Zebra Cables
The ZC-INTC-F Interconnect and ZC-SP10SD Speaker Cable
Reviewer:  Shane Mattson
Review Period: 10/25/06-->11/15/06 
 

Evaluation System

Click here for a detailed description.

ZC-INTC-F Specifications:

• Made from Belden's 1505F Coax
• 22 AWG 0.31" stranded copper conductor
• Gas-injected foam HDPE insulation
• Tinned copper/bare copper double braid shield ; 95% coverage, PVC jacket
• RG Type: 59/U
• Sweep Testing: 100% Sweep tested 5 MHz to 3 GHz
• Nom. Impedance: 75 Ohms
• Nom. Inductance: 0.094 µH/ft
• Nom. Capacitance: 17.0 pF/ft
• Connector Choices: Vampire Wire 808 or Locking LRCA8 connectors
• Starting Price: $40.00 for a 2 foot pair - $4.00 each additional foot per pair.

Initial Thoughts:

As you can see from the specifications, Zebra Cables simply uses off-the-self Belden cable terminated with Vampire Wire 808 or Locking LRCA8 RCA connectors.  All in all, this is a very simple cable however I think the key component that sets Zebra apart from it's competitors is the use of the Vampire RCA's.   The connectors are very well built and dress up the cables quite nicely.   Zebra also wraps the 1505F in an attractive flexible jacket which gives the impression of a much more expensive cable.

Performance:

I was not in the least bit disappointed with the ZC-INTC-F's performance.  Good low-end transfer and full representation of mid's and high's make this cable tough to beat in terms of price/performance ratio.  If you are contemplating purchasing a set of lower priced interconnects (i.e. Monster Cable) I strongly recommend giving these cables a try first.  Zebra offers a 30 day money back guarantee (minus shipping charges) so you really can't lose.  Highly recommended budget cable! 

ZC-SP10SD Speaker Cable

ZC-SP10SD Speaker Cable Specifications:

• 2 x 10 AWG stranded Oxygen Free Copper
• PVC insulation, PVC jacket
• Twisted Pair Design
• Nom. Inductance: 0.15 µH/ft
• Nom. Capacitance Conductor to Conductor @ 1 KHz: 26 pF/ft
• Nom. Conductor DC Resistance: 1.03 Ohms/1000 ft
• NEC/(UL) Specification: CL2, Audio Use Only
• Terminations: Vampire Wire HDS5, BAR8, SS9 spades and/or B558 banana plugs
• Spades: SS9 will fit from 1/4" to 5/16" (9mm) binding posts
• Spades: HDS5 will fit 1/2" barrier strips and 1/4" binding posts
• Spades: BAR8 will fit 1/4" barrier strips (for McIntosh or vintage equipment)
• Starting Price: $38.00 for a 4 foot run, $2.50 each additional foot.
  

Initial Thoughts:

The ZC-SP10SD speaker cable is another low-cost offering by Zebra Cables.  Again, a no frills design however as with their interconnects, Vampire Wire terminations are used.  Unlike high-end cable manufacturers, Zebra lays it all out on the table with their published specifications.  No secrets here!  Just good ol' practical cable design. 

Performance:

As with the interconnects, the ZC-SP10SD is a neutral sounding, well balanced (harmonically speaking) cable from top to bottom.  You will not be wowed by this cable, however you will not feel as if you are missing anything either.  Zebra Cables has been able to construct a no-frills speaker cable worthy of auditioning if you do not wish to spend anywhere near the asking price of exotic cables.   I highly recommend this cable to the budget minded consumer looking for a step-up from the typical electronics chain offerings.

Summary:

There isn't too much to add that hasn't already been said in this review.  Zebra Cables' products are by far the best low-cost audio enthusiast grade cables on the market.  Give them a serious listen...and best of all you'll stay away from low-end Monster Cable!