I think if you find Odin a bit harsh you might want to avoid Nordost all together and go for an all copper cable?Odin 2 can sound a little harsh in some system, Odin is a lot more forgiving. In general, Odin series characteristic sound is detailed and high resolution. Odin Gold clearly shows the maturity of the series. It is giving more resolution and dynamics without sounding harsh. It is very refined.