In this article, I review the Zikman Audio Rhine IEM upgrade cable. The Rhine is a premium 7N Ohno Continuous Cast (OCC) cable made from the highest grade of oxygen-free copper. It’s priced at €329 (approximately 375 USD).

Zikman Audio is a boutique brand born from a multi-generational passion for sound. Founded by Andre Zikman, whose family roots lie in radio engineering, the company aims to revive classic European audio values while embracing modern design and technology. With cables designed in Austria, precision components from Germany, and handcrafted assembly in Lithuania, Zikman combines artisanal craftsmanship with a commitment to sonic purity. Their products are built for discerning audiophiles who want to feel every nuance of the music—not just hear it.

Disclaimer: This sample was provided by Zikman Audio for an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own, based on my experience with the product.

Zikman Audio Rhine

Build & Design

Apart from the sound (which I’ll get to shortly), I just love the way the Zikman Audio Rhine cable handles—it’s genuinely a pleasure to use as a daily driver. The matte black braid has a sleek, understated vibe, and the build quality is immediately apparent. Internally, it uses two densely packed 130-strand conductors for the positive and two for the negative, giving a total of 1040 individually insulated monocrystalline copper strands. That might sound like overkill, but the cable stays surprisingly lightweight at just 46 g, thanks to the use of anodised aluminium fittings instead of heavier stainless steel.

The craftsmanship here is exceptional. The soft-touch polyurethane sheath not only resists kinks and temperature changes but also feels silky and supple in the hand. The nano-ceramic lacquered metal parts help guard against oxidation while preserving the finish. Despite being a bit large, I love the splitter design—it’s got Zikman’s signature emblem and curved sides and was inspired by jewellery pendants. There’s no chin slider, but that’s a deliberate choice—Andre felt it would break up the visual balance, so he decided not to include one. In practice, I never missed it: the weight distribution is just right, and the earhooks are some of the most comfortable I’ve used, made from specially chosen tubing with a great balance of softness and shape retention.

The Rhine uses a modular system for the connector end only—not the plug. You can choose between rhodium-plated 4.4 mm, 3.5 mm, or 2.5 mm terminations when ordering, but only the connectors are swappable. Options include gold-plated 2-pin (0.78 mm), MMCX, Pentaconn Ear, QDC, and IPX, and they can all be changed out easily with the included mini screwdriver.

Identifying the left and right sides is easy thanks to a tactile bump on the right connector—much more practical than the usual tiny L and R markings, especially in low light.

This cable merges modern craftsmanship with a vintage European design sensibility. Everything about it—from the solder joints to the way it drapes—feels thought-out and refined. It doesn’t shout for attention, but it definitely earns it.

Sound

I tested the Zikman Audio Rhine with a bunch of different IEMs, including the ZiiGaat Arcanis, IO Audio Volare and my custom Spiral Ears SE6 Nebula.

While cables aren’t tone shapers in the same way as IEMs or DACs, the Zikman Rhine does have a clear sonic character—and it’s one that I’ve come to really appreciate. According to Andre, the tuning is the result of extensive experimentation with litz-structured copper, and you can tell. This isn’t just about maximising conductivity—it’s about sculpting a sound that’s rich, full-bodied, and emotionally expressive, but without dulling detail or collapsing the stage.

The Rhine brings a sense of depth and fullness to the lows, giving bass notes extra weight and warmth without tipping into bloat. Midrange is lively and forward, with a lushness that enhances vocal presence and gives instruments that rounded, analogue-style body. Treble, on the other hand, is smooth and relaxed—never overly sharp, yet still clear enough to retain air and definition. It doesn’t force detail down your throat but presents it in an organic, unforced way.

It’s a bit like donning a good pair of sunglasses on a bright day—you’re not losing any detail, but the glare is dialled back. The Rhine keeps everything intact, just in a more listenable, less fatiguing way.

If you’re someone who chases musicality, tonal richness, and a touch of vintage soul over cold precision, the Zikman Audio Rhine fits right in. It’s got that engaging, emotionally saturated quality— expressive, and just a bit romantic, without veering into veiled territory.

Verdict

This has been my first encounter with Zikman Audio, and the Rhine cable has left a strong impression. From the thoughtful design and premium materials to the rich, expressive tuning, it’s clear that this emerging brand is driven by a genuine passion for audio. My conversations with the team behind the Rhine only reinforced that—these are people who care deeply about getting both the technical and emotional aspects of music just right.

If you’re after a cable that adds warmth, depth, and refinement to your IEM setup without compromising clarity or comfort, the Rhine is well worth a look. It delivers both sonic and physical craftsmanship at a price that feels more than fair. Zikman Audio might be new on the scene, but based on this showing, they’re off to a very promising start.