Review聖HIJIRIHijiri Nagomi X-DCH20Nowadays, a good power cable constitutes an indispensable
part of any audiophile’s playback chain
Having tested the amazing Hijiri HGP-15R signal cables, now it’s time
for another product from the same brand, namely, the power cable.
Just like the previously tested analogue interconnect, Nagomi HDCH20 belongs to the latest products of Japanese Combak
Corporation, which owns the well-known audiophile brands, Reimyoand Harmonix. Mister Kazuo Kiuchi’s decided to introduce Hijiri as acompletely new brand, which is supposed to have a higher rank thanHarmonix, and is addressed to clients, who, for various reasons, don’tchoose these products.
Even though Nagomi looks similar to Harmonix power cable, when you
take it into your hands, you can immediately tell that it is much moreelastic than the latter. I don’t think the Japanese ever had such a flexible
and elastic power cable in their offer, so in this respect, the difference isparticularly noticeable. Although I haven’t dismantled it – to do that I
would have to irreversibly damage some of the pieces – I think whatcauses this quality is the noise filter, more particularly, the braided
shield, or rather lack of it, which is more probable. Usually, it is the thickbraided copper shield, together with fairly rigid insulation woundaround the conductors, that have the influence on the cord’s poor
flexibility, sometimes making it inconvenient to connect, for example
when an equipment stand is close to a wall. I think the Japanese cable
uses some entirely different type of filtering, or a specific braid thattreats the ground conductor as an elementary component of filtering.
Just like in the case of Harmonix cables, the manufacturer doesn’t giveinformation about technical details or used materials (many othermanufacturers of audio cables don’t do that either), so many aspects
remain just speculations.
In general, Nagomi looks neat – the outer insulation is realized througha decorative woven cotton sleeving. The connectors are hi-end
Wattgate models.

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Many discussions about power cables argue whether they make any
difference in an audio system. High-class power cables, which are very
expensive, have become the favorite “whipping boy” on different
discussion boards. The ignorant, who often take the floor in suchdebates, provide cables as an example of sheer stupidity ofaudiophiles who spend a fortune on cables, when, allegedly, they can’teven hear any difference. I promised myself long ago not to get
involved in such discussions, but I know that the opinion that cables
are useless and make no sonic difference is still shared by some music
lovers. Therefore now, I would like to take this opportunity to list a few
undeniable facts about audio cables. Some 20-30 years ago, they
constituted an indispensable supplement to any audio system,
because, after all, individual components have to be connected
somehow. But back then nobody took them seriously. However, overtime their importance systematically increased, until at some point it
went too far, and some people started perceiving cables as full-fledged
components of audio systems. The way I see it, common sense is thekey in this matter, and the two extreme views definitely should bedisregarded. From my long experience, I know for sure that cables dohave an influence on the quality of sound, but it’s not that tremendous.
Apart from that, it’s a good idea to follow a simple rule of thumb thatthe more expensive and better system you have, the higher classcables you need – not because that’s customary, but in order not todegrade the high quality of sound, which can be achieved with acarefully selected audio system. Let’s be clear, buying hyper-expensive
cables to go with a cheap system is completely pointless, it definitively
won’t make any spectacular sonic improvement. If you want toimprove a budget system, investing in a new amp or better speakers
would be a better idea than spending money on cables that cost as
much as an amplifier. Whereas when it comes to expensive, perfectedsystems, where the struggle is to improve the already exorbitant soundquality, if only by little, that’s another story. Replacing cables can give
positive results – don’t expect miracles, but still, a well matched wiring
should bring about what’s best in a given audio system.

I’ve been dealing with audio stuff for years, and such situations arenothing uncommon, and I can assure you that improved sound quality
really takes place after replacing cables. It’s not my wild imagination or
the effect of having too much booze. Often I’ve achieved mostspectacular effects when using Harmonix cables, that’s why they are
one of my favorites. I think that once I’ve tested Hijiri from the same
manufacturer, they will win over my heart as well.
Most of all, Nagomi offers perfectly balanced sound, with welldistributed bass, without any boost in this range, and with high tones
harmoniously integrating with middles, which in turn delight withsmoothness and refined quality. As much as in the case of speaker
cables or even interconnects the sonic difference is rather subtle, whenit comes to Hijiri Nagomi power cables, the difference is more
noticeable, no matter in what system it’s been used. During several
listening sessions, I was trying to use the cable in a few different ways –one time I plugged it to the source only, another time to the amp.
However, the best result was achieved when I connected X-DCH20directly to the mains, with the other end plugged to Gigawatt power
conditioner. As a result, the sound quality was close to what you canhear when listening to a philharmonic orchestra in a concert hall. Whenit comes to transparency and the way the energy is built, Hijiri surprised
me in a very positive sense.
Most of all, this cable proved to be absolutely flawless. I would say it is aperfect combination of all elements of a sonic characteristic, united so
it is not one bit mechanical, free from any unnatural traces ordistortions. Music was effortlessly coming out of the whole system – inthis case, sound reproduction potential of speakers of my own design,paired with Accuphase E-470, has been upgraded in almost every
respect. In comparison to other Harmonix power cables I know,
Nagomi proved to be better when it comes to dynamics and its
processing. The coherence and harmony of sound offered by thetested power cable is also supreme, and I don’t think that any of theknown cable manufacturers will match Nagomi anytime soon. I have toadmit that it constitutes a crown of a well-matched stereo system,
giving the reproduced music live-like quality. It doesn’t color oremphasize anything, nothing is veiled or boosted. The perfect tonalbalance definitely constitutes its positive aspect and a characteristicfeature, but it’s also a message to a future user – Nagomi will help bringabout additional reserves from your system, especially when it comesto overall sound quality, not to mention very clear treble.

Good to know
Hijiri Nagomi, just like power cables from Harmonix, has marking
indicating the hot wire. It’s advisable to pay attention to it, because
although audio devices are supplied with alternating current,connecting them in a correct way will improve the sound, and willallow you to make maximum use of your power cable. Such marking
can often be found also on electrical devices – their manufacturers
emphasize that the best sonic effect is achieved when the power cable
is connected correctly, according the hot wire marking. Somemanufacturers, like Ayon, take this even further and equip theirdevices with a diode indicating when the power cable is connectedaccording to phases in a 230 V power outlet. It is definitely a plus whenit comes to comfort of use, because there’s no need to perform
additional measurements to specify the correct phase of alternating
current on input.

Summary
Nagomi will sound as good as a given stereo system will allow, which is
the manifestation of its perfection. Undeniably, it is one of the best
power cables I’ve ever come across, and I’ve dealt with quite a lot ofcables. This Japanese power cord lets the music flow, regardless of its
type or genre. However, what’s most important is the fact that in thiscase, naturalness and realism are paired with accurate dynamics andfreedom – the sound seems to come out of the speakers effortlessly,
with liveliness characteristic of a given type of music. The Japanese
craftsmanship has reached its top, and the tested power cable is thebest proof of that. Definitely, it’s worth all the money spent.

Verdict: Hijiri Nagomi X-DCH20★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Charmingly coherent and harmonious sound. Its
phenomenal tonal balance makes it perfect for well-balanced systems,
complementing the sound with lots of life and naturalness