, be sure to check out Warren Audio for all of your Headphone Cable needs.

Movada have won more than 100 patents and more than 200 international awards but who are they?  If we tell you that they are a Swiss company…that narrows it down to Banks, chocolate and Cuckoo Clocks.  The last one is the nearest – they are high-end watchmakers.

What does Movado mean?

Movado is an Esperanto word.  Esperanto is an ‘international’ language and the word Movada means ‘always in motion’.

The beginning of Movado

Movado was started in 1881 in a small village called La Chaux-de-Fonds.  It was founded by a 19 year old pocket watchmaker called Achille Ditesheim.  His philosophy was that all Movado watches should display excellence in design, dedication to Swiss craftsmanship and the quest for technological innovation. As his success grew, he hired six assistants and from that boy with a dream, an international company grew and they still hold Ditesheim’s philosophy today.

Innovative designs from Movado

• In 1912, Movado produced a watch called Polyplan.  It had a never-before-seen movement which was built on three planes so that it could fit into a case which was curved to wrap neatly around the wrist.
• During WWI, Movado produced ‘The Soldier’s Watch’ which had an elegant and yet protective grille over the face.
• In 1927 they produced the ‘Ermeto’.  This beautiful pocket watch was unusual because it was shaped like a capsule.  It was wound by the sliding movement made by its’ case.
• The 1950’s saw the ‘Kingmatic’ series of automatic watches that were driven by rotors.
• Famous exponents of fine art became involved in the development of the ‘Artist’s Series’.
• Probably the most famous Movado is the Museum® Watch with its’ legendary trademark dial.

The Museum Watch®

This Icon of Modernism was designed by an artist called Nathan George Horwitt in 1947.  His design was influenced by Bauhaus and featured a single large dot at the twelve o’clock position, signifying ‘high’ noon as shown on a sundial.  In 1960, the watch dial was chosen to be on permanent display in the Museum of Modern Art in New York – the first watch dial to be awarded this honor.  That is why it is called the Museum Watch and it was so sought after that it spawned an entire collection.

Since then, many Movado watches have found their way into more than twenty permanent collections in museums all over the world.

What’s so special about Movado watches?

Since its’ humble beginnings, Movado has stayed at the forefront of design, amazing craftsmanship and the newest technology.  Movada watches stay accurate to within seconds per year.  They are all sealed to protect them from water, moisture and dust – all of which could damage the movements.  They are all individually tested to make sure that they meet high international quality standards.

Do Movado only make watches?

No – they now have a jewelry collection featuring diamonds with 114 facets, jewelry made with 18 carat gold, diamonds, sterling silver and gemstones, pens, personal accessories and clocks.  Movado produce a seasonal catalogue and there are more than twenty five Movado Boutiques in the United States.

Get a Movado watch…

Movado watches are high-end and consequently costly but it is possible to get hold of an affordable one if you shop around.

Let’s take a look at a lady’s watch – the

Amorosa Two-Tone Stainless Steel Watch by Movado

This beautifully elegant watch features the signature Movado Museum dial in black with gold Dauphine hands and Horwitt’s classic concave dot at the twelve o’clock position.

The black dial is housed in a silver colored stainless steel case measuring 24 mm across and framed by a round silver colored steel bezel.  The dial is further set off against the background of two tones of highly polished stainless steel.

The watch is set on a highly polished steel bangle bracelet accented in gold tones.  The bracelet measures 6.5 inches and features removable links to ensure a perfect fit.  It fastens with a jewelry clasp.

The watch is water-resistant to 30 meters and consequently can survive splashes and very brief immersion in water – but it is not water resistant enough for prolonged immersion or to be worn while bathing or swimming.

This watch is also available in stainless steel plated with 18 carat gold and is available with diamonds.

It features a Swiss quartz movement.

How do I know if I’ve got a fake?

A search for ‘Movida’ brings up many pages of companies selling Movida watches and many are confessed replicas.  But how can you tell if the Movida watch that you have bought in good faith as an original – is an original and not a fake?

1.  Look at the wording on the face of the watch.  The word ‘Movida’ should be all in capital letters.  A true Movado will have the words “Swiss Movado Made” or “Swiss Made”.  Anything other than those would denote a fake.  Many fakes say “Swiss Movado Quartz”.  Because many fake watches are made in foreign countries, it is likely that fakes will have spelling and / or grammatical errors.

2.  Remove the back cover and look for the Movado logo on the inside.  A real Movado will have the logo and the word ‘Movado’ in capital letters on the inside.

3.  Movida are not able to verify or determine authenticity from a serial number, style number or model number. If you didn’t buy your watch from an Authorized Retailer, they cannot verify authenticity without physically examining your watch.  When you purchase a Movida watch, it should be accompanied by an embossed warranty card that contains the Authorized Retailer’s name.

If you would like Movida to examine your watch for authenticity, please download, complete and send a Repair and Service Request Form along with your watch to them for examination.

4.  Bear in mind that a real Movado watch will never cost you less than $250.  Anyone charging less than that is probably selling you a fake.

A timeless classic

A Movida watch will bring you endless pleasure for many years so although they are costly, they are well worth the money.  Go on…you’re worth it!