I wasn't too interested about writing this review as I figured the difference between high-end digital BNC cables shouldn't make much of a difference. Finally had some time to setup the rig for this review:

  • PS Audio P10
  • SHUNYATA - ZITRON ALPHA HC POWER CABLE
  • Audience AU24 SE XLR Balanced
  • Simaudio Moon 430HAD
  • Chord Hugo TT
  • JPS Abyss AB-1266 headphones
  • JPS Superconductor HP cable
  • Lumin S1
  • Black Cat Silverstar 75!
  • Kimber D-60 Illuminati
  • 4 x Stillpoint Ultra SS
  • 7 x Stillpoints Mini
  • Tidal
  • Asus N600 Wireless Bridge (stock usb cable)

As I casually listen to a few songs off Tidal with the Black Cat Silverstar 75! connected between the Chord Hugo TT and the Lumin S1, I found myself just chilling and enjoying the vibes. Figuring the Kimber D-60 would sound very close, I wasn't in a rush to swap the BNC cables. The session reminded me a bit of my old sessions with the Audeze LCD-3. Relaxing and soothing and doesn't detract you from what you're doing. After I've had my fun, I finally swapped to the Kimber D-60. I heard an immediate difference. For those who have tried a dozen cables know that more often than not, these cables could make significant changes to the perceived sound. Perhaps not to the level of analog cables but it's not insubstantial. After A/B-ing these cables for a few hours I've drawn the following conclusions about each cable: Kimber D-60 Illuminati

  • More detailed, especially in the treble region. You get more sparkle off strings as well.
  • Definitely a more neutral and balanced signature, nothing is colored in an obvious way.
  • Very fast and could handle delicate passages very well.
  • It's more attention grabbing...which isn't a bad thing.
  • Wider soundstage and blacker background
  • Low-end isn't as tight as the Black Cat
  • Great treble extension and doesn't falter under load
  • Due it's more balanced presentation, especially in the low-end, it may sound like it lacks a bit of body and weight, especially to strings.
  • Very transparent and analytical without losing musicality
  • More "tickle" factor
  • Overall, I believe this cable to be more true to the recording

Black Cat Silverstar 75!

  • Definitely a warmer cable, much more weight and tighter bass
  • More euphonic. It's the "fun" cable. It colors the sound in a very fun and enjoyable way.
  • Most times, warmer gear tends to mean more cohesion with the music. I definitely feel this to be case with the BC.
  • The imaging on this cable is better than that of the Kimber IMO.
  • Deeper soundstage
  • Vocals are super buttery smooth and seductive. More meat on the bones!
  • More dynamic and exciting to listen to
  • This could be due to the coloration of the sound but it seems to separate the pieces of the recording in a musical way.
  • Much better texturing, detail, and slam on the low-end of the spectrum
  • Mids are more forward and does add more dimension and body to strings and drums. It just sounds fantastic. It is at the expense of some micro-details but you won't think about it.

Conclusion I typically lean towards an absolute choice when it comes to these types of comparisons but I really couldn't this time around. If you need a more tonally balanced, neutral digital cable, the Kimber D-60 Illuminati is superb. It's very resolving and musical. If you have leaner/brighter gear, the Black Cat Silverstar 75! may be a great addition to add that extra heft on the low-end and warm up the entire spectrum. It's far from being dark, just the right amount of warmth and organics to draw you in. I would like to also note, I enjoyed the Kimber more for orchestral and acoustic music. The Black Cat is so much fun with Hip-Hop, EDM, Jazz, live acoustic, and other recordings where details in the bass are essential for listening pleasure. I could live with either of these wonderful digital BNC cables.