Since the acquisition by US-based audio cabling company Ranko Acoustics in 2018, Tralucent Audio has revitalised itself with 5 In-Ear Monitors (IEMs) releases in the past two years. At the 2020 China Guangzhou International Headphone Expo, which opens tomorrow, the Hong-Kong based IEM manufacturer will be introducing its DUX line of IEM upgrade cables.
The Tralucent Audio DUX line of IEM upgrade cables comprises two series, the Argentium and Alkimiam Series, which features 6N GCOCC Silver conductors and 6N GCOCC Hybrid Gold Silver Alloy conductors, respectively. Since the introduction of the Tralucent Audio Ref GEN 3 earlier this year, owners of the brand’s Flagship IEMs are finding it challenging when seeking an upgrade cable due to the IEM’s dual 0.78mm 2-pin design. Well, the wait is over, Tralucent Audio has just sent me the DUX Argentium for Ref GEN 3 this week, ahead of the official unveiling tomorrow.
Tech Insights
The Tralucent Audio DUX line of IEM upgrade cables is a unique offering to the Audiophile market. Both the Argentium and Alkimiam Series feature aged conductors that have been aged in Ranko Acoustic’s facility for a minimum period of 8 years following the initial wire extrusion process. While the Ohno Continuous Cast (OCC) process produces conductors with single-crystal structure characteristics not limited to it being unidirectional, free of impurity, flexible fatigue-resistance, and low electric resistance, this also ensures that the atoms in the conductors are also more active. The aging process allows the stablising of atoms in the OCC conductors.
The Tralucent Audio DUX Argentium features two 4-wire hand weaved variants for 0.78 mm 2-pin and MMCX, as well as an 8-wire hand weaved variant for the dual 0.78 mm 2-pin for the Ref GEN 3. With each wire sized at 23 AWG, all variants are available on 3.5 mm Single-Ended, 2.5 mm Balanced, and 4.4 mm Balanced.
Design
The DUX line of IEM upgrade cables sports an all-new exclusively designed series of hardware made of chrome-finished aluminum alloy with turner sculpture crafting and blue and red accents differentiating the left and right connectors, respectively. Fitting for a Flagship cable, at 23 AWG, even the 8-wire variant for Ref GEN 3 didn’t feel cumbersome. And before I forget, all the connectors, as well as the plug, are rhodium-plated.
The cable is finished in a clear and opaque black jacket, and below the Y-Split, an additional textile sheath is added, providing a contrast to the cable design.
The DUX Argentium has impressed me so far with its excellent build and design. Out of the box, the Ref GEN 3 already sounded better! I will still need some time to play with the DUX Argentium before penning a review proper.
The Tralucent DUX Argentium will be announced at the 7th China Guangzhou International Headphone Expo tomorrow with the 4-wire variants starting at USD 1,290 and the 8-wire variant at USD 1,795.
Product Specifications:
Tralucent DUX Argentium
- Material: Aged 6N GCOCC Silver conductors
- Variants: 4-Wire Hand weaved, 8-Wire Hand weaved
- Wire diameter: 23 AWG
- Plug: 3.5 mm Single-Ended, 2.5 mm Balanced, 4.4 mm Balanced
- IEM Connectors: 0.78 mm 2-pin, MMCX, Dual 0.78 mm 2-pin
- Cable length: 1.2 m
