Group test: Analogue interconnects pt3

Overview Price: £35 (1.2m) More info: Vivanco

Vivanco SHQ EDP2212
It may be one of the more affordable stereo interconnects you can buy, but there's no faulting the EDP2212's build quality. The all-important cable employs silver-plated OFC conductors (with a claimed purity of 99.999%) insulated by a polyethylene dielectric. To reject interference, the shielding is in two concentric layers - an inner mylar foil wrap is covered by a plastic-jacketed outer braid fashioned from silver-plated oxygen-free copper.

Although identification of the channels could be improved, we're impressed with the gold-plated cast plugs at either end of the cable - they're robustly made, and although a commendably tight fit are not difficult to insert and remove.

In terms of sound quality, the EDP2212 delivered impeccable rhythm and stereo imaging, and conveyed a spacious top end. However, some of the other cables tested here fared more capable as far as the lower registers - and the presence they command - are concerned.

Overview Price: £50 (1m version - 0.5m and 2m versions also available) More info: Wireworld

Wireworld Solstice 5^²
A brand new interconnect, the 1m Solstice 5^² employs a new proprietary technology that Wireworld calls the 'Delineated Neutralizing Array' (DNA for short). DNA, it is claimed, "optimises the electromagnetic field between the conductors, effectively neutralising the electromagnetic loss that filters the signal in other cables". Hmm.

More expensive models in the range stack the four signal-carrying conductors in a parallel array that's precisely wound into a helix. This is presumably quite tricky to do; the Solstice 5^² instead employs a simpler 'flat' variant of the DNA design. These silver-clad OFC cores are enclosed within an HDPE dielectric, around which a braided ground screen is woven. The overall cable is jacketed in tough PVC; as with the QED, arrows indicate the recommended direction of signal flow from source to destination. Sensibly, the Solstice 5^² phono plugs have gold-plated conductors.

The results? Superb detail and stereo imaging over the entire spectrum, coupled with articulate bass and excellent timing.