In a recent blog for SoundStage! Global, senior editor Jason Thorpe reflects on his extensive experiences with Siltech, Crystal Cable, HMS Elektronik and Sphinx Audio Engineering, three brands united under International Audio Holding.
Thorpe traces his journey from long-term listening sessions with Siltech and Crystal Cable cables to a recent visit to International Audio Holding’s headquarters in the Netherlands. What began as a deep dive into cable craftsmanship quickly expanded into a broader exploration of engineering, research, and the revival of Sphinx as a high-end loudspeaker and electronics brand.
In the article, Thorpe shares his impressions of Siltech’s manufacturing philosophy, proprietary silver-gold and monocrystal silver conductors, and the meticulous hand-assembly processes behind the cables. He also offers insight into the R&D culture at IAH, highlighting how cable design, loudspeaker development, and fundamental research coexist under one roof.
Beyond cables, the blog captures Thorpe’s enthusiasm for Sphinx Audio Engineering’s new Element loudspeakers, which he first encountered at High End Munich and later auditioned in depth at the IAH facility. His conclusion is clear: what appears on the surface to be a cable manufacturer is, in reality, a technology-driven audio company with ambitions that reach far beyond wiring alone.
We would like to thank Jason Thorpe and SoundStage! Global for this thoughtful and wide-ranging piece, and for their continued interest in the people, engineering, and ideas behind Siltech, Crystal Cable, HMS Elektronik and Sphinx Audio Engineering.
