This review is from earphonia.com 
 
Re-posted on headfi to share the impressions from http://earphonia.com/earphone-cables/effect-audio-iem-cable-thor-silver-ii-lightning-strikes
 
 
As a lot of you know I am already a big fan of Effect Audio’s cables, so I was very pleased to hear about their new silver cable release.

I spent no time putting an order in to snap up the Thor Silver II IEM cable and as always their speed of processing was impressive, built and shipped to the UK in less than 1 week.

This cable is part of their excellent Premium Series range of cables.

http://www.effectaudio.com/upgrade-cables/iem-cables/iem-premium-series/standard/thor-silver-ii.html

Build Quality, Aesthetics and Ergonomics:

The cable is shipped in the standard Effect Audio cardboard hard box with soft foam inner padding for protection in transit.

I chose the 2.5mm balanced edition with MMCX connectors and as soon as I lifted the box lid and set eyes on it, I was very pleased with what was before me.

The texture and softness of this cable radiates quality and its lightness makes you forget you are even wearing it at times.

I experienced no microphonics or unwanted external sound transfer using this cable.

It is very difficult to capture the shimmering ethereal crystal litz cable but I will try with my camera shots.

It seems to switch from a greyish silver to an ice white sparkle with the thick silver strands tightly woven together.

The 2.5 balanced plug and Y join section complements the cable style perfectly, with its stark solid metal and elegant black carbon fibre centre.

As expected from such a respected brand, the parts used looked to be of a very high standard and the connectors were tight on the earphones I used for this review – Campfire Audio Jupiter and Westone W60.

There we no cut outs or loose fits with my earphones, which I have experienced in the past with MMCX connectors.

Both earphones paired well with this cable:

With the Westone W60 smooth and natural sounding while the Jupiter was brighter, with more sparkle and distinct layering.

I have no problem recommending this cable for both these excellent IEMs.
 
Sources Used:

For this review I used my trusted Astell and Kern AK380 Copper Digital Audio Player

and my VentureCraft SounDroid Valoq (SDP-1)

These are easily 2 of my favourite DAPs, so it was a natural choice to use them, also they both have 2.5 balanced capability – so a perfect match for the Thor II Silver cable.

Both players had good synergy with this cable, offering up their own signature differences to great effect.

The AK380CU fires out its reference transparency and distinct layering effortlessly.

However recently I have been really drawn towards smoother, warmer, more organic signatures. So the Valoq has been serving me royally when coupled with the correct OpAmps, my preference of late are the highly respected OPA627SM Op Amps.
 
Sound Signature

This cable surprised me from the get go, as the signature was somewhat different to what I am used to with Silver or Litz composition cables.

My experience in the past with Moon Audio silver dragon cables and the Alo Campfire Litz  cables both provided a strong focus on transparency and treble refinement whereas the Thor Silver II provided a much more balanced signature with smoothness and texturing its primary strengths. Upper treble is tamed and softened as well, excellent for removing unwanted sharpness.

This suited me perfectly and drew me further towards the organic musical signatures that I am falling for these days.

Bass attack especially in the sub bass area is tighter giving it a well rounded feel.

The following track is a great example of how the Thor Silver II cable handles the tight bass attack with full extended sub bass.

Daft Punk – Around The World

 
Daft Punk’s excellent techno groove has a much punchier tighter kick to it now.

Mids are rich with strong presence, fuller but without any additional colouring or artificial weight.

The Scratch 22 Electric Wire Hustle remix below has open live sounding vocals lifted but still raw and soulful, all balanced inline with the strong backing percussion.

Vocals are natural and maintain the emotion and passion of the singer. The Thor Silver II cable also adds softness, making them slightly more intimate and airy.

Electric Wire Hustle – Again (Scratch 22 Remix)


 
The wonderful Chemical Structures electronica track is a great choice to show off the wider staging and balance of this cable.

Fast and complex electronica tracks, especially with lush synth arpeggios, these are navigated effortlessly without struggling to keep up with the pace.

Layering and depth is carried out expertly by the Thor Silver II cable. Synths are immersive with wide staging depth but not dominating or shadowing.

Ricardo Donoso – Chemical Structures

 
 
Conclusion:

I am happy to recommend this cable, especially for those who are into dynamic music, EDM or Vocal tracks.

This cable is extremely well balanced and really can handle everything you throw at it.

If you like sub bass immersion and tight hitting mid bass, this cable will be a great addition to your collection.

The Norse God Thor is known for wielding his hammer to direct electric frequencies into bolts of lightning and this cable seems to do the same.  Expertly controlling the audio frequencies and directing the channels of energy evenly and with precision.

As my title says ‘Lightning Strikes Again‘ and following on from the success of the Ares II plus, Effect Audio have called on the powers from the Gods again to give the Thor Silver II Cable its magic.

 

Effect Audio Product Details:

http://www.effectaudio.com/upgrade-cables/iem-cables/iem-premium-series/standard/thor-silver-ii.html

The manufacturer cable features and technical  specifications:

1. 26 AWG
2. UPOCC Pure Silver Litz
3. Proprietary Multi-Size Stranded design within single encapsulation
4. Flexible insulation (same as Leonidas)
5. New EA CF connectors and Y-Split

Manufacturer Notes: A multi-sized stranded design within the same encapsulations enables the Thor Silver II to achieve distinct highs and details due to the signal transmission speed in thinner cable strands, while the thicker size cable strands are usually employed for smooth bass and mids

Pricing:

USD $349.99 for most connectors

Add $20 for FitEar connectors

Add $50 for JH Audio connectors
 
 
This review is from earphonia.com 
 
Re-posted on headfi to share the impressions from http://earphonia.com/earphone-cables/effect-audio-iem-cable-thor-silver-ii-lightning-strikes
 

iBasso are well know for their excellent Dap range so they know a lot about engineering and sound.
 
They have been established for many years and are highly respected in the community. So everyone was excited to hear about this venture into the earphone market. The iBasso IT03 is a high quality balanced armature and dynamic driver universal earphone.

Manufacturer Description:

This is my review originally posted on http://www.earphonia.com/earphones-iems-ciems/jomo-samba-pro-audio-ciem-review/
 
Jomo Audio is a Singapore local company that crafts in ear earphones that sound and look wonderful. They are well known and highly respected in Singapore but have little exposure in Europe.
 
So it was a privilege to be contacted by them to review their flagship release – The Samba Pro Audio 8 Driver custom in ear earphone.
 

 

Manufacturer Description

We are excited to introduce the brand new custom IEM, SAMBA, to our new Pro-Audio in-ear monitors lineup!
 
Samba was the result of our extensive R&D in custom IEM. Packed with 8 carefully tuned balanced armature drivers, provide you the most excited and vivid sound you’ve ever wanted.
 
Seamless connection between tri-bands crossover produce the most coherent sound. From deepest bass, through the richest vocal and to the clearest instrument, you will not miss a single note.
 
Effect Audio’s latest Ares II cable were built inside the Samba and it is the stock cable by default.
 

Specification:

Eight Precision Balanced Armature Drivers Dual Low, Dual Mid and Quad High configuration
Three ways crossover
Effect Audio Ares II Inter-drivers wiring
FR: 20Hz – 20kHz
Sensitivity: 116dB
Impedance: 19 ohms
Noise Isolation: 26dB +/- 3dB(Custom Version)
Price Range: SGD2399-2699 – approximately USD1700-1900 (range due to different options)
Official Product Page: http://www.jomoaudio.com/collections/featured-product/products/samba-pro-audio-iem
 

Review/Impressions

Packaging/Presentation:

I was very pleased to see that my case of preference was included with these earphones. Pelican Cases are fantastic for storing and protecting earphones.This one has a nice branding label with black on brushed silver backing.

 

 

Accessories

It comes with 3.5 jack adaptor, airplane adaptor, cleaning tool, case clip and a very useful velcro strip.

This is very handy for keeping the cables together nicely. No eartips are needed as these are custom in-ear earphones.

 

Cable

 
As a lot of you know, I am a big fan of ‘Effect Audio’ for their well engineered and beautiful cable range.

So the addition of the Ares II cable was an excellent choice to compliment the Samba CIEM.

Also the exact same cabling is used inside the Samba as well, so the signal flow should be extremely compatible.

I selected the single ended cable but you can choose balanced also if you prefer.

 

 

Earphone Fit

My history with Custom IEMs has been very poor in the past, with many fit issues due to either poor cast/scans of ears taken, inaccurate precision of shell creations  or both.

This was not the case with the Jomo shells, these are the best fit of any CIEM, in fact of any earphone I have ever owned.

I am extremely impressed with their precision of build and exact replication of the casts sent to them.

 

 

Build Quality

The shells are smooth and solid with no air bubble imperfections. The bores look cleanly machined to let the signature flow unimpeded and the 2 pin socket is smooth and tight fitting.

 
As it is clear from these shells and many others Jomo has produced, his attention to detail and professionalism really is impressive and shows in the end result of his work.

His artistry and design compositions are bold yet contemporary, there are a number of options he provides but he is also able to incorporate your own unique designs.

 

Digital Audio Player Parings:

Using the Lotoo Paw Gold the Samba signature was very precise and detailed but didn’t feel as musical as with the AK380CU.

 
Using the Cowon Plenue S the Samba pairing worked well. The signature is a little more spacious and treble presence seems somewhat softened.

The signature feels refined, however the weighty richness felt more reduced when compared to the AK380CU signature.

 
Pairing with the striking looking Astell & Kern AK380 Copper DAP everything was fuller and more engaging.

Treble detail was very precise but in no way clinical or harsh.

 
The rest of my review is based on this AK380CU pairing using the Ares II supplied cable.

If you want more information about this cable there is a review of the plus series cable in the Ares II series which is very similar in the cables section of my site.

Sound Signature:

 
Due to the excellent build precision I was able to get a nice deep fit and perfect seal on both ears, ensuring that there is no frequency leak due to fit issues.

As I always do with all my earphone reviews I burned these in for 150 hours before starting to listen to them.

From the get go I am very impressed, it sort of reminds me of the first time I listened to the FitEar 334 famous Japanese earphones.

The signature fullness hits you first but it does not feel coloured at all, it is kind of neutral but has a very energetic feel and dynamic engaging presence to it.

 
The bass is full but in no way dominating. It is expertly controlled with great recovery on fast paced and dynamic tracks.

It stays rich and deep without any clouding of resolution. The focus spans primarily low to mid range but glides higher when needed.

The layering is very smooth and even though you can clearly identify the separation distinctly, it expertly weaves the layers together to create a detailed tapestry of sound, with all the instruments clear and well placed.

Pianos sound real with a natural weight very difficult to capture, key notes are sustained accurately and decay perfectly.

Soundstage is wide but not hugely so,  just enough to create an engaging rounded signature without feeling too thick.

Mids are solid but not overly warm, just covering the ranges beautifully and adding to the coherent signature.

Vocals are natural sounding and clear, relaying an emotional richness. Every shift of air movement is captured effortlessly making you feel like it is being sung just for you on well mastered tracks.

 
As the name Samba is inspired from the lively energetic Brazilian created dance which can be seen in the Rio carnival, this earphone certainly lives up to it’s name and shares many synergies with the Brazilians.

Much like the Brazilians the Samba Pro is:

1. An eclectic, beautifully tuned earphone that takes a myriad of diverse qualities and consistently rises upward with its spirit to produce an amazingly coherent solid and resilient sound signature.
2. It shines with lively vitality and energy , there is no treble harshness, just well balanced precise rendering and richness.
3. It has a fun, open and welcoming musicality which radiates joy to those who wish to join this private party.
4. It’s well toned, with a firm weighty character yet agile and dynamic.

 
For me the Samba earphones deliver a carnival of audio pleasures, the signature blended and energetic with a unified feel of the crowd grooving as one, each and every participant uniquely contributing their own detail and expression to build something larger than their solo.

It creates a coherent wave of soulful joy, bringing light and vibrancy, thoroughly immersive, keeping you deep in that musical moment with its expert tuning and vivid inspiring signature.

 

Here are a couple of brilliant Samba inspired tracks I like:

 

Airto Moreira – Samba De Flora

 

 
This track starts with well paced precise raw percussion and deep drums pushing, rising into a crescendo of energetic grooves – designed to release the dancer in you.

The piano now takes over the focus and is then complimented by beautiful vibrant Portuguese vocals, laden with spirit and verve.

These energetic, passionate vocals trade the lead with the piano sometimes joining strengths equally to perfect effect.

A number of complex percussion breaks get your head moving with their infectious sounds.

The piano solos control all now with passion and strength, slamming hard with emotion.

The pace builds with energy and the familiar vivid vocals rise and fill the track to the end.

Elza Soares – Mas Que Nada

 

 
The start of this track doesn’t hold back and it’s straight to the point.

It firmly punches in with classic Samba percussion and Elza’s unique soulful voice hits every note in time with great pitch and rhythm.

As her voice takes the lead with raw emotion you can’t help but feel the groove. The track builds into a crescendo and leaves you wanting for more as it fades out.

The Jomo Samba Pro handles both tracks expertly, the detail and complexity between the instruments is clearly resolved but still extremely musical. The piano notes sound real with a natural feel, each note is rendered with dynamism, managing to portray the passion of the pianist with great accuracy. The vocals energy and pace are captured by this earphone giving you a live feel, nothing sounds clinical or overly technical. Musicality is abundantly present at all twists and turns as the tracks build to climax. Bass punches and extends with a well balanced presence adding to the depth. The Samba Pro earphones navigate the rhythm and electrifying energy of the tracks effortlessly.
 
I’m so in love with the energetic passion of the Jomo Samba Earphones all that’s left for me now is to get on a plane to Brazil!

When ordering the Samba please mention this sonickarma headfi and the earphonia.com review, Jomo can be contacted on  info@jomoaudio.com.
 
This is my review originally posted on http://www.earphonia.com/earphones-iems-ciems/jomo-samba-pro-audio-ciem-review/ and also posted here on headfi to share

I was excited to be approached by world famous cable artisan company 'Effect Audio' and asked me to provide a review of their recently released
Ares II + Plus Edition IEM cable. 
 
This cable is part of their excellent Premium Series range of cables.
 
http://www.effectaudio.com/upgrade-cables/iem-cables/iem-premium-series/plus-edition/ares-ii.html
 

 
 
The manufacturer cable features and specifications:
 

1. 22 AWG
2. UPOCC Litz Copper
3. Proprietary Multi Size Stranded design within single encapsulation*
4. Flexible insulation (Same as Leonidas)**
5. New EA CF connectors and Y-Split

*Multi-Size Stranded Design within the same encapsulations enables the Ares to achieve distinct highs and details due to the signal transmission speed in thinner cable strands while the thicker size are usually employed for smooth bass and mids. 
 
**Past experience has taught us that even though sound quality is a critical factor in determining an upgrade cable's worth, the tensile strength and flexibility matters to us too! We are committed not to have anything less than perfect for our consumers. The reworked insulation features high tensile strength and flexibility and while adding as little weight as possible.
 
Pricing:
USD$219.90 for most connectors
Add $20 for FitEar connectors
Add $50 for JH Audio connectors
 
Wow!
The Ares II+ is priced extremely modestly (USD219) and one of the best looking and best value cables out there performing way above the pricing level.
I seriously thought it could be a miss price!
 
 
What am I getting:
Looking at the rather basic understated white cardboard box with a small 'effect audio logo' on top, a sense of being under whelmed sinks in.
 

 
 
That is until you unveil the hidden treasures inside.
 

 
 
Like a modern day Howard Carter pulling away the last stone of a tedious excavation and peering inside.
 
When Carnarvon asked "Can you see anything?"
Carter replied with the famous words "Yes, wonderful things!"
 

 
 
Yes this is a wonderful treasure, coiled and infused with magical potential, lying there calling to be caressed and have her voice heard.
 
Worshiped by the 'tribe of audiophiles' with their precious rigs of hybridised audio tools, soon they will build micro-monuments for her.
 
The mesmerising flowing undulating strands of organic copper interlink around each other, fighting for dominance of the sun goddess' rays to ignite and sparkle, each demanding more attention than the last.
 
For the brave tribesmen who are pulled in by the desire to drink and drown in the copper, to be one with the gods and dare to touch the 'manna from heaven' they are rewarded with a soft seductive pleasure of promises and instantly elevated in the tribe for their boldness.
 

 

 
 
The gods craftsmen have skills that are truly a thing to be admired, as the copper is joined with gold and black carbon fibre of beautiful balanced precision.
 

 

 

 
 
Connecting to other rare treasures:
 
The Ares II+ with Rhapsodio RTi2 and AK380CU (FW1.25 - creamy!), both visually and more importantly audibly seem to have a preordained synergy, all created independently but destined for each other.
 

 

 

 

 
 
So what powers does she posses....
I thought rather than generally discussing its technicals characteristics I would provide a summary of how it handles some tracks I am very familiar with, after all we love audio because of the music not the technicals!  (I will leave that for the 'binary tribes', usually seen hunting in pairs)
 
 
Boards of Canada - Reach For The Dead
 

 
 
Starting with slow tight punching bass with what seems like slow static background air being released, the majestic chords rise up and build with a beautiful 80s esque electronic arpeggio. The pace increases as the epic chord sweeps merge effortlessly in and out of the percussion culminating in wave that rises and phases into an outro leaving you desiring the next chapter. 
 
As the Ares II+ is ideal for mids and bass, it holds the depth of this track and keeps it expansive wideness as the chords sweep. The change of pace and different track direction is expertly handled with no over colouring or dominated ranges, and the right amount of kick and thickness.
 
Olafur Arnalds - Only The Winds
 

 
A single piano key struck expertly for the first 24 seconds with slight airy ambient background and light building chords set the tone of this track, your attention is captured at the beauty and simplicity. A more complex but yet simple piano style is built with the pace and as the bass and rising violins make themselves know around 1.07min mark. The beautiful slow decay clap percussion joins in with the sad yet uplifting violins. By 3.00min just the percussion is gone and you are dropped and lost temporarily waiting to be resurrected by the familiar sweeping chords and crashing echoes of percussion. At 4.23min the sadness dominates and 'Only the Winds' are left for your existence.
 
The Ares II+ sustains the keys long enough and with perfect depth, the layering and undulating dominance of the instruments are handled expertly, the soul of this track is kept entact and the hope is still there to the end along with the wind.
 
Bvdub - Another Morning, Another Day
 

 
This starts with a spacious and intimate, slow pulsing airy intro. It has a perfect depth as it builds to the vocals and piano. The ethereal female vocals are so intimate and close that you cant help but feel connected. As around 5.47min the fast attack bass and percussion slow decays with extended sustains to tease every millisecond of pleasure to your soul. Precise soft sub bass is pulsed out at around 11mins to get your head grooving. 
 
The Ares II+ perfectly navigates everything in this ocean of audio art, surfing and steering to epic effect riding the crescendos of musicality beyond expectation.
In fact the whole album - 'A step in the dark' is a perfect match for this cable.
 
Ended up putting this track on repeat - 'wont you pick me up again' - yes time and time again.
 
Conclusion:
 
I honestly can't fault The Ares II+ especially when paired with the Rhapsodio RTi2 for musicality as is pours on lashes of nice and thick syrupy musical goodness. A thing of beauty with little to no microphonics, expertly built and very reasonably priced. Pulling new depth and dimensions from your favourite tracks and keeping musicality at the front of the stage. Warm, comforting and almost a sin to feel this sense of enjoyment. As your friends looks at you head nodding and smiling, they will have no idea what they are missing and you will feel a guilty pleasure with your newfound treasure.
 

 
I for one bow to the creator!
 

 

 
 
Note: In the interest of full disclosure these were sent to me from Effect Audio for review.
Thanks to Effect Audio for letting my try this excellent Cable.
 
After such a positive experience I am keen to try and review some of their higher end models/new products in the future