Have to be careful with PS Audio power cords. I purchased five counterfeit AC-12's in September from three different sellers in the U.S., including on Audiogon. Took about three weeks of burnin to realize something was amiss. Got my money back except for return shipping. The real ones (2m) weigh about 3.5 lbs, while the fakes are around 2 lbs 10 oz. I always ask now for an original receipt or for them to weigh the cords before making an offer (cost me a buy in one case). There are good deals to be had on new ones in the U.S. from dealers and sometimes in the used market, if verified, so no need to play roulette going to China.

It's sounding as if it's safer to buy directly from the company, when possible.

However, maybe that depends upon the brand in question? I've also bought from vendors I am familiar with (Ivan, Music Direct) and noticed nothing amiss. That's how I obtained my Shunyatas. A couple of my Transparents were purchased from a local dealer (Stereo Exchange); most were purchased from Transparent directly. I don't know that I'm sophisticted enough to catch a fake unless it's obvious, so I think I'll keep my circle tight for any future cable buys.

I have bought and sold used cables in the past but now will only buy from a known and trusted vendor. It's also another way to support B&M which I believe still has a vital role in this business.

This has been and interesting read. I appreciate all the input.

I guess the old adage "if is sounds to good to be true..."

Kimber happily authenticates cables as well.

I bought a demo pair of 1 meter AQ King Cobras interconnects from a reputable dealer a few years back. One of the pair looked like it was an early or first generation King Cobra and the other one was an obvious counterfeit because the jacket weave was incorrect. I suspect people who had bought counterfeits online were then buying authentic cables from the dealer and sending the counterfeits to the dealer as returns.

I have a pair of XLO Reference 3 interconnects that I like rather well. A while back I thought I'd look for some used Reference 3 or Signature 3. I was perplexed by how authentic the XLO interconnects from China look in pictures. Maybe they are pictures of authentic interconnects; but they would send you something else. The wires, connectors and the hologram sticker on the bead all looked authentic in the pictures. I think they even listed them as new instead of used and of course they were priced at about 80% lower than the usual retail price. I received my XLO's direct from the company. I'm afraid to buy XLO's used if they have been copied so well.

Great advice on exotic cables!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoVixorZTDM

That's why I buy from Ivan. I can't see him making cables in the basement. ;):no:

https://www.horrornewsnetwork.net/images/dlitbb.jpg

:D

You move production to China and you take your chances.

There is a lot of items made in China where the night shift makes the knock off.

Hence they look identical.

The thing that’s getting weird about high end is that they are avoiding and direct comparisons.

I just compared Straight Wire to Kimber and Kimber just slaughtered the Straight Wire.

Also compared Cary tubes amps to Conrad Johnson. Cary won hands down.

Kimber now sells direct so you don’t have to ruin your week walking in a dealer.