Eletech Raphael Review – Redefining Midrange

Pros –

Excellent build quality, Great soundstage expansion, Highly textured bass, Powerful lush vocals, Upholds strong definition and separation

Cons –

Design doesn’t differentiate from other Virtues cables, Smoother treble misses some micro details

Verdict –

he Raphael is for the listener wanting much of the experience of an exotic high-end cable at a midrange price.

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Introduction –

I’ve spoken enough about Eletech now that they should need little introduction for returning readers. If you’re familiar with custom cables, you’d certainly have seen the name pop up. Recently, the company completely overhauled their Virtues series cables introducing the Azrael and Cassiel to replace the Fortitude and Prudence. In a surprise move, Eric then announced a third addition, the Raphael, which serves as a more premium option whilst still keeping the price at a medium level. While the Cassiel and Azrael are more complex creatures than their predecessors, the Raphael draws heavier inspiration from the company’s high-end models with its more exotic design. So too does this cable sport 25.5 AWG wires and a multi-sized Litz configuration. However, it introduces a more complex 9-core geometry with ultra-high purity gold—copper alloy and ultra-high purity gold-plated copper conductors.

As always, pricing depends on termination and cable design, starting at $499 USD. You can configure one to your preferences on Eletech’s website here.

Disclaimer –

I would like to thank Eric very much for his quick communication and for reaching out to set up a review of the Raphael. All words are my own and there is no monetary incentive for a positive review. Despite receiving the cable free of cost, I will attempt to be as objective as possible in my evaluation.

Contents –

• Page 1: Intro, Unboxing, Design
• Page 2: Sound Breakdown
• Page 3: Comparisons & Verdict

Behind the Design –

Conductors

The Raphael sticks with the slightly enlarged 25.5 AWG thickness of the other 3^rd generation Virtues cables but implements a far more exotic conductor array. This includes a combination of ultra-high purity gold-plated copper and a gold-copper alloy. The conductors are cryogenically treated and individually enameled for maximum longevity, Eletech also use their own custom solder to ensure the entire conducting path is addressed.

Geometry

Eletech’s multi-size strand design makes its return, giving the company finer control over the sound characteristics at the expense of greater complexity during manufacture. What differs on the Raphael specifically is the more sophisticated 9-core litz geometry as opposed to the 7-core design seen on the company’s more budget-minded cables. Once again, each core has its own Kevlar core, promising a long working life.

FlexiMax Insulation

Unsurprisingly, the company’s signature insulation makes a return and this is a very good thing. I’m a huge fan of FlexiMax as it offers excellent ergonomic properties and doesn’t harden over time. The insulation used on the Raphael appears slightly clearer than on the Azriel and Cassiel giving the impression of a higher end design.

Customization –

Custom cables are so desirable due to their ability to be tailored to the individual. While the use of custom connectors does limit things here, Eletech still offers support for the vast majority of in-ears. On the earphone connector side, we have a choice of 2-pin, MMCX, FitEar and UE/QDC. The source termination is offered in 3.5mm alongside 4.4mm and 2.5mm balanced. The y-split cannot be customized as each model has its own custom Eletech y-splitter.

Design –

Eletech has chosen to assume a similar design language on the Raphael as its cheaper brethren, keeping the entire Virtues line visually congruent. The three cables are closely related with the same thickness, connectors and even connector colour scheme. This can be taken as a positive or a negative for the cable does little to visually separate itself from its vastly more affordable compatriots. Conversely, having a unique design is an expensive endeavor so this helps to keep the overall unit cost down. Despite the higher asking price of the Raphael, it remains within Eletech’s entry-level line up and accordingly, additional complications have likely been spared in order to maximise budget allocation on the conductors themselves.

Despite this, my comments in my Cassiel and Azriel review remain true. The Raphael may not be visually distinct, but it is still a premium cable with excellent construction quality. The connectors are sleeker and functionally improved over the previous generation and the richer colour scheme of the Raphael does offer some identity that helps to set it aside from the other models. I have no complaints with the chosen design or overall level of finish as the cables appear built to last. Given the company’s history of statement designs, one might wish for a more unique offering here, yet it makes sense that this has been reserved for their other more premium product lines.

Next Page: Sound Breakdown