In the world of high-end audio, cables are often the most overlooked component in a listening chain, yet for many audiophiles and professionals, they represent the final frontier of refinement. A premium headphone cable can subtly reshape how a familiar pair of headphones performs, enhancing clarity, texture, and tonal balance without altering the core character of the transducer itself. The Strauss & Wagner Lisbon Mini-XLR to 6.35mm headphone cable enters this space as a thoughtfully engineered upgrade aimed at listeners who demand both sonic precision and build quality from every link in their setup. Let’s see how the Strauss & Wagner Lisbon performs with a popular audiophile headphone like the Audeze LCD-X, examining whether its premium materials translate into meaningful sonic improvements for discerning ears.
What Is The Strauss & Wagner Lisbon?
The Strauss & Wagner Lisbon Mini-XLR to 6.35mm 8‑core OFC Silver Headphone Cable is a premium audio cable designed to upgrade headphone connectivity and sound quality. It’s built around an 8-core oxygen-free copper (OFC) silver-plated conductor, which enhances signal transmission for clearer, more detailed audio. The cable terminates in dual Mini-XLR connectors on the headphone end, and a standard 6.35 mm (¼″) plug on the amplifier/amp end, making it suitable for high-end headphones and professional gear that use Mini-XLR terminations. The cable is offered in multiple lengths (e.g., 1.5 m to 5 m) to suit different listening setups.
Sound Impressions
For more than a decade, the Audeze LCD-X has been a trusted reproduction of sound for both producers and audiophiles alike. With its stock cable, the LCD-X has a neutral sound signature that is even across most frequencies. It’s a reference sound with a touch of warmth that is incredibly spacious with pinpoint accurate imaging. With the right amplifier and a bit of EQ, the LCD-X can be brought to a substantial scale, highlighting microdetails for pristine instrumental resolve. Attaching the Libson cable retains some of this performance, but there are some key changes to consider.
First of all, I would not recommend the Lisbon for people who use the LCD-X for audio production. It adds some light textural properties that won’t be as good a reference for assessing mixing. Instead, the Lisbon gives the LCD-X some slight tonal changes and brings attention to areas where the frequency response normally stays flat and balanced. The first thing I noticed was how laid back the sound profile became. You still get an energetic tone with clear definition, but transients arrive at a slightly slower pace. However, parts of the sound signature feel slightly richer. The highs take on an elevated tone, appearing more elegantly in the mix. Treble feels tighter while also being pushed forward to really expand cymbals, bells, and other high-end frequency elements.
Vocals and brass instruments also feel like they glisten from the upper-midrange more than usual. This results in even more natural voices that appear crisp throughout the sound signature. As for the bass, the low-end doesn’t change much from its neutral timbre. It will still show considerable depth and controlled resonance that lifts the sub-bass while giving individual notes punctuality.
Summary
The Strauss & Wagner Lisbon Mini-XLR headphone cable ultimately proves to be a compelling upgrade for listeners who value nuance and musicality over strict analytical neutrality. While it may not be the ideal choice for pure studio reference work, its ability to subtly enrich tonal texture, refine treble presentation, and enhance the perceived naturalness of vocals and upper harmonics makes it a rewarding addition for audiophile listening setups.
Paired with a resolving headphone like the Audeze LCD-X, the Lisbon demonstrates how a well-designed silver-plated OFC headphone cable can influence the listening experience without overpowering the headphone’s original character. For those seeking a premium cable that prioritizes musical elegance, craftsmanship, and sonic polish, the Strauss & Wagner Lisbon stands out as a thoughtfully tuned and genuinely worthwhile upgrade.
The Strauss & Wagner Lisbon is available from Audio46 and S&W’s website directly.
MAJORHIFI may receive commissions from retail offers.
