Cultural armo had to waves in game
First wave kunark: around epics release, Dwarf, High elves and Dark elves armor was better than others because they have enchanted + imbued combines, the others only imbued.
The second wave was with luclin, the trivial was really more high (up until 335) but they was really better
Example:
Kunark Halfling druid cultural Chest
Luclin druid cultural chest
For the second one you need celestial temper, sold only at bazaar, santus serun and catta casttelum and later in PoK
Cultural armor was in kunark era but all sets sux except enchanted + imbued combines