For audiophiles, cables are a crucial element in shaping sound character. Some view them as seasonings that enrich music, while others see them as the final piece of a puzzle that unlocks the full potential of their entire system. The Hong Kong brand Nostalgia Audio has been representative in this exploration. From their debut work, Gandalf, to the later Lancelot inspired by the Knights of the Round Table, each cable seems to tell a story. Now, on the brand's fifth anniversary, they have launched not only their flagship headphones, Pendragon, but also their flagship cable, Guinevere. This new product is not only the pinnacle of the brand's craftsmanship but also appears to blend the romantic sentiment of medieval legends with modern acoustic technology, embarking on a transcendent musical journey through time.
The wire and hardware parts use aerospace-grade aluminum alloy as the foundation, which is then coated with a "medieval gold" layer.
Inspiration Origins
A Modern Interpretation of the Arthurian Legend
The name "Guinevere" comes from the queen in the Arthurian legend, who symbolizes loyalty and love, but is also the focus of conflict and tragedy due to her romance with the knight Lancelot. Nostalgia Audio skillfully transforms this legendary spirit into a tangible form: the cable features a silver-gold hue as its primary tone, while the metal components are inspired by the white queen in chess. The splitter references the shape of a chess crown and incorporates an intricate hollow design, exuding a sense of understated luxury. When held, it feels like more than just a simple audio accessory; it is an art piece that carries cultural significance, allowing users to experience the emotional resonance of a millennia-old legend while listening to music.
The layer of the wire is made from transparent gold PVC, with pure gold foil flakes and metallic glitter mixed inside, making it very dazzling.
The hardware components are inspired by the white queen in chess, and the splitter is designed to resemble a chess crown, incorporating a hollow design.
The name "Guinevere" comes from the queen in the legend of King Arthur.
Technological Breakthrough
The Fusion of Four Precious Metals and Litz Structure
Nostalgia Audio's journey began in 2020 when the brand entered the realm of headphone upgrade cables with its first product, Gandalf. After five years of focused research and technological refinement, the birth of Guinevere marks an important milestone. This fifth-anniversary masterpiece boasts the use of four types of precious metal alloys—gold, silver, platinum, and palladium—as conductors, a formulation that is extremely rare in the market. Each metal brings its own advantages to sound performance: gold adds warmth, silver enhances clarity, platinum refines the high frequencies, and palladium deepens and layers the bass. Overall, the listening experience is not merely luxurious; it offers a balanced and musical tone that clarifies details while maintaining a natural and fluid musical atmosphere.
Additionally, the cable utilizes a Litz Type 4s structure, which effectively suppresses the skin effect—where high-frequency currents tend to flow along the conductor's surface, often leading to distortion. The design of multiple insulated conductors allows for a more even current distribution, significantly boosting transmission efficiency. Coupled with spiral shielding, it not only effectively reduces electromagnetic interference and crosstalk but also creates an exceptionally clean background, enhancing the depth and detail of the soundstage.
Guinevere uses the Effect Audio ConX solution, and the image shows the 2-pin connector included in the system.
The packaging also includes a ConX headphone connector module set, allowing users to replace it themselves.
The cable tie is also designed to be quite elegant.
Fine Craftsmanship
Royal-Level Attention to Detail
Nostalgia Audio has always emphasized that acoustic craftsmanship and aesthetics should be equally valued, and this time is no exception. The outer skin of the cable is made from transparent gold PVC, infused with pure gold foil flakes and metallic glitter. As the angle of light changes, it presents a golden palace-like effect—shimmering brilliantly in sunlight, while radiating an amber-like warmth in candlelight. This design makes Guinevere a piece of art that showcases different aesthetics depending on the setting.
The metal components are crafted from aerospace-grade aluminum alloy, treated with anodization and coated with a "medieval gold" finish. The splitter features a patented self-lubricating bearing system, allowing for a silky smooth rotation.
|
Guinevere Perfect Match with Its Sister Headphones
In the actual listening experience, Guinevere showcases its versatility when paired with different headphones. When connected to Nostalgia Audio's flagship Pendragon, the two seem to recreate the synergy of the Knights of the Round Table: Guinevere's four precious metal alloys add greater depth to Pendragon's already rich bass, making mid-range vocals more emotionally expressive, while the highs extend into a smooth and delicate texture. The overall soundstage becomes broader and more three-dimensional, making it ideal for listening to large-scale compositions. Most impressively, the sound becomes clearer and purer, truly exuding a noble and elegant quality. |
|
Guinevere The Crowning Detail
When combined with the Aroma Jewel, the effect becomes the perfect finishing touch. The Jewel is known for its high analytical capability and transparent sound, and Guinevere's gold, silver, platinum, and palladium alloys infuse it with a touch of warmth, enriching the emotional depth of vocal performances. Additionally, thanks to the advantages of the Litz structure, the separation of details is further enhanced, allowing for a more vivid representation of micro-dynamics. Listening to Norah Jones's "Don’t Know Why," the piano's timbre becomes brighter and crisper, reinforcing the Jewel's technical strengths while adding a layer of musicality that makes the experience truly enjoyable. |
Includes a hand-stitched storage pouch made from Italian lambskin.
The Guinevere is limited to only 80 units worldwide, with each unit individually numbered. The storage pouch also contains a metal certification card.
Summary
A Rare Collection Limited to Eighty Units Worldwide
As the flagship product for the brand's fifth anniversary, Guinevere is limited to only 80 units worldwide, with each piece bearing a unique serial number. It comes with a metal certification card and a handcrafted Italian leather storage pouch. In summary, Guinevere is a cable that embodies a legendary aura, technological breakthroughs, and collectible value, reflecting the brand's commitment to quality and deserving careful appreciation.
Specifications
Guinevere
- Core Gauge: 25.3 AWG (core); 23.1 AWG (with shielding)
- Diameter: 2mm
- Braiding Method: 4-strand braid
- Core Structure: Litz Type 4s, spiral shielding
- Core Material: Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium (core); silver-plated long crystal oxygen-free copper (shielding)
- Outer Sheath: Amber Gold SoftFlex PVC
- Price: $14,680
Source by: https://www.spill.hk/headphones/Nostalgia-Audio-Guinevere-review/?fbclid=IwY2xjawNLLGRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF6ZnE2SEJWUUtxSFZ1VmZhAR6NxoM30TQtdED_eIOURRm7leY6Q4TooT1x1JrHIh1h_Hw-l6x0BGtmuybUyg_aem_0dtAadRR0oM51XoTwKkpkQ