TechRadar Verdict
A clear upgrade over giveaway cables, the Ultraviolet 5/2 does nothing to hide the gains in detail and general precision
Pros
- +
Good improvement in bass
- +
Build quality
Cons
- -
A bit difficult to handle
- -
Bassy sound may not suit all tastes
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Like Kimber, Wireworld has embraced the concept of USB cables and offers both the Ultraviolet 5/2 and the dearer Starlight model in a variety of lengths up to seven metres, and with a choice of Type B or Mini B connectors.
The obvious difference from every other USB cable we've seen is that this one is flat in cross-section, which Wireworld suggests both improves performance and makes the cable easier to handle and route.
We'll find out about the first claim in a moment, while the second rather depends on what one is comparing it with. We found this cable a little unwilling to lie where we wanted it, but it mates well at both ends and didn't seem to mind a little rough handling.
It combines silver-plated copper conductors with connectors that are both gold-plated. As with the other cables in this group, Ultraviolet clearly made some differences to sound when compared with giveaway cables, but it does seem to have a distinct character of its own.
Specifically, it has a tonal quality that distinguishes it from the others. It has a slight prominence in the upper bass that does no harm at all to rhythmic qualities, but sometimes makes familiar instruments and voices sound a little more bassy than one is used to.
At the same time, and probably as a side-effect of that, the treble is a little mellower than usual.
Still, this all means that the bass is decidedly confident overall, forceful even, and as a result this is a great cable for rock and other bass-rich styles.
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