Every so often we get an innovative product we didn’t know we needed. High Fidelity Cables is no stranger to that when they introduced their amazing magnetic technology that changed the way people listen to music. I’ve had plenty of readers who have read my reviews on their cables and power accessories (especially the MC-0.5s) and they weren’t disappointed. Applications for this technology seems limitless.

Here’s the description of the HFC Trinity Helix:

Introducing the first High Fidelity Cables device specifically made for high-end headphone listening.

 

The Trinity Helix features our extremely powerful Helix wave guide modules. The magnetism created within is strong enough to attract the electrons of any audio signal to the very center of the conductors, preserving all of the details the signal is carrying.

Magnets make music so why not apply this magnetic technology to headphone cables. Genius 🙂

I wanted to get a holistic idea of what this device affects sonically so spent a few days listening to various playlists on the Chord DAVE and HiFiMAN HE-1000 V2. I’ve also had a brief chance to test it on the Focal Utopia and Abyss. In all cases the Trinity Helix tightens up the image, provides a blacker background, and provides more clarity and shine. Although I’ve heard improvements across all headphones, most of my time was spent with the HiFiMAN HE-1000 V2 as I believe it benefited the most from this device.

I’ve spent a few days with the Trinity Helix and went through quite a few playlists. There were a few common themes that the Trinity Helix brought across all the recordings. I’ve taken a few raw notes but it really boils down to the following:

HiFiMAN HE-1000 V2 with Double Helix Cables Prion4 + High Fidelity Cables Trinity Helix

• HEK was fuzzier but with the Trinity, everything tightens up and it sounds incredibly detailed and refined.
• Soundstage widens quite a bit. Not subtle at all.
• A pristine and tight presentation. It was like the Trinity was meant for the V2’s more cozy and lush sound signature.
• The V2 does have a bit of grittiness and softening. With the Trinity Helix, there’s virtually no grain and its initial softness is transformed into amazing dynamics.
• PRaT improved enormously. Without the TH, it was a more relaxed and sweet sound. Doesn’t really get your head bobbing like it does with the TH in the chain.
• Lower noise floor, which definitely helps a headphone like this. You’ll get a more holographic and more dimensional presentation.
• Much more detailed and impactful low-end slam. V2 already does a great job with this but the TH refines it.
• Tonality takes a tiny hit as instruments are somewhat leaner. Not quite noticeable unless A/Bing.
• Noticeable separation and layering. A welcomed enhancement for this headphone as well. Without the TH, I found the V2 to sound a tiny bit crowded or too cozy.
• Vocals are melodic and instruments have more shimmer and shine. Exactly what I was looking for from his headphone in the first place.
• Improved extension both ways.
• Without the Trinity Helix, instruments smear with the rest of the actors. Magnets really do work some wonders.

Could you believe magnets could affect the sound quality this much? The fact that this enhancement was applied post DAC/amp is even more amazing. Now we just need a magnetic headphone cable 😉

Conclusion

To be frank, the HiFiMAN HE-1000 V2 sounds flat and dull without the Trinity Helix. On its own, it’s already a fantastic sounding headphone but with the Trinity Helix…you get a new headphone. I don’t think there was a single recording I preferred without using the Trinity Helix in the chain. You get more micro/macro-dynamics, more nuanced and detailed sound, tighter and hefty low-end thump/slam, and dimensional presence across the entire spectrum. It basically breathes air into the music and allows it to expand limitlessly.

I wish I had spent more time with the other headphones as I’m sure these improvements could be heard across the board. But if you’re a huge fan of the HiFiMAN HE-1000 V2 and definitely if it’s your daily driver, I would save up for the Trinity Helix ($2,799). They were meant for each other. <3