Of course, as much as I value ergonomics we, as audio-enthusiasts, are ultimately seeking improvements to sound. What makes PWAudio quite unique in this regard, is their exclusive use of copper, and the No.5 is no different. Every other aspect of the conducting chain has also been carefully considered, from terminations to geometry, even solder; all working towards a coherent signature. Through this, the No.5 has become renowned for its timbre. And though I wouldn’t characterise it as the most precise sounding cable, it’s subtle warmth serves up very natural instruments and vocals with improved control and great linearity.

Bass – The No.5 does not function to emphasize bass, but to increase its control. Sub-bass has improved extension and tightness that synergizes well with both dynamic and armature-based earphones. That said, slight sub-bass attenuation shifts focus more towards a slightly emphasized mid-bass. However, as the cable exercises greater mid-bass control, bass notes are more neutrally sized, producing a clean presentation. In accordance, its tone is more transparent, especially when compared to stock OFC cables. As its upper-bass is relatively neutral in quantity, the cable has a linear transition into the lower-midrange. The No.5, therefore, presents as natural and refined.


Mids – Through greater bass/midrange linearity, lower-mids are balanced, perhaps with a hair of emphasis, offering a mostly accurate midrange on the natural side of neutral. The No.5’s centre midrange is very slightly lifted, providing realistic vocal body and size. Moreover, the No.5 depicts a nicely transparent image, a by-product of its increased cleanliness and control in addition to its more accurate tone. To my ears, this is the source of its realistic timbre over an explicit increase in warmth, body or smoothing of its higher-frequencies; and the cable maintains a harmonious balance as a result.

Highs – The No.5 is not a dark cable, pairing well with darker earphones. Rather, its high-frequencies are smoothed due to their more even metering. Of note, both lower and middle treble are more linear, conveying greater body and detail. Its well-integrated middle-treble aids air and shimmer, providing more accurate decay to treble instruments such as cymbals; ideal for earphones with a lower-treble peak. Though its background isn’t the darkest as a result, the No.5 maintains its cleanliness and refinement due to its increased linearity. It doesn’t wow with its extension or sparkle, but its balance serves to improve its retrieval of micro-detail.


Soundstage – The No.5 offers a modest increase in stage dimensions as result of its greater extension and air. I noticed greater width in particular, though depth is also slightly improved despite having a slightly more forward vocal presentation. Imaging is precise due to the cable’s balance, and separation is also enhanced by a fair degree on account of the No.5’s clean, controlled and neutrally sized notes. Layers are defined and well-detailed due to the cable’s natural midrange body and heightened transparency.


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