Phantom Speaker Cable
£280.00 – £800.00
Our best loved cable, the No Nonsense Speaker Cable (or ‘N²’ for short) is admired for two reasons: first we tell it like it is without any magical pseudoscience to validate a ridiculous price and secondly but (most importantly) the flexibility is a welcomed relief over it’s main competitor the NAC A5.
Whilst this is still a great cable that deserves the attention it’s received, after 7 years we decided to up our game and create something new. Once again there are no hidden secrets involved just solid sound engineering excellence.
The Phantom Speaker Cable simply builds on the success of the N² by improving each component of it. We started by choosing a much higher quality base copper cable. This was prepared for us by the same people who make our fabled S3 range and is built to the highest of standards. Importantly it’s also thicker than the previous cable (and the NAC A5) this means it has a reduced resistance, allowing the current to flow more easily.
Next come the banana plugs: we decided on the AudioQuest SureGrip 100s as they are lightweight and plated in silver meaning they boast a high conductivity from the cable to unit with the addition of cold welding instead of soldering to ensure this important handover goes as smoothly as possible.
Finally, we honed the cosmetics. Whilst sound quality should always be the priority, we know that the final touches are also part of the consideration in a high quality cable. We selected a stylish, grey and black, flexible braid which helps it fade into the background also giving rise to the Phantom name.
We have overwhelmed ourselves by the cable we’ve made to such an extent that our engineers have refused to give back their sample cables and won’t listen to their respective N² and NAC A5.
Following increasing prices from our previous supplier, we are in the process of trialling an alternative to avoid passing the cost on to our customers. We expect the Phantom to be ready to ship again in November.
Features
- Thin and Flexible
- Black and Grey Braid that helps keep it hidden
- High Quality Copper Core
- Designed and Optimised for Naim Amplifiers
- Handmade By Ex-Naim Engineers
Specifications
- Length : 3.5m – 10m pairs, available at 0.5m intervals
- Internal Area of Copper : 6mm²
- Outer width: 13mm x 6.5mm
- Materials : oxygen-free copper core
- Connectors : silver plated banana plugs
Our No Questions Asked Guarantee
When we set out to create an upgrade cable we knew people would be skeptical with all the cable-voodoo that goes on in the HiFi world. So we decided to offer a 30 day no questions asked money back guarantee.
You’ll be able to try them in your own system, with your own surroundings, and if you don’t think it makes a difference you can send them back for a full refund.
| Length: | 2×3.5m, 2x4m, 2×4.5m, 2x5m, 2×5.5m, 2x6m, 2×6.5m, 2x7m, 2×7.5m, 2x8m, 2×8.5m, 2x9m, 2×9.5m, 2x10m |
|---|---|
| Connectors: | Silver Banana Plugs, Silver Banana Spades to Silver Bananas |
Noel –
Firstly my cables arrived packed in a black box, nothing ostentatious but it looked rather nice to me.
Flexibility: probably the best I’ve ever seen, so pliable they’re almost fluid! They curved around a small bay window and stayed put. I plug them in to notice an arrow on the cable which connects to the speakers & square end to the amp (thanks for pointing that out Nic).
So, I am changing from N2 to Phantom, I was very pleased with the N2 cable but a revision of furniture placement dictated a longer cable and opted for the Phantom as a replacement. The N2s will be used by our son for his NAC62/NAP140 combo.
We have a NAC202 / HiCap / NAP200 driving Linn Kans, Im a great fan of these speakers owned them since 1989 & to me sound great in our stone floored room via the 202/200 combo. Our music is mainly Jazz, with Mowtown, Led Zep, 80’s & some classical as well so fairly varied. We also listen to a fair amount of live music which is amplified sometimes better than others.
I expect they may take some time to ‘run in’ so my initial expectations beforehand were reserved & soon removed. I was very pleasantly surprised as everything sounded a lot clearer and more dynamic (Im not one for flowery words with HiFi) To me the music just got much closer and more lifelike – almost in the same way that adding a HiCap does. Therefore – recommended to anyone considering an upgrade from their current cable without spending a fortune to consider the Witch Hat Phantom.
Simon (verified owner) –
I thought I’d drop you a line to say how pleased I am with both the Hatpin and Phantom speaker cable.
Together they have made my Naim system sound more Alive and Fun, needless to say they are staying put.
Thanks for your help and getting them to me so quickly.
I think you may have a Giant killer on your hands with the Phantom speaker cable.
Michael Woods (verified owner) –
The phantom cables are a huge improvement over the
N2 I was using before. They appear to make the music more open
and detailed I’ve heard subtitles I didn’t know existed on LP’s l thought I knew inside out especially vocals.
They’re probably the biggest improvement per £ spent I’ve experienced, and made me realise that cables really can make a massive difference. And hopefully there is still more to come when they’re fully burned in.
Ps. I think you could probably change a lot more for them they are that good.
Richard Sellicks (verified owner) –
I found the Phantom cable had a more open and musical sound with-out the brightness I experienced with Lumina.
I have only had them a couple of weeks and the improvement over day one is obvious so more to come! as they settle in.
Simon E. (verified owner) –
Witchhat Phantom sounds better than my nac a4 and a5. Used with a Pioneer sclx701 lx701, it really improves the amp, it’s actually an amp upgrade, more detail, clarity and a better more musical soundstage. I am really impressed. I bought it to use with a naim Nap250 that’s gone for a service and I’m looking forward to hearing how it sounds with that.
Cliff (verified owner) –
Flexibility of cables are superb lays flat and bends round skirting with ease.
As for sound no complaints, build quality is excellent.
Tim Woodburn –
Just wanted to say thanks to the team at Witchhat. I have just swapped my very inflexible Naim cables for the Phantoms and the benefits were immediate: Better soundstage, tighter and deeper bass, less brightness especially with strings in an orchestra – all round better sound and without question the best value upgrade I have ever made (£160!).
Many thanks again,
Tim
Steve Jones –
Always ? my music and reference speakers and amps and was using transparent speaker cables as I ?there sound… I bought the phantom cables as I’d read a few reviews… Straight away the sound was cleaner n cymbals n drums n guitars sound fantastic… Everything was clearer… Vocals n bass are fantastic not bass in Ur face but bass u can follow speakers are cm9s2. For listening.. And then I tried listening to a problem of klipsch Rf 7 11and they made me go wow n sit with a huge cheesy grin ? and that’s in the first few hours…. Fantastic cables.. Totally recommend well worth it…gonna try these in av amp n see how they sound as well… But fantastic in my supernait 2
Lee.. –
Ok, so I have been around the block with cables, some exotic ones too Chord signature for one, NACA5 obviously having a naim supernait. I got the hi cap and got the cap upgrade, next was speakers. Focal Aria 948’s and I just found I could not control the Bass, I was thinking, I ned a power amp.. came across Phantom cables, read the description. I love the no bull approach – a refreshing change to the cable industry for sure.. Read some reviews and at the price, thought this is too good to be true… Placed my order and came in good time… I plugged them in, from the first thump, the bass was so tuneful and in control – even my wife looked up and said, wow that’s better… everything just came into focus. threw a couple of problem tracks at it ( like we all do ) perfect.. People say they just get better over time too, not sure how but im not going to complain… l am now listening to the music and not the system.. Highly reccomend anyone to try them, you will not regret it… I am now 24 hrs in and I only have one negative thing to write…. it cost me a day at work. put the hifi on at 7am and its now 5:09pm… im still going, going to enjoy a vinyl evening with a glass of wine tonight.
Iain (verified owner) –
I bought phantom cable to reduce mechanical stress on my aging olive bumper naps and SBLs,, wasn’t expecting the sound to be better than naim’s own cable, but it is, and that was immediately apparent. Bass in particular comes over better.
Paul Kelly –
Absolutely blinding cable. The difference over nac A5 is astonishing. The first thing I noticed was the scale and dynamics had improved. No harshness at all like A5. As the cables are burning in I’ve noticed details and subtleties I’d never noticed before. This is on par with a box upgrade for a fraction of the cost. Great work guys
HiFiMan (verified owner) –
A Witch Hat labelled black box arrived today, inside the Phantom speaker cable and speaker binding post leads.
Its all been said before in previous posts regarding the Phantom but from the very first note this cable has trounced my NACA5 cable in every direction.
Well done Witch Hat 🙂
Jamie –
I’ve had phantom in place for more than 3weeks now, and I’m delighted with them.
If you have used A5 for years but are considering a change, this is what I’ve found so far.
I’ve used naca5 for more than 25 years now, apart from a brief flirtation with Kimber 8tc.
The Kimber was indeed better resolving in the treble but it destroyed the forward momentum allowed by the A5. It lost the excitement.( I have a 52 into a dynavector hx 1.2 into Shahinian arcs)
Phantom resolves more than A5 but it doesn’t lose the snap and drive or the interest.
The music is more open and inviting. The tunes are more tuneful.
The rhythms are better resolved, I am enjoying drums and percussion more.
There is extra detail coming through.
There are improved dynamics loud to soft.
My thought is that A5 gives a somewhat pinched sound in comparison, the bass and some treble frequencies are pushed forwards. The bass is strong but somehow imprecise, a bit “ thunky” and bloated.Phantom bass started sounding leaner, but has now filled out, it might even be deeper. It is definitely better in that it seems better integrated, purer in tune and tone, with much clearer note shapes. A plucked string sounds more like a plucked string.There is more definition and inner detail.
Throughout the range music sounds fuller and better resolved.
Without the forward elements the soundstage is more coherent and the stereo imaging stronger and more enjoyable. Screaming instruments don’t leap out at you, bass boom no longer masks detail.
3 weeks isn’t long and I might go off these cables yet, but so far, so good, and I think they are still improving.
Antony Davis –
just added the new cable XLR DIN into my NAIM 300DR, improvement was there straight away after about 20 Mins they realling starting to get into thier stride, more detail sound stage music has more texture and focus – i have a feeling these new cables will be in high demand once launched at Easter 2019, used digital files on NDX with a number of res from 16 to 96 right accross the albums improved the sound – will be trying my LP12 later today – will post review thanks to the team for giving me a chance to try these before they hit the UK market
Chris Bennell (verified owner) –
Have received my phantom cables and have been running them now for 3 days now and I am very happy with them. The sound is much clearer and you can hear much more detail. But does not sound clinical still has warmth.
I have one technical question? I have a Naim NAP 250 DR but the banana plugs do not go all the way in, is this correct I did not want to force them in? They are slightly longer than plugs they have replaced.
All cables that I have replaced with cables from Witch Hat, especially the Morgan, have made a improvement in quality of the music. So I highly recommend theses cables!!
Amer Saad (verified owner) –
A bit of background to explain where I was coming from with regards to the Phantoms.
I had already been wowed by the Morgana interconnects, particularly that first one between my Naim 282 pre amp and HiCapDR. After that the XLR to my 250DR and then CD player.
I’d had face ache from the smile on my face – I was loving the sound so much.
So I was very hesitant about changing my Nordost Red Dawn speaker cable as I didn’t want to compromise the sparkle the Red Dawn had bought to my Dynaudio Audience 15 – these are early models when they were floor standers.
But you know how it goes, after a few months the niggle at the back of my mind of what further enjoyment I might be missing, kept getting more frequent and louder. Especially as ‘the what have you got to loose 30 day return guarantee’ was there.
So what happened when I finally installed the 5 mtr lengths of Phantoms. The sparkle remained, but was more extended with no tendency to get a bit edgy on those one or two ‘difficult’ recordings. Bass was more extended, but remained tight. For example, The Miles Davis record, ‘On the Corner’ is percussion heavy, but now each instrument had a better acoustic around them so even easier to follow the tune and rhythm. My CD of The Tony Williamsons Lifetime (turn it over) is one of those difficult records as it sounds compressed on my system. The Phantom resulted it sounding much less compressed and I found I could follow Jack Bruce’s bass much more clearly even though it was low in the mix on some of the tracks.
What I didn’t do was go back to comparing the sound of the Phantoms with the Red Dawn again. This was because the improvements where so obvious to me, that it would have been a bit like me needing switch a light on and off in a dark room just to check it really was brighter with the light on!
Chris D –
A big improvement over the NACA5 straight out of the box. Everything is clearer with more detail and with a much improved soundstage.
Werner (verified owner) –
Connecting a NAP300DR with Ovator S-400, the Phantom is a huge step forward from NACA5. Additional advantage is the flexibility to fit around any corner as the NACA5 never did. Strong recommended!
Collin Bruce (verified owner) –
Using with a SuperNait 3. Just fantastic.
Not even for the price. No caveats required. If you’ve got a Naim amp or integrated, just go ahead and buy them now. It’s that simple.
Thorsten (verified owner) –
Straight out of the box … phenomenal upgrade over my NACA…had the NACA for more than 15 years..
Everything is just “more music”.
Soundstage is much bigger. Bass much tighter ..but most of all I feel the vocals are much more “there”…much more alive…
What a fabulous product.
It runs from my Supernait 2 to my Ovators S400…
Kudos, Witch Hat Audio.
Юрий Кормилицин (verified owner) –
Everything that is written above is true! So I have nothing new to add ! important! Before making conclusions and comparing with other cables , wait for the final heating of the cable! I had it for about 2.5 months. Only after this period of time did I enjoy it. Thanks!
Chris (verified owner) –
We have been using NAC A5 in our Olive System (52/SC+2xNAP135+Celestion A1s) for over 25 years. Never thought much about changing them until lockdown when we were listening a lot more and this made us wonder if after all those years there might be something better. A dealer lent us a pair of Super Lumina to trial and, in the context of our listening room and ears neither my partner nor I could hear any significant difference to the A5s and certainly not one that would have justified spending £2500+. So I read around and discovered Witch Hat and thought the Phantoms (£280) would be worth a try.
Not had them long but we have already found them far more musical than the A5s and the Super Luminas. The slight harshness of the A5s has gone, the dynamics are more controlled, the sound stage has opened up and everything is much cleaner and clearer whilst retaining warmth. They enhance both Classical and Jazz music. Also they are flexible.
We recommend these cables without reservation and can’t imagine why anyone would spend 10 times the amount on others
Jean-Baptiste –
Compared to a NAC A5, not only is the Phantom of a stunning finish and immensely practical ergonomy. The management of lows / medium / highs is exceptionally balanced, the mix of a high dense and refined sound is a striking element I have noticed as far as now and, to conclude, the ability of the cable to sound very analogic as catching the core of the musical information is amazing.
Kuba (verified owner) –
After my experience with high-end headphones, I knew cable would make a difference. A few months ago I bought Naim Uniti Nova and Focal Kanta #2 and obviously started with a dedicated NACA5 cable.. after a few weeks of warm-up I played with the second cable Chord Clearway X and both presented a sound that felt somewhat odd. Chord felt narrow, compressed but quite polite at the same time. It did not provide any thrills but also did not bring any fatigue either.. NACA5 Was way more spacious and dynamic but to my surprise always felt incoherent. Trebble felt pushed forward, harsh, mids felt recessed a bit and base was boomy. All in all some tracks sounded engaging.. some odd, some tiring. When Phantom came, I did have high hopes but did still was stunned by the instant change in the sound. Mids were totally redesigned in the way they are presented on my Kanta’s. They got way more space to breathe, effortless presentation and as result so much more musicality, the soul You could say. Trebble lost a tiny bit of energy up top but replaced that for a super smooth, organic, almost analog presentation, one I totally love. Bass became so much more detailed and linear, reaching lower. But apart from mids, the biggest change is in the stage. It grew tremendously compared to Chord but also compared to NACA5. My family is normally immune to my sound quality presentations, but they were literally shocked by the change that cable brought to the system, and after a quick demo we moved on to music and spent quite a few hours listening to all the tracks we know, and all of them sounded spectacular. Kudos to the Wthitchhat.
John –
I received my 5mtr lengths last week for use with Naim equipment: I know Witch Hat Audio will obviously realise the speaker cabling specifications due their history.
My old cables were from a well know manufacturer and recommended for Naim, though not manufactured by Naim themselves and I’ve been ‘happy’ with them for some 10 years.
I must point out I bought these ‘blind’ i.e., based on the reviews I’ve read on-line from many, many quarters.
Now, I was expecting a difference, some difference, but I wasn’t expecting what I heard.
I’m not going to go into my own subjective views: they are by definition “subjective’ and pertinent to the system being used, acoustic environment and a myriad of other variables which can never be paralleled in other people’s circumstances.
I’ll just say “well done, very well done”. These are not coming back; these cables will never be changed again, these are better than good.
I’m very, very happy.