AudioCircle

Industry Circles => Hapa Audio => Topic started by: Pez on 7 Aug 2022, 10:02 pm

Title: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: Pez on 7 Aug 2022, 10:02 pm: (https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=214570)

It was around this time last year when I released Aero copper USB. The worlds first cable to utilize aerogel as a dielectric. For me, Aero represented a culmination of many years worth of work in research, development and patent work (granted!). To this day, Aero Cu USB is Hapa Audio’s best selling product. When you read the reviews here on AC, it’s no coincidence. Having the worlds lightest solid and most effective dielectric/dampening material has an astounding effect on the sonic performance that is possible. And many ACers have discovered this for themselves.

Until now, Aero Cu USB was the only cable on the market with an aerogel dielectric. That ends today! I am happy to announce that Hapa Audio is ready to release SEVERAL new products that use my patented Aerogel dielectric technology. The opening gambit for this release is finally ready… I’m very excited to announce:

The new Aero USB Cu:

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=243567)
A new lustrous copper clad look has been incorporated, but that’s just what’s on the surface. Under the hood there’s a key update to the data core.

The new Aero Cu USB incorporates a refinement to the polish of the copper data core see article on the process here. (https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=182776.0)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=243569)

Aero Cu Coax / BNC

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=243568)

Based on the same design philosophy as Aero Cu USB, the new coax and BNC versions of Aero are built around the same Aerogel dielectric and highly polished UPOCC copper as Aero Cu USB. The result is a single ended digital option that is every bit as impressive sonically as Aero Cu USB. There will be both KLE based RCA connectors and AECO based BNC connectors and yes, you have the option to mix and match or customize. I’ve built a custom option using 3.5 mm headphone style connector for a client already.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=243570)

Tour (https://forms.clickup.com/8415154/f/80txj-520/0NAN3IIZS466HDV6UW)
I’ve said a mouthful here, and at the end of the day, none of it matters if these new options and tech don’t perform well in your system. With that said, I am doing a tour of these new products so you can get a first hand chance to audition for yourself. (https://forms.clickup.com/8415154/f/80txj-520/0NAN3IIZS466HDV6UW) When will the tour start? It’s already started! I have sent the tour set off to an AC member who is chomping at the bit already! He has agreed to burn in the cables and pass them on down the line to the next member, which could be you! Please fill out this form (https://forms.clickup.com/8415154/f/80txj-520/0NAN3IIZS466HDV6UW) to join in the fun!

There will be more info coming up this week. Thank you all for your interest.
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: Tyson on 7 Aug 2022, 10:09 pm: My advice, is do NOT demo these cables. Because once you hear them in your system, you WILL buy them. Ask me how I know that! :thumb:

Seriously though, these are pretty damn incredible. I have had some pretty good cables in my systems before but nothing even comes close to Aerø.
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: SFDude on 7 Aug 2022, 10:17 pm: I needed a reference cable to compare with the JCat USB one I currently use so it will be an interesting experience to see how the new Aero USB Cu compares. Not an apples to oranges comparison but looking forward to putting down my listening thoughts and sharing.

-dave
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: dflee on 7 Aug 2022, 11:32 pm: OH MAN! I am sooooo screwed.
The USB is a MUST have and the coax is proving to be the same.
I will be fasting for a while now to try and come up with the dough.
More later (if I survive).

Don
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: radarnyc on 8 Aug 2022, 12:26 am: Congrats Jason! I have a Holo May KTE with a nothing-special cable to a microRendu so I’m looking to the trial!
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: Pez on 8 Aug 2022, 12:53 am: Quote from: radarnyc on 8 Aug 2022, 12:26 am
Congrats Jason! I have a Holo May KTE with a nothing-special cable to a microRendu so I’m looking to the trial!

That’s a popular DAC! In fact a ton of my buddies own it. Check out mgalushas review of Aero here he has a Holo of his own: https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=177847.0
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: Pez on 8 Aug 2022, 01:39 am: Quote from: dflee on 7 Aug 2022, 11:32 pm
OH MAN! I am sooooo screwed.
The USB is a MUST have and the coax is proving to be the same.
I will be fasting for a while now to try and come up with the dough.
More later (if I survive).

Don

Yes indeed. Don is the first up on the tour. Thanks for volunteering! Sounds like a great start. :)
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: Early B. on 8 Aug 2022, 01:49 am: Quote from: Pez on 7 Aug 2022, 10:02 pm
I’ve built a custom option using 3.5 mm headphone style connector for a client already.

That was me. I use the aero BNC to 3.5 mm cable between my digital audio player (DAP) and DAC. It replaced a Moon Audio Black Dragon cable. After only a few hours of break-in, this is what I reported:

My system sounded better than I have ever heard it. That's what I was hoping for -- I can officially say that the DAP sounds better than my former CD transport/master clock combo. Particularly noteworthy was the microdetail, much of which I had never heard before. Freakin' amazin'.
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: Pez on 8 Aug 2022, 01:57 am: Brad,
I’m really glad to hear it. One of the things that is surprisingly difficult with coax is to make sure it works with all file formats. It might be fine on one piece of equipment then have minor issues with another. Aero coax is a case study in shielding for sure. It requires a lot! It has 6 layers of foil shield then a silver plated copper shield followed by braided Mylar. This combo made all the difference and it works flawlessly with everything I’ve thrown at it.

If you can, can you show a photo of the cable? I forgot to take a photo before sending it off. It’s actually a pretty cool look with my custom titanium barrel on it!
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: Early B. on 8 Aug 2022, 04:19 am: Quote from: Pez on 8 Aug 2022, 01:57 am
If you can, can you show a photo of the cable? I forgot to take a photo before sending it off. It’s actually a pretty cool look with my custom titanium barrel on it!

Pics of BNC to 3.5mm...

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=243573)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=243574)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=243575)
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: nlitworld on 8 Aug 2022, 05:08 am: I am not ok with someone dangling the proverbial carrot in front of my face. Why would you temp people with such things? And Tyson playing devil's advocate saying to not test them only acts as the voice of bad influence urging me to absolutely try them. :lol:

Ok, twist my arm. I'm in. Time to see what the fuss is all about for a USB. :popcorn:
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: mresseguie on 8 Aug 2022, 05:17 am: Quote from: Early B. on 8 Aug 2022, 04:19 am
Pics of BNC to 3.5mm...

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=243573)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=243574)

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=243575)

I didn't know this was possible....hmm....hmm... :thumb:
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: Pez on 8 Aug 2022, 05:04 pm: EarlyB,
Thank you! I really enjoyed that build. I hadn’t seen a digital coax using 3.5mm TRS before. It’s actually a really great idea for portables. It’s great that the setup is outperforming your previous gear as well. That Titanium barrel is a Hapa Exclusive. Handmade and precision engineered by a metalworker in Ukraine that I deal directly with. He is brilliant at what he does. Unfortunately due to the war, production has been spotty at best. I’m hoping for the best for him and his family as well as all of Ukraine.
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: SFDude on 8 Aug 2022, 09:43 pm: Pez, if you do custom build orders, are you able to get different color sheathing/sleeves for the cables themselves?

Also, what is the external "wire" that runs outside the sheathing?
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: Pez on 8 Aug 2022, 10:13 pm: SFdude,
I can customize options sure. It might add a bit to the price if it’s a color I don’t already have, but it’s no problem for me to do this sort of thing.

The wire braid on the outside of Aero is the 5 volt and common. I do it this way so that the only thing inside the data core are the two UPOCC wires surrounded by the shielding layers. This segregates the 5 volt from inducing noise into the dual differential data core.
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: Early B. on 9 Aug 2022, 12:27 am: At what point do you plan to offer aero interconnects for sale?
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: Pez on 9 Aug 2022, 12:38 am: I just might have something in store for you.... :wink:

stay tuned! (I say that a lot!)
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: sonicxtc on 9 Aug 2022, 01:37 am: A lot of DACs only require the 5 volt for a handshake to the computer or server. Is there a simple way for you to create a 5 volt that is "detachable" after the handshake? Do you believe there is a sonic benefit as I've read elsewhere?

Also, I'm seeing more DACs using I2s. My Rockna Wavelight has usb and I2s, but supposedly the I2s is the preferred choice for best sound quality.

Thanks and I look forward to reading and hearing more about this new product.
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: Pez on 9 Aug 2022, 04:01 am: Quote from: sonicxtc on 9 Aug 2022, 01:37 am
A lot of DACs only require the 5 volt for a handshake to the computer or server. Is there a simple way for you to create a 5 volt that is "detachable" after the handshake? Do you believe there is a sonic benefit as I've read elsewhere?

Also, I'm seeing more DACs using I2s. My Rockna Wavelight has usb and I2s, but supposedly the I2s is the preferred choice for best sound quality.

Thanks and I look forward to reading and hearing more about this new product.

No need to. As stated, the 5 volt leg is entirely isolated from the signal section of the cable. Via my research, this is the best way to keep compatibility at 100% without any loss in sound quality. Pun intended, I have done the leg work. :P
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: cd45123 on 9 Aug 2022, 12:42 pm: Quote from: Pez on 9 Aug 2022, 12:38 am
I just might have something in store for you.... :wink:

stay tuned! (I say that a lot!)

Great to hear this is in the works.

Jason, do you offer the Perfect Harmony plugs, too? Saw these started showing up a year ago.
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: Pez on 9 Aug 2022, 01:25 pm: Not officially, but I do have some in stock ready for install if someone so desired.
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: dflee on 9 Aug 2022, 05:55 pm: Tour?
What makes you think I'm going to let them go?

Don
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: Pez on 9 Aug 2022, 07:06 pm: Quote from: dflee on 9 Aug 2022, 05:55 pm
Tour?
What makes you thing I'm going to let them go?

Don

:lol: The most succinct positive review I’ve ever had. 8)
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: nlitworld on 9 Aug 2022, 08:15 pm: Quote from: dflee on 9 Aug 2022, 05:55 pm
Tour?
What makes you thing I'm going to let them go?

I've said that before... :lol:
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: Pez on 9 Aug 2022, 09:50 pm: Quote from: nlitworld on 9 Aug 2022, 08:15 pm
I've said that before... :lol:

Hey, the more the merrier. I sent something your way. Should arrive Friday. :thumb:
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: morganc on 9 Aug 2022, 10:22 pm: Hi Pez. I’m interested as well. I signed up before but then life nearly took me out. What do I need to do to get on the list?
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: Pez on 10 Aug 2022, 03:37 am: Morgan,
Glad to hear you’ve come back around. Just click here and fill out the info. https://forms.clickup.com/8415154/f/80txj-520/0NAN3IIZS466HDV6UW

:thumb:
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: Pez on 10 Aug 2022, 08:36 pm: Gents,
We filled up the tour and then some! I will be sending out instructions soon. If by chance anyone else is interested during tour I’m more than happy to add folks to the list. :thumb:
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: Pez on 11 Aug 2022, 05:42 pm: Alright tour folks, we're officially launched. Please check your email for details. I want to make sure everyone is aware of the order.

I had a request from a tour member to include Ember in the tour so I've shipped it off to the second in line. It'll be part of the tour from that point forward.
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: Pez on 11 Aug 2022, 05:43 pm: Forgot to mention, if a few more people are interested in signing up I'll get a second leg set made up. Post here and sign up using the form and I'll add you. :thumb:

https://forms.clickup.com/8415154/f/80txj-520/0NAN3IIZS466HDV6UW
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: Pez on 15 Aug 2022, 05:09 pm: Folks,
I had one participant who needed to back out of the tour. I want to extend the offer to anyone who might be interested. Please fill out the tour form and let me know here. :thumb:

https://forms.clickup.com/8415154/f/80txj-520/0NAN3IIZS466HDV6UW
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: genjamon on 15 Aug 2022, 07:37 pm: Done! Looking forward to finally hearing the Aero USB! Gonna compare to the Uptone Audio USPCB - which isn’t really a USB cable, but closer to an impedance-matched hard-wired connection. It’s been clearly more transparent than any USB cable I’ve had, and I’ve tried quite a few, though none of the hot names over the last 5 years or so. This should be fun.
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: Pez on 15 Aug 2022, 09:08 pm: Interesting, looks like a fascinating device. I’ll be curious to hear your impressions.

Thanks for signing up. :thumb:
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: dflee on 19 Aug 2022, 02:39 pm: I got to this party via the Ember tour.
That tour was quite the challenge due to all the different configuration options.
The Ember USB was the big surprise in that it helped my modest headphone system more than I would have thought.
Jason (pretty decent individual) and I talked. He suggested I try the Aero USB and thus began my journey into a total revision of the system.
I have an Acer laptop that I either use the cd player or go through Quobuz connected USB to a Mytek Liberty dac/headphone amp. I have the ZMF Auteur headphones with their 2K cable coupled to the noggin. This arrangement was alright but missing finesse and detail that I attributed to the source equipment. The Ember showed me that a different cable was most definitely in my future. It really smoothed the sound out and made it quite a bit more enjoyable.
Enter Aero. Where Ember gave me a more relaxed and fuller sound, Aero said "hey Ember, hold my beer" and took that relaxed fuller sound and threw in the best detail I've ever heard in this setup. So without changing any piece other than adding Aero, my system was totally changed. Can't imagine how Aero would sound on a top grade system. I don't have the ability to use USB in my main system so Jason (pdi) told me he would put together an Aero coax I could use between my cd transport and dac. He sent me a coax, rca ended and one BNC along with the USB cable. This turned into the present Aero Digital tour going presently (more on that later).
Music used for the evaluation:
Buddy Guy- Blues Singer
Trevor Pinnock- Complete Mozart Symphonies
Mitsuko Uchida- Mozart Piano Concertos
Herbert von Karajan- Complete Beethoven Symphonies
Keb Mo- Keb Mo
David Grisman and Tony Rice- Tone Poems
Yes- Yes Album, Fragile, Close to the Edge, Tales of Topographic Oceans
Stevie Ray Vaughan- The Sky is Crying (Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab)
I haven't had that many USB cables to compare but I do know what I like.
After hearing what Aero USB did for my setup it became pretty much a no brainer.
Highly recommend anyone looking to try something different in a USB cable to have this one on your must try list.

Don
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: nlitworld on 19 Aug 2022, 09:24 pm: Quote from: Tyson on 7 Aug 2022, 10:09 pm
My advice, is do NOT demo these cables.

I should have listened but instead I had to listen and now I can't unhear what I have heard.
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: nlitworld on 20 Aug 2022, 02:23 pm: So it is my turn with the AerØ cable currently, and I thought I'd give an update of first impressions. I had the Ember plugged in for the last few days (thank you Jason for that) and the first thing I noticed on the AerØ was it's much more balanced flat response. As first impressions go, it's a much more grown up, poised sound than the Ember but the two have more commonality than differences. The AerØ doesn't need to come in with a boisterous sound shouting, "Look what I can do". It is quietly confident to sit you down and tell you how it is. But oh does it tell you everything. First thing I really noticed was the texture in the notes. SOOOOO much texture in everything. Cymbals sizzle, strings actually buzz as they play open strings and it maintains this texture throughout the whole range until the notes die out.

I'm going to continue listening to both the Ember and the AerØ this week and do a proper write up after next weekend. I should have followed Tyson's advice and left it alone, but I'm a sucker for getting to play with cool stuff. This is definitely cool stuff.

-Lloyd
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: Pez on 21 Aug 2022, 04:20 pm: Rock on Lloyd! Thanks for your initial impressions. You nailed it on Ember vs Aero Cu. Both are excellent sonically. Aero just elevated everything with greater texture and detail.

From this point forward on the tour Ember has joined in. :thumb:
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: royallie on 21 Aug 2022, 06:35 pm: well.. (https://royallie.com)this looks like very reliable device
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: SFDude on 22 Aug 2022, 12:30 am: So now that the Ember has joined the tour, it will be interesting to note the differences between a) your current USB cable, b) the Ember and c) the AerØ. I’m going into this with the assumption that if I can’t hear immediate differences between mine and the Hapa Audio duos, I will go down into a rabbit hole TRYING to discern them.

Should either be a quick tour stop or a pretty damn long one. 😳😳😳
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: Pez on 23 Aug 2022, 12:26 am: Yes indeed, per Lloyd’s request I included the Ember USB just back from the Ember tour along for the ride.

Generally folks have been pretty quick to hear the differences between the two Hapa USB cables and others. Lloyd nailed it with his description. Despite the fact that Aero Cu and Ember are two completely different designs top to bottom there is no commonality, they do share a sonic signature that really exemplifies the focus of what House Hapa is all about.
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: nlitworld on 2 Sep 2022, 08:31 am: First off, I wanted to again say thank you to Jason for being generous with his products to allow us to try them out. He truly is a cable maker for the people with the interest of best sound possible as priority #1. As I sit here typing this, I find myself longing for a past love in the form of usb cables.

I'm currently listening to my stereo which up to a week ago I thought sounded pretty damn good but as I can now see is hatefully bland and vague. For reference, my system is a mix of affordable basics and very few nice pieces of gear. My reference point is my Schiit Sol turntable, Benz Micro Zebra L cartridge and Project Tube Box S2 s/ tungsol tubes. On that I have the Quiescence C from table to phono, and Ember rca to receiver. On my digital side it's a gaming PC going to Schiit Modi MB and Breathe C cable to receiver.
My vinyl setup has far surpassed the sound (and price) of digital side but when working from home I'm not about to stop a zoom call to flip a record. Could you imagine the look on my boss' face? Lol. So my comparison for good sound has been how close it comes to sounding like vinyl. I was hopeful in getting to test out the Ember and Aero cables back to back that I might hear some differences and find out some cool things about my system. My current USB cable is a mass market budget friendly option, similar to that of a Ford Taurus. No, we're not talking a new Ford with nice interior; we're talking a 92 Taurus L wagon with manual locks, roll up windows, and bad alignment.

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=244428)

This cable was inexpensive to get into and still functions to move you from point A to B but leaves A LOT to be desired. I thought it was ok and that was fine until now. I will leave the cable names and specifics out of it, cause I now have to talk some trash on it.

Jason was kind enough to let me test the Ember USB at the same time so he mailed that out while the Aero cables were at the precious tour stop. Right away the Ember calls attention to itself greeting you at the doorway to where all the quality sound has been hidden. Immediately the sound was full and welcoming and only increased in detail the longer it played. It is a smoooooooth criminal. Drums were much more appropriately spaced, separated and tangible. Vocals and guitar were places right at the front of the soundstage telling you to sit down and enjoy the show. Separation was very good and the sound was coherent even through complex passages. This is very similar to the sound of my vinyl rig so I was already impressed. As a couple days rolled on, I couldn't help but giggle how good everything sounded and how much fun I was having. By all accounts, this cable reminded me of a BMW M3 where it has some seriously good engineering and is just flat out fun to drive. It can behave like a luxury car but can get wild on a track day if you let it.

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=244429)

Aaaaaaand then the Aero arrived. This cable is bad news, and I say that in the absolute best way possible. First couple songs really took me a minute to wrap my head around it. The soundstage was a much more even keel presentation; very grown up and sophisticated and gone is that midrange forward sound. About the third song in, I really started to hear all the little nuance I had never PROPERLY heard before. Separation of instruments were unreal. Cymbals had actual sizzle that you could almost feel. Strings had so much buzz on open strums and I couldn't believe all the sliding hands over the strings that had never been there before. Has it been there the whole time? Must investigate further. As I kept listening, the magic everyone talked about really came alive. The attack and immediacy of notes had so much more punch than before and the tone was always 100% spot-on. I had not upgraded any components, but the sound was so vastly different that it absolutely sounded like I had upgraded several. This cable does not tell a lie. I still could not believe how good the drums sounded. My cousin plays drums so growing up listening to him always made me appreciate the sound. Listening to the way a cymbal can clearly be identified being struck on the center or middle or the edge or how the texture of the snare stayed true all the way through the decay ringing was astonishing. When a jazz drummer was using brushes vs sticks or even the sound of different impact from different styles of holding the stick, it was astonishing at the real 3d image that gets painted. In the hands of even my modest system, with better than average recordings could be nothing short of pure magic. I say this last bit with the only caveat on this cable. It cannot tell a lie. When listening to well recorded albums like Opeth Damnation or Steely Dan Groucho, the sound was absolutely superb. With Alice In Chains MTV Unplugged album, you could almost smell the candles that were at the front of the stage. On the other hand, when listening to poorly recorded punk rock in heaven forbid a 192kb mp3, the cable called attention to the shortcomings of the recording. Screaming into a mic can actually hear the distortion caused by the mic, the poorly treated recording studio they were in, and the grain in the guitar distortion. The upside to that is it gives a much more visceral performance where you can feel the intensity and connect with the music much more intimately, and with ANY volume level. The excitement it brings at barely any real volume or at full tilt is the same. No longer do you need to have an ultimate stereo system to see massive improvements, or to crank the volume to be excited and really hear the music. This cable is all about the pinnacle of what is possible, similar to that of the Pagani Huayra, due to the highest quality materials, extreme level of
craftsmanship, and absolutely bonkers level of performance.

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=244430)

This is the absolute pinnacle of engineering I never thought possible. This is not an everyman car for casual driving situations, but the absolute best in performance and luxury in one amazing looking package that is exciting at any speed. This is a truly bucket list, end-game performance cable.

Going back to the other cables again, my original cable is unlistenable. Just can't do it. What was once acceptable is now very much not. It now sounds grainy, bloated down low, harsh up top, and coated in a thick wooly layer blocking all of the detail I know is in there. Jason has spoiled the party. When I swapped back to the Ember cable, details re-emerge, vocals are clear and have texture again (although Eddie Vedder is still incoherent, lol) and the soundstage once again gets that rich tone that brings out that upper bass and midrange. This cable does not outright deceive, but it does impart small lie of omission making poor quality files or poor recording quality less noticable. Think of it like a traction control system keeping you from smashing into a wall around a bend. Just enough control to keep everything moving nicely, but not where it interferes with the experience at all. You just have to ask yourself, are you planning to go for a cruise or do you need to drive flat out? There is no wrong answer.

Again I have to say a big thank you for letting me test these cables. We'll be talking soon...

-Lloyd
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: SFDude on 2 Sep 2022, 03:00 pm: Wow Lloyd. The Pagini of USB cables??? I'm wondering what the Aero Ag would compare to then? :D

-dave
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: Tyson on 2 Sep 2022, 03:05 pm: This is a hilariously awesome review. Nice work :thumb:
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: dflee on 2 Sep 2022, 03:33 pm: Lloyd:
I love analogies and you have some good ones here.
As I've stated before it's the Ember USB that led me to the AerØ.
Found the Areo coax to be outstanding.
The Ember series (tried throughout the system) has a sustain that goes on forever.
The natural decay is something to hear, specially on drums and cymbals. I didn't realize it was there before.
The (nitpick) only thing about Ember is (in my system) was the leading edge didn't have quite the attack. It came in smoother than some other cables. That's one of the differences between Ember and Aero. Aero really has the note coming and going (and everything in between) in detail.
As soon as I found out there was to be a tour of what I was listening to I ordered both USB and Coax Aero.

Don
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: nlitworld on 2 Sep 2022, 04:17 pm: Don, I completely agree about the difference of Ember to Aero. Sonically they have A LOT in common. I noticed the Aero just has an effortless ability to pull detail from seemingly nowhere to bring out a much more natural, believable sound. The Ember having a slight softening to the leading edge of notes does give it a slightly more forgiving nature. Again, with the choice of these two cables, there is no wrong answer.
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: Pez on 12 Sep 2022, 05:08 pm: Tour folks,
I wanted you give you all an update. We managed to get the new Aero Cu USB listed on the website (https://hapaaudio.com/shop/digital/new-aero-cu-usb/) (Aero Coax/BNC to come soon). We are doing a universal discount for anyone interested.

Normal pricing 1 meter - $1299. Discount at 1 meter $1149 for the duration of the tour. :dance: If anyone has any questions send me a PM. 8)
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: minatophase3 on 1 Oct 2022, 10:27 pm: I have been looking for a high quality coax cable for a while when I came across the Hapa AerØ Cu Coax here on AC. After reading some of the reviews and reaching out via DM to some of the members here (who have heard the cable and then decided to buy it for their system) I decided to order one to see what all the fuss was about. I contacted Jason with several questions and he was extremely helpful. He ended up making me a cable with BNC on one end and and RCA on the other. The cable arrived much quicker than I was expecting and I was very busy with my work schedule when it arrived so I just added it to the system and let it burn in for several hours before I had time for the initial listen.

When I sat down to listen I was not prepared for what I was about to hear. I figured the cable would be good, but it wasn't, it was fantastic! With only a couple hours of burn in, I was hearing a blacker background, better instrument separation, larger sound stage, more 3 dimensional. And the detail this cable was revealing is nothing short of amazing. I let it burn in for several more days and it only got better, smoother and more musical. I can honestly say this was the biggest improvement from changing a cable I have heard in my system, and my system was sounding pretty good (at least I thought it was).

I am using this cable with the BNC side attached to my Lumin T2 streamer and the RCA side attached to my Holo Spring 3 KTE DAC.

I had my wife listen to False God by Taylor Swift as she is pretty familiar with that song. When ever I have her come in and listen I always get the same response, sounded good before, sounds good now. But this time with the AerØ Cu Coax in the system she commented that she was hearing a lot of things in the song that she had never heard before.

While the cable is not inexpensive, I consider it to be a tremendous value given what it has added to my system. If you are looking for a Coax cable I would highly recommend giving this one a try, you will not regret it!

Thank you Jason for making such a high quality product at reasonable prices and for the excellent customer service!

Tim
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: Pez on 3 Oct 2022, 09:48 pm: Tim,
I really appreciate the excellent write up and praise for Aero Cu Coax/BNC. Yours was a unique build. I was quite pleased with the results on my test system.

It’s always a great sign when your significant other gives the thumbs up on a new piece of equipment. I consider that very high praise. 8)
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: pconley2 on 20 Jan 2023, 07:17 pm: “Close your eyes and watch the music”

These are the words that come to mind every time I put one of Hapa’s cables into my system. This time it was the Hapa Aero CU USB cable and I realize that when I make large changes to my system, I usually think of the changes in auditory terms but with Hapa’s cables I tend to think visually or cinematically.

Below are the very first words that I wrote in the first minute when I put the cable into my digital stream.

“WOW!!
I won’t do “critical” listening yet, but changes seem so obvious. There is so much more of everything. Separation/stage/image all are shocking. Bass is extensive.”

(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=248964)

The image expanded exponentially. In my comments on the Quiescence interconnects that I had last summer, I felt as though I had been moved several rows closer to the stage. With the Aero, I felt as though the image had gone from regular movie screen to Cinemascope. Wider, deeper, more vivid and more grounded.

The first night I just turned on Roon and hit Random play, which I do on occasion, but what surprised me was that I left it on, for days, playing any of my ripped songs that it wanted to, I was amazed. Not just by the songs, some of which I hadn’t heard in a long time, some of which I had never heard, but by the immediacy of the sound and how for the first time my image not only had side to side, front to back space but astonishingly it had a floor!!! Music was grounded, it was solid and very, very much in three dimensional space.

After a few days, I moved on to some of my test songs, which include a song called “Bass and Drums” from “Nils Lofgrin’s Band Live” album (not to be confused with the “Kieth, don’t go” acoustic album). This song starts off with just the bass player riffing, using lots of overtones and harmonics. I use this section to test for the purity of the harmonics as well as the speed of the plucking. Eventually, the bassist starts looping 4 note bass riffs, stacking them one on top of the other and then he moves into hard core funk thumb plucking. Slowly, cymbals start to appear behind him as the drummer starts to join in. Eventually the drummer is doing fills that roll from left to right and then back again. As a (not very good) drummer, I am amazed at the ability to sustain a fill, first left to right, and then right to left without ever missing a beat. I have heard this track many, many times and it never ceases to amaze me.

This time I heard things I had never heard before, there was what seemed like an extra octave beneath what the bass player was playing, as though a sub woofer had been added to my system. The drums spread across the audio stage with a size and coherency that I had never had before.

I moved on to “Short Tales from the Black Forest” from “Friday Night in San Francisco” where it was easy to tell John McClaughlin’s guitar (left) from Al di Miola’s (right). The sound was sharp, precise and very weighted. As I mentioned before, this brings up a critical aspect of what the Aero USB cable brought to my system. Previously, music floated but didn’t seem to be fixed to the ground. Instruments had space and texture but they didn’t have weight, they didn’t seem to be tethered to the floor. I didn’t understand the lack of this until I put the Aero into my system.

I was so pleased with the sound of the Hope Aero that I played digital non stop for five days, which given that I have a significant LP collection really surprised me.

All I can say is that this is a cable that has to be heard, in ones own system, to truly appreciated how much a difference an excellent Digital/USB cable can make. I was amazed.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=248963)
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: whydontumarryit on 20 Jan 2023, 07:47 pm: Quote from: Pez on 12 Sep 2022, 05:08 pm
Tour folks,
I wanted you give you all an update. We managed to get the new Aero Cu USB listed on the website (https://hapaaudio.com/shop/digital/new-aero-cu-usb/) (Aero Coax/BNC to come soon). We are doing a universal discount for anyone interested.

Normal pricing 1 meter - $1299. Discount at 1 meter $1149 for the duration of the tour. :dance: If anyone has any questions send me a PM. 8)

How much do these cost to make?
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: nlitworld on 20 Jan 2023, 10:27 pm: Quote from: whydontumarryit on 20 Jan 2023, 07:47 pm
How much do these cost to make?

Something tells me the profit $ per hour of labor is painfully low and these are really only made as a fun side hobby more than anything else. Factor in the years of R&D plus patent applications and he'll be in the hole for quite some time, but happily enjoying a hobby he loves.
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: Pez on 24 Jan 2023, 02:29 am: Phil,
Once again, you have written a beautiful review. I really appreciate the time and effort you have put in. every time I see your speakers I’m reminded of RMAF and the first time I heard them. I’m a bit jealous that you get to listen to them day in and day out. What a fantastic setup you’ve put together! I’m really happy that my cables have graced your setup!

Regarding question of pricing, I never know how to quantify that when asked. :scratch: As nlitworld has pointed out, R&D is insanely expensive and time consuming. I wouldn’t even have a product if it weren’t for countless frustrating and INFURIATING hours making things that didn’t work then learning from that and forcing inanimate objects to my will. When I first started years ago I literally blew up my own equipment accidentally, Then there’s the cost of the equipment I require to build these pieces. Some would drool over the gear I use, professional JBC soldering equipment, jeweler grade polishing gear, science lab level microscope optics, and a ton of purpose built (by me!) looms and machinery. And the patent/patent attorney/time spent is beyond astronomical.

At the end of the day, I do this because I want to create the best products in the world regardless of price. This isn’t just a J.O.B. for me. This is the absolute highest expression of engineering and artistry I am capable of. I wake up and work on Hapa Audio, I go to sleep thinking about Hapa Audio. I plan on constantly making better and better gear which means more and more R&D.

So to answer the question “how much does it cost to make?”: at this point, more than the price paid. Maybe someday that’ll shift. :green: I appreciate all the folks here on AC keeping the dream alive!
Title: Re: Introducing the new AerØ Cu USB, AerØ Cu Coax and BNC
Post by: Tyson on 24 Jan 2023, 02:34 am: Jason really should double the prices on his cables to adequately cover the costs involved. I’ve told him this, many times.