ddHiFi BC130 Pro Review
ddHiFi BC130 Pro Review
Introduction:
ddHiFi (DD Electronics Technology Co. Ltd.) is a Chinese company founded in 2017 that specializes in designing and manufacturing audio accessories for enthusiasts. Their product range includes earphone lines (like the Janus Series), portable cases for digital audio players (DAPs), digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and amplifier (AMP) adapters, cables, and other related products.
The BC130 Pro aka Nyx Pro is the latest flagship earphone upgrade cable of the company offering a very wide variety of connection options. It features interchangeable plugs for both balanced (4.4mm) and unbalanced (3.5mm) connections, along with detachable connectors for various earphones types (0.78mm 2-pin and MMCX) that was designed in collaboration with ELETECH. The cable itself is constructed with high-purity silver and monocrystalline copper for potentially improved audio quality, and its design aims to minimize signal distortion.
Disclaimer:
I would like to thank ddHiFi for providing me the BC130 Pro (Nyx Pro) upgrade cable for review purposes. I am not affiliated with ddHiFi beyond this review and these words reflect my true, unaltered opinions about the product.
Price & Availability:
The actual price of the ddHiFi BC130 Pro upgrade cable is 499.99 US$. More information’s can be found under the link below;
Package & Accessories:
The ddHiFi BC130 Pro (Nyx Pro) upgrade cable arrived in a rectangular box crafted from recycled paperboard. The box was wrapped in a white cardboard sleeve with a glossy finish that displayed the brand’s logo or other branding information on the top.
Inside of the box are the following Items/Accessories:
- 1x ddHiFi BC130 Pro (aka Nyx Pro) Upgrade Cable
- 3x pairs of Nyx Pin’s (0.78mm 2pin “3.00mm”, 0.78mm 2-Pin “3.5mm” & MMCX)
- 1x ddHiFi CZ180 Portable Case
- 1x ddHiFi C90 Genuine Leather Storage Case
- 1x ddHiFi Zipper Case
- 1x Manual/Warranty Card
The BC130 Pro (Nyx Pro) includes a generous set of storage options: a CZ180 portable case, a C90 leather case, and a zippered fabric pouch. All three are well-made and provide excellent protection for your cable.
The CZ180 and C90 cases are also available for separate purchase. More information can be found on the ddHiFi website (or relevant retailer’s website).
Design & Build Quality:
The ddHiFi BC130 Pro (Nyx Pro) is a premium upgrade cable designed to enhance the audio performance of compatible earphones. It features an improved conductor structure for potentially wider frequency response and clearer sound. The cable boasts an audiophile-grade, replaceable plug system that allows for connection customization across various audio sources. This design, along with internal adjustments for lossless plugs, aims to optimize signal transmission for potentially reduced audio degradation.
For increased versatility, the BC130 Pro features jointly developed interchangeable connectors, offering compatibility with a wider range of audio equipment.
The BC130 Pro is an impressive looking cable with an excellent overall build quality that is made from “Hand-Crafted” 4 Core multi stranded core design that features a Litz structure.
The BC130 Pro utilizes a 25.4AWG gauge cable featuring a hybrid core conductor structure. This structure combines high-purity silver and monocrystalline copper (both from Taiwan) in a Litz Type 2 configuration. Each core is comprised of 4 wires, with the silver core featuring 7 strands of 0.08mm diameter each, and the monocrystalline copper core boasting 56 strands of 0.05mm diameter each. Additionally, the cable employs Japan NUC chemical foam HDPE for inner insulation and high transparency SoftFlex PVC (Made in USA) for the external insulation.
The BC130 Pro (Nyx Pro) forgoes traditional metal shielding, instead utilizing a unique layer of precisely woven, silver-coated conductive fibers sandwiched between the inner and outer insulation layers. This innovative design surrounds the central core of the cable, potentially minimizing electromagnetic interference for a cleaner audio signal.
The pretty soft transparent outer isolation that offers a decent performance in terms of microphonic effect.
The BC130 Pro (Nyx Pro) features a new interchangeable connector system called “Nyx Pin,” jointly developed by ddHiFi and Eletech. This system provides compatibility with both MMCX and the widely used 0.78mm 2-pin connections. The cable comes standard with MMCX connectors and includes two pairs of different length 0.78mm 2-pin connectors (3.0mm and 3.5mm) to fit a wider range of earphones. These additional connectors have transparent and black shells for easy identification. While the replaceable connectors on the cable itself are called “Nyx-Pin,” the same internal connectors are also available for separate purchase under the name “Versa.”
The connectors have a premium-looking metal housing with L (Left) / R (Right) indicators on their surface.
The cable features flexible ear guides on both sides, offering extra comfort for extended listening sessions on the go.
The BC130 Pro (Nyx Pro) boasts a stylish y-splitter and chin slider design. The y-splitter has a polished silver finish, while the chin slider appears to be made of a metallic material with a gold color.
Another key feature of the BC130 Pro (Nyx Pro) is the replaceable Mini-XLR 4-pin connector, designed for high-fidelity audio transmission. This connector type differs from the standard 3.5mm connector found on most headphones. To minimize sound quality degradation caused by soldering, the cable utilizes a custom-designed conductor within the plug.
The BC130 Pro also offers both a 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm single-ended plug for connection flexibility.
The connectors have a very stylish L-shaped design with a silver and gold finish.
The build quality of the BC130 Pro is excellent, on par with all the other products I’ve tested from this company in the past.
Technical Specifications:
Equipment’s used for this review:
- IEM’s : Campfire Audio Supermoon, Oriveti OH700VB
- DAP/DAC/AMP : iBasso DX260, ddHiFi TC44 Pro E2
Albums & tracks used for this review:
- Adele – My Little Love (Spotify)
- Randy Crawford – On Day I Will Fly Away (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Hayley Westenra – Odyssey Album (Dezzer HiFi)
- Dionne Warwick – Walk On By (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Sarah McLachlan – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Sertap Erener – Aşk (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Edith Piaf – Non Je Ne Regrette Rien (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Diana Krall – So Wonderful (DSF)
- Aretha Franklin – I Say A Little Payer (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Sonya Yoncheva – (Giuseppe Verdi) II Trovatore, ActI (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- David Bowie – Heroes (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Elton John – Rocket Man ((Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Barry White – Just The Way You Are (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Isaac Hayes – Walk On By (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Sting – Englishman in New York – (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- B.B. King – Riding With The King (Tidal Hi-Fi)
- Dave Gahan – Kingdom (Tidal Hi-Fi)
- U2 – Sunday Bloody Sunday (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Bro Safari, UFO! – Drama (Deezer HiFi)
- Armin Van Buuren – Vini Vici (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Really Slow Motion – Deadwood (Deezer HiFi)
- Jo Blankenburg – Meraki (Spotify)
- Lorde – Royal (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Toutant – Rebirth (Deezer HiFi)
- Gogo Penguin – Raven (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Portishead – It Could Be Sweet (Spotify)
- Charly Antolini – Duwadjuwandadu (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Ferit Odman – Look, Stop & Listen (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Chopin – Nocturn No. 20 In C-Sharp Minor (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Fazıl Say – Nazım Oratoryosu (Live) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Vivaldi – Le QuarttroStagioni “The Four Season” (Deezer HiFi)
- Otto Liebert& Luna Negra – The River (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Lunatic Soul – The Passage (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Deftones – My Own Summer (Shove it) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Metallica – Sad but True (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Opeth – Windowpane (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Megadeth – Sweating Bullets (Tidal Hi-Fi)
- Rush’s – Leave That Thing Alone (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Slayer – Angel of Death (Spotify)s
- Liquid Tension Experiment 2 – Acid Rain (Spotify)
- Yosi Horikawa – Bubbles (Spotify)
The Sound:
Campfire Audio Supermoon + ddHiFi BC130 Pro (Nyx Pro):
The Campfire Audio Supermoon, a popular planar magnetic IEM, exhibits a strong synergy with the BC130 Pro cable. This pairing is said to elevate the Supermoon’s sonic performance in several ways, which we will explore below.
Bass: The Campfire Audio Supermoon’s deep bass response can be further enhanced when paired with the BC130 Pro. This combination improves the control and impact of low frequencies, creating a clearer and more defined bass presentation. Details in the lower register become more prominent, reducing the perception of muddiness. Additionally, a tighter sub-bass decay is experienced, contributing to a cleaner overall soundscape.
Midrange: The Campfire Audio Supermoon is known for its well-regarded midrange clarity. Pairing it with the BC130 Pro cable enhances this aspect further. This combination improves transparency and resolution, resulting in vocals and instruments being perceived with greater detail and definition. The cable introduces a touch more clarity to the lower mids, while preserving the natural warmth and body that are hallmarks of the Supermoon. This balance ensures vocals remain smooth and engaging, even with the increased detail.
Treble: The treble region of the Campfire Audio Supermoon benefits from a touch of added presence and brilliance, as achieved by the ddHiFi BC130 Pro (Nyx Pro) cable, without introducing sibilance or harshness. This translates to improved clarity in the lower treble, while the upper treble gains a bit more air and sparkle. Instruments like violins, pianos, and cymbals will likely sound more extended and nuanced.
Soundstage: The ddHiFi BC130 Pro cable is also able to widen the perceived soundstage of the Supermoon. This creates a more immersive listening experience, with instruments better separated and positioned within a broader sonic landscape. Additionally, the depth of the soundstage improves slightly, adding another layer of realism to the music.
Oriveti OH700VB + ddHiFi BC130 Pro (Nyx Pro):
The Oriveti OV700VB, a hybrid in-ear monitor (IEM), comes with a pretty good standard cable. This analysis explores the benefits of pairing the OV700VB with the BC130 Pro upgrade cable.
Bass: The ddHiFi BC130 Pro (Nyx Pro) improves the sub-bass authority and extension of the Oriveti OH700VB compared to its stock cable, resulting in a more impactful and controlled low-end. Additionally, the mid-bass region benefits from increased clarity and resolution, providing a tighter and more defined bass presentation.
Midrange: The midrange of the Oriveti OH700VB paired with the BC130 Pro, shows a slightly more natural overall presentation compared to its stock cable, that was audible with instruments and especially male vocals. The upper midrange shows an improvement in extension and resolution. The BC130 Pro (Nyx Pro) cable offers also a cleaner, darker background compared to the stock cable. This improved background focuses sonic details, revealing nuances in music you might miss with the standard cable.
Treble: The Oriveti OH700VB paired with the ddHiFi BC130 Pro cable shows smoother and more controlled transitions from the upper midrange to the lower treble. This smoother transition reduces listener fatigue for many users. The upper treble exhibits a touch more brilliance, resulting in a potentially airier and more atmospheric soundscape. Instruments like percussion may also benefit from increased extension in this area.
Soundstage: The Oriveti OH700VB paired with the BC130 Pro cable offers a slightly wider and deeper soundstage compared to the stock cable, creating a more immersive listening experience.
Conclusion:
The ddHiFi BC130 Pro (Nyx Pro) is a compelling upgrade cable option for audiophiles seeking to elevate their earphone experience. It boasts a versatile design with interchangeable plugs and connectors, catering to a wide range of earphones and audio sources. The high-purity silver and monocrystalline copper construction promises improved audio quality, while the focus on minimizing signal distortion suggests a potential for cleaner, more detailed sound. Moreover, the included storage options, consisting of a portable case, a leather case, and a fabric pouch, ensure your investment is well-protected. With its focus on audio fidelity, customization, and durability, the BC130 Pro (Nyx Pro) positions itself as a premium upgrade cable for discerning listeners.
Pros & Cons:
- + Audible Enhancement in Audio Fidelity (Clarity, Resolution, Distortion, Layering, etc.)
- + Excellent Built Quality
- + Eye Catching Design
- + Nyx Pin’s (0.78mm 2pin “3.00mm”, 0.78mm 2-Pin “3.5mm” & MMCX)
- + Interchangeable Headphone Plugs
- + Rich Set of Accessories (CZ180, C90 storage case)
- – As a premium upgrade cable, the BC130 Pro more expensive than standard cables
Thank you for the Read!
