Mark Grant G1000 review

Pit the G1000 against a class-leading cable like the Merlin Mozart and its shortcomings are fearful Tested at £65.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Does a job, but there’s a lot better out there

Pros

  • +

    Colourful bass

  • +

    good midrange

  • +

    detailing

Cons

  • -

    Brash, confused, dynamically disappointing

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Sitting at £65, the Mark Grant G1000HD is meant to be an upgrade from budget cables.

Aesthetically it's the cable equivalent of an anatomical model, having its copper core squarely on display in a transparent, flexible jacket.

We give it Led Zeppelin's ballsy When The Levee Breaks, and our reference kit serves up a wide soundstage with a capable midrange and firm, colourful bass.

In-your-face presentation
Top-end frequencies are brash however; this isn't a cable to whisper sweet nothings in your ear. It prefers, instead, to shout them at point-blank range, so detailing is steamrollered over.

What really lets this cable down though, is its inability to get to grips with dynamics. Bonham's trademark drumming becomes jumbled and confused, and the sound lacks cohesion and definition, ending up as a soggy, pulpy mass.

Pit this against a class-leader like the Merlin Mozart and its shortcomings are fearful. The Mozart is £25 cheaper than the G1000HD, and runs rings round it in every way.

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.


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