Upgrade cables occupy a unique space in the world of in-ear monitors. For some listeners, they’re about comfort and build quality; for others, they’re a way to subtly refine an existing sound signature without replacing a trusted pair of IEMs. The Strauss and Wagner Oberwil MMCX upgrade cable enters this space as an accessible option for users looking to experiment with cable rolling and system matching. Let’s explore how the Oberwil performs in real-world listening scenarios and whether it offers meaningful value for audiophiles seeking a modest but purposeful upgrade.
Design
The Strauss and Wagner Oberwil is an audio upgrade cable designed to improve connectivity and sound quality for compatible in-ear monitors. It features MMCX connectors without an earhook on the earphone end, making it suitable for non-earhook IEMs, and a standard 3.5 mm stereo plug on the source end for connection to most portable devices. The cable itself is about 120 cm (~3.9 ft) long and is constructed from premium OFC (oxygen-free copper) silver-plated material to promote high-fidelity audio transmission. The silver color and flexible design combine durability with refined aesthetics, though it’s not compatible with Sennheiser IEMs.
Sound Impressions
A few Campfire Audio IEMs were readily available to me to try out with the Oberwil. The first one I tried was the Campfire Audio Cascara, along with the iFi Go Blu Air. In general, your own cable experience may vary, but here is what I’ve gathered from spending time with the Oberwil. The Cascara usually has a broad stereo field that has a good amount of dimension to it. Silver material in cables can sometimes have soundstage-expanding properties, even with copper hybrids. The stock cable for the Cascara and other Campfire IEMs is also silver, so while listening with the Oberwil, I couldn’t pick out any significant enhancements in terms of spatial accuracy. Where the Oberwil gives the Cascara some key differences is in the bass and highs. The low end feels leaner and thinned out, while the mid-treble and highs are pushed forward. This isn’t a stark difference, but considerable enough after several listening hours. I got a similar resposne when I paired up the Oberwil to the Campfire Audio Bonneville. These IEMs have a fuller, more massive bass resposne, and with the Oberwhil it’s tamed. The profile is tighter and less resonant, appears more focused but less warm and textured. After testing, I don’t think higher-end IEMs are the way to go with the Oberwil. Switching over to the E5000, the sound felt more like a direct improvement. The imaging had a grander scale, with fuller instruments and a crisper timbre.
Should You Consider The Oberwil?
The Strauss and Wagner Oberwil proves that an upgrade cable doesn’t need to be extravagant to be effective; it simply needs to be purposeful. While its sonic influence may be too lean for already bass-rich or high-end IEMs, the Oberwil shines when paired with mid-tier or warmer-sounding monitors, where its tighter low end, forward treble, and improved imaging can feel like a genuine step forward. Add in its flexible, earhook-free design and broad device compatibility, and the Oberwil becomes a solid choice for listeners looking to subtly reshape their sound signature without investing in entirely new earphones. For the right IEM, this cable delivers a noticeable and worthwhile refinement.
The Strauss and Wagner Oberwil is available at Audio46.
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