The earliest WEL versions probably had metal collars, because they were switching from metal to plastic around that time. So those photos are out of date. The black braid has changed slightly, too. Current WEL cables (all models except WEL LP) use two different kinds of black textile for a more aesthetic visual contrast. AQ claims the metal collars can cause undesired electro-magnetic interactions when used on speaker and power cables, hence the move was done for sound quality. My Kilimanjaros (each is basically half of a WEL signature, but from the older lineup) have the silver metal collars -- very pretty, though.
AQ also changed connectors over the years; WEL Signature now uses the 1000-series spades or bananas, when previously they has some very funky blocky-looking custom spades (bananas not available). I've been upgrading my AQ cables over several years now, and believe me it's been a challenge keeping up with all of this minutia lol.
Last edited by mulveling; 04-16-2018 at 05:07 PM.
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