Introducing the ISN T-OCC cable
Redcarmoose Labs May 6th, 2024
The Penon Renata Cable (the T-OCC's older brother)
The Penon Renata Cable and 7Hz Aurora
My gosh! I don’t have time for the regular introductions. If you are reading this you most likely know who Penon/ISN is. We’re going to jump right into the results part of the review. Results are what powers the words and sentences, something worth talking about……resulting in concepts and ideas which need to be heard. This stuff is the very reason you’re reading, and what Head-Fi is truly all about.
Here we are using the Renata cable, with the Totem 4.4mm x 4.4mm adapter. In this particular set-up the IEM is the new 7Hz Aurora, connected to the WM1A. People who know cables may already realize this new ISN T-OCC and Renata cable have many result concepts in common. They are from the same company and in many ways sound the same. Here we are asking the cable for size of imaging……and the Renata does that. Only it is not the regular bright deal that comes with silver cables. Nope, here we are looking for a different part of town…….and guess what......we found pay dirt!
The Renata is in this case bringing note-weight, the Renata is bringing imaging size. Now this size ended-up way better than even guessed………hence the very reason I have pushed these test results forward in the review. Yep, big…..big all over. As such the Aurora was begging for this style of cable, it makes it well rounded even! You see, while exciting and holding a unique style of playback…..The Aurora, with 1DD x 2BA x 1Planar comes across probably better for acoustic guitar and vocals. Sure this is true, but I fail to accept such reduced usability. You see I was it all.........every bit of playback, and that playback with-out compromise. I want the Aurora to become fully capable of everything………….and that is what happened. Deeper more physical bass, a bigger stage which traveled outward and inward, Meaning the images were not just wider they traveled inside (the headspace) to fully exclaim a detailed center image……..what can I say? The Planar driver timbre has also become probably the only slight issue for many with this IEM, yet the Renata fixed that too? What is truly endearing about the SC02, Renata and T-OCC style of cables is they do all these great things to increase realism. Also at the same time holding that extra smooth polish we have come to expect from copper use. The fact that the Aurora has three giant breather-hole-vents off the side making it perform like an open-back, only that “air” has now been replaced with more Renata density and touchable-real life creations. So in this opening story we are letting the character of the Renata do the talking, and if you have the Aurora, I can’t think of a better match-up for daily use. Simply get the Renata cable and be done, no argument about that.
Except one other thing!
The Penon Totem 4.4mm x 4.4mm Adapter Plug:
Here the image density and clarity is taken-up a slot. Yep, a noticeable deeper pond to see into, crisper transients, adding the note-weight of Gold and Palladium into the mix!
Why am I rambling on about the Renata cable when this isn’t even a Renata review? What is taking place is the Renata came before, and yes if you can put-up with her size and price-tag I would suggest a Renata purchase, only if you wanted much of the same effects the ISN T-OCC comes to the rescue. Yep! You see the ISN CS02, the Penon Renata and the ISN T-OCC are all birds-of-a-feather. Penon/ISN is onto something, and they are running-with-it…..even to go ahead and introduce the copper-alloy into an upcoming Penon OCC849 Audiophile Cable. Now you may be wondering about some of the ways the ISN CS02 and ISN T-OCC differ. While showcasing many of the same tonal features resulting from image density and stage, the ISN CS02 holds slightly less note-weight? Now part of that may be the CS02 plug, being the plug has been sculpted from Rhodium, where the unique part of the T-OCC is the solid oxygen-free copper plug.
The T-OCC solid copper plug:
These styles of solid copper plugs are now the latest thing. Adding $60 to $80 dollars onto the retail cable option normally, they are standard with the T-OCC, solid copper 2Pins too. Such a plug modular option normally weighs 4 grams, except the modular solid oxygen free copper weighs 7 grams. Here of course we have a permanent fixed plug, and I can only guess it weights 7 grams.
Left to right 4.4mm plug weight:
1) 5 gram Purple Copper Plug
2) 7 gram (this one) Solid Copper Plug
3) 4 gram Rhodium Plug
4) 4 gram Rhodium ISN CS02 Cable
5) 4 gram regular plug on Penon Renata
6) 7 gram plug on ISN T-OCC Cable
Note how you can tell the two plugs on the #2 and #6 are exactly the same, they look slightly brighter.
Per Dsnuts
With the regular plug installed the Renata comes off actually slightly less heavy sounding, not so lumbering. Yet the size, ohh this glorious size saying that if you don’t mind the giant weight and size the Renata sports, the $269.00 Renata is truly the way to go. More filled-in, wider stage and clearer, less ever so slightly less bass laden, which somehow helps to lift this clarity factor to the moon? Sure I could add a solid copper plug to try and nurture more bass weight, but why? The Renata is a force of nature just the way it is, sure I could also add the Totem 4.4mm adapter cable, yet this morning when I have the Renata in place, it doesn’t need anything.
Comparison from the ISN CS02 to the ISN T-OCC:
I have actually done this a few times, yet once more for this very review. As described earlier, the Renata, the CS02 and the T-OCC are all birds-of-a-feather, showcasing much of the same personality in playback. This holds both the stage of silver, and close to the imaging of silver, yet with an extra top-off which you can only get from Copper. A smoothness on-top of this imaging. Because the T-OCC goes one step further to add actually three diameters of copper alloy into which each holds a different make-up of copper, the resulting sound is slightly more separated.
Build of the ISN T-OCC:
98 cores 0.08 Single Crystal Copper
48 cores 0.06 Quenched Single Crystal Copper
35 cores 0.05 Copper-silver Alloy
The T-OCC with the Sony WM1A and Penon Volt:
Here we are basically attempting to add note weight and overall stature to the Penon Volt.
Results:
In contrast to many cables the T-OCC makes its noticeability in two major areas of playback. Number one the total separation found resulting in stage size, while adding a little to the bottom-end, it’s this midrange that is uncannily filled with life and size, way overcoming the lows, while still showing respect to them. That we have no form of stridency or too much shimmer, and become left with a fluid vibrancy that just goes with the Volts mid-centric demeanor all day long. While not going for (obviously) the pure vividness of pure silver, here we still gain those qualities, especially in stage size, only what is offered-up is still vivid yet slightly smoother than a pure silver example would be. Where this becomes focussed is in the vocals, where there is no denying the Volt is a vocal showcase, the silver cable would react to push those vocals even more forward, where here (while still separated) they still hold all the luster you could ever ask for in the end.
The T-OCC v The PENON Vocal Cable:
Here the Vocal Cable was rotated-in due to its wild card properties. Yep, I needed something different and unique to go against the T-OCC. And while showcasing more forward vocals as a result, still there is a forwardness of visibility, and of course Pinna Gain, yet with the Volt, it is an unneeded attribute. Why? Well the Volt is forward Vocals anyway……….and this may be a hair too much? If anything, putting the Vocal in the mix, goes one step further to drive home our love affair with the natural vocals the T-OCC does nonchalantly anyways………vocal replay without trying or coming off too intense. Really it is the personality of the T-OCC at this point which holds an honesty in comparison to what shenanigans the Vocal toys to pull off. To write any more would be a waste of words here. But I will say the only reason the Penon Vocal Cable is brought-out again into the light-of-day…….is due to its value and very special sound, on other IEMs! Just here, it was over the top, to say the least!
The ISN T-OCC with the Noble Audio K-10 Encore:
Look, the Encore is a vibrant beast, often a little too spicy, and so many years ago a purchased two pure copper cables to try and align the tone. And sure enough here we are found both a brightness and tolerability that naturally comes with copper. Yet, the case in point here is the T-OCC brings new inventions to the table, a separation and imaging of sorts……..that's both entertaining and hard to argue with. Due to the Encore’s neutral bass and flat midrange this upper focus of 5kHz to 8kHz takes center stage. Yet any of that oxygen-free copper plug and 2Pins seems to not stand a chance here, and that’s OK, as we have still gained listenability and musicality.
The T-OCC with Totem Adapter and Noble Audio K-10 Encore:
Here is the thing, at times we have room to play, meaning there is normally always leeway (of the middle-ground) to where we are going to end-up. Yet in contrast here we are attempting to add warmth, but more than that there is a plethora of added Totem features that we also get, regardless of intent. Still I have to say, with the tune the Encore is parlaying 100% of the time regardless of cables or DAPs, this change is really the least of our consequences today. Really almost a wash as far as results go. Why? Well the T-OCC truly works on its own to smooth-out our Encore vividness, the Totem Adapter didn’t seem to add its normal share of authority and harmonics? Next………
The Penon 10th Anniversary and T-OCC:
Here we are climbing the fence and going into an amusement park after-dark. Trespassing, yet not in-danger of ever getting caught, because of just who we are and what exactly is taking place. You see I have been waiting for this moment since I started writing this review…….this is what I wanted, even desired. Why? Easy street, yep it is just all so very easy…………….
Look, the 10th is fairly easy-going, making friends with most stuff, and here is no different. Big, emotional and wide stage activities, robust bass, and you may wonder if this cable may be too dark, or detailed enough to use on a daily basis. Well guess what……that’s what! That’s what I want here. The 10th Anniversary is my favorite Penon/ISN ever……..and there could be a chance that the T-OCC makes it really fine and all you could ask for from a cable. Really from a consumer standpoint the T-OCC is doing the exact same-same as it does for the following IEM test; the TSMR FEAT. Where both of these IEMs, the 10th and the FEAT could be looked at as warm IEMs…….and that is the question. Why would you add a cable on the warmer side, wouldn’t you want a brighter cable? All I can say is effortless, that and enhanced harmonics. Really this kind of stuff is not all that complicated, where the T-OCC is not tightening the bass up as much as other cables, it does take-away any grain held in the 10th midrange, and add density and harmonic complexity to the treble and midrange. It does this the same as all the others, only because the 10th is special (in-my-book) it becomes even more special. I had three other IEMs to test, but I will try and keep this short, being that yes, the T-OCC does the same tricks across the board and I can pretty much promise you (about 99%) that it will work the same way with the IEMs you have in question.
The Totem Adapter added to the T-OCC and the 10th:
Bigger and more clear. Where sure there is room for improvement, with the 10th it goes with every source with really every cable and player all genres of music. The 10th is the kind of IEM that you could take on a trip where you are not sure of the mood you're going to be in, do you want Rock, or Classical even EDM the 10th has you covered. Hearing the Totem involved (once more) had me ask myself why I don't always go this route, as the Totem added clarity, note weight and increased pace.
The TSMR FEAT and ISN T-OCC:
This triple copper in reality does something. Here again we are joining the T-OCC with a noticeable bass laden IEM. I mean the TSMR FEAT has an added lower midrange and more bass than has ever been produced by TSMR. In contrast to the new TSMR-X, the FEAT is actually warmer, and less technical of an IEM, except the bass is clear here, the transient edges are cleaner than the Penon 10th Anniversary, more detailed……….yet again the value and major noticeability is in the full-scale midrange, where all the information is held. Simply bigger in size and shapes than the TSMR FEAR included cable, and not holding us pressed up against the included cables 5kHz to 7kHz shelf. Yep, these cable personalities can take the life out of an IEM they are introduced with. Now while the FEAT cable is not bad, for comparison the T-OCC offers simply more realistic replay, that and a bigger warmer and easy going stage placement. What comes out the other end is simply more emotional engagement, pure and simple.
The reality of the ISN CS02 v the ISN T-OCC:
Really for the price of both cables, the T-OCC at $119.00 and the CS02 at $69.90 together you are approaching the total cost of the Penon Renata at $269.00. And if you want to deal with the size and weight of the Renata, there is really no comparison to it. Meaning while each of these cables share some of the same features, the Renada is bigger is size displacement and just overall clearer than the T-OCC, where the T-OCC is close to the same as the ISN CS02, except it is fuller staged and better images than what the CS02 is trying to do. This difference almost makes me maybe not recommend the T-OCC as an upgrade to the CS02, even though it is, the real difference here is saving your money and going for the gold…….the Renata!
If you’re wondering if the Renada is that big of a jump, sorry to break your heart, but it is. In fact nothing became more apparent in my testing today than that single fact. What can I say, I’m challenging these cables against each other, and the outcomes become even more noticeable with each and every tryout. Look, I have tried my share of cables, and nothing on Earth is like the Renata Cable, for the exact same reasons I have listed, only this clarity through extra wire becomes that much more in-your-face and vivid. Not only vivid, but there is a smoothness too, that engages the vocals to come out and play. Look, I started this review with the Renada Cable, and I will end this review on the Renata cable, what am I supposed to do?
Top row:
Left to right: Penon Renata and ISN T-OCC
Bottom row:
Left to right:
ISN CS02 and Penon Vocal Cable
Conclusion:
For what it costs and for what it does the ISN T-OCC is special. Way more ergonomic than the Renada while still visiting that balanced, yet warm part of town. A perfectly silent gentleman while in operation, never creating unwanted micro-phonics. The T-OCC is really the perfect size and demeanor, resisting tangles and simply going where it is placed. Ahhh............
Fires?
The T-OCC both puts out fires on that IEM that you felt needed smoothing out and nurturing, and enhances clarity, both at the same time. I know that doesn’t exactly make sense, but that is what the T-OCC does on a regular basis. I have done way more joining of theT-OCC and IEMs in the 14 days since it arrived. I have also done burn-in of the T-OCC for 100 hours. But the most rewarding thing probably was just how each IEM was still itself with the T-OCC, while still promoting vocals and an inviting smooth replay. It is this friendly middle-of-the-road that seems to be the focus Penon/ISN were looking for, because even though this T-OCC has warmth, it is not really colored, probably the CS02 holds more color? And due to such actions, the T-OCC becomes amazingly valuable, because it just seems to enhance (in-the-right-way) every IEM it comes in contact with? Now that may not sound like a big deal, but in reality it is. And it goes forward to exclaim that I can pretty much guarantee you that you will like the results with any IEM you join it to. And that is saying a lot, in this business of subjectivity. So due to the handleability and easygoingness, this cable purchase really becomes a risk free expenditure, unless you want the Renata, then just get the Renata, you won’t be sorry.
ISN Audio T-OCC 2 Shares Triple Copper Hybrid 2Pin Audiophile IEM Earphone Cable
Specification
Brand：ISN AUDIO
Model: T-OCC
3 kinds of copper combination, 3 kinds of diameters
2 shares, 181 cores per share
Outer diameter is 2.5mm, 18AWG wire
98 cores 0.08 frozen single crystal copper
48 cores 0.06 Quenched single crystal copper
35 cores 0.05 Copper-silver alloy
OFC 2-pin 0.78mm connector
3.5mm audio/4.4mm balanced OFC plug
Aluminum CNC alloy cutting integrated slide
The solder joints is silver–contained tin
Secondary oxidation gold foil gold ring
Cable length: 1.2mm
$119.00
ISN Audio Cable Products:
1) AG8 Cable
2) C16 Cable
3) C2 Cable
4) C4 Cable
5) CU4 Cable
6) CS02 Cable
7) G4 Cable
8) GC4 Cable
9) GD4 Cable
10) GS4 Cable
11) H16 Cable
12) H2 Cable
13) H8 Cable
14) H8Plus Cable
15) 8 Core Cable
16) S16 Cable
17) S2 Cable
18) S4 Cable
19) S8 Cable
20) SC4 Cable
21) Solar Cable
22) Type C Audio Adapter
23) T-OCC Cable
ISN Audio IEM Products/Earbud products
24) D02 IEM
25) D10 IEM
26) EST50 IEM
27) H30 IEM
28) H40 IEM
29) H50 IEM
30) Neo 5 IEM
31) Neo 3 IEM
32) Neo 1 IEM
33) Rambo Earbuds
34) Rambo II Earbuds
Penon Audio Cable Products
35) Bass Cable
36) CS819 Cable
37) Fiery Cable
38) Flow Cable
39) GD848 Cable
40) HiFi Balanced Adapter
41) Penon Impact Cable
42) Leo Cable
43) Leo Plus Cable
44) Mix Cable
45) Neo Cable
46) Obsidian Cable
47) Orbit Cable
48) OS133 Cable
49) OS133 Adapter
50) OS849 Cable
51) OSG Cable
52) Space Cable
53) Storm Cable
54) Totem Cable
55) Totem Adapter Cable
56) Totem Adapter Type-C DAC/Amp
57) OS133 Type-C DAC/Amp
58) Vocal Cable
59) ASOS Cable
60) ASOS+ Cable
61) Renada Cable
62) Rhodium Plug
63) Purple Plug
64) OFC Copper Plug
Penon Audio IEM Products
65) Penon IEM
66) Impact IEM
67) Legend IEM
68) Globe IEM
69) Serial IEM
70) Sphere IEM
71) Volt IEM
72) Vortex IEM
73) Turbo IEM
74) DOME IEM
75) Quattro IEM
76) Voltage IEM
77) Penon Tail Dongle
77 individual personal audio products.
ISN CS02 (while still great) takes a backseat to the ISN T-OCC.
Redcarmoose Labs May 6th, 2024
The Penon Renata Cable (the T-OCC's older brother)
The Penon Renata Cable and 7Hz Aurora
My gosh! I don’t have time for the regular introductions. If you are reading this you most likely know who Penon/ISN is. We’re going to jump right into the results part of the review. Results are what powers the words and sentences, something worth talking about……resulting in concepts and ideas which need to be heard. This stuff is the very reason you’re reading, and what Head-Fi is truly all about.
Here we are using the Renata cable, with the Totem 4.4mm x 4.4mm adapter. In this particular set-up the IEM is the new 7Hz Aurora, connected to the WM1A. People who know cables may already realize this new ISN T-OCC and Renata cable have many result concepts in common. They are from the same company and in many ways sound the same. Here we are asking the cable for size of imaging……and the Renata does that. Only it is not the regular bright deal that comes with silver cables. Nope, here we are looking for a different part of town…….and guess what......we found pay dirt!
The Renata is in this case bringing note-weight, the Renata is bringing imaging size. Now this size ended-up way better than even guessed………hence the very reason I have pushed these test results forward in the review. Yep, big…..big all over. As such the Aurora was begging for this style of cable, it makes it well rounded even! You see, while exciting and holding a unique style of playback…..The Aurora, with 1DD x 2BA x 1Planar comes across probably better for acoustic guitar and vocals. Sure this is true, but I fail to accept such reduced usability. You see I was it all.........every bit of playback, and that playback with-out compromise. I want the Aurora to become fully capable of everything………….and that is what happened. Deeper more physical bass, a bigger stage which traveled outward and inward, Meaning the images were not just wider they traveled inside (the headspace) to fully exclaim a detailed center image……..what can I say? The Planar driver timbre has also become probably the only slight issue for many with this IEM, yet the Renata fixed that too? What is truly endearing about the SC02, Renata and T-OCC style of cables is they do all these great things to increase realism. Also at the same time holding that extra smooth polish we have come to expect from copper use. The fact that the Aurora has three giant breather-hole-vents off the side making it perform like an open-back, only that “air” has now been replaced with more Renata density and touchable-real life creations. So in this opening story we are letting the character of the Renata do the talking, and if you have the Aurora, I can’t think of a better match-up for daily use. Simply get the Renata cable and be done, no argument about that.
Except one other thing!
The Penon Totem 4.4mm x 4.4mm Adapter Plug:
Here the image density and clarity is taken-up a slot. Yep, a noticeable deeper pond to see into, crisper transients, adding the note-weight of Gold and Palladium into the mix!
Why am I rambling on about the Renata cable when this isn’t even a Renata review? What is taking place is the Renata came before, and yes if you can put-up with her size and price-tag I would suggest a Renata purchase, only if you wanted much of the same effects the ISN T-OCC comes to the rescue. Yep! You see the ISN CS02, the Penon Renata and the ISN T-OCC are all birds-of-a-feather. Penon/ISN is onto something, and they are running-with-it…..even to go ahead and introduce the copper-alloy into an upcoming Penon OCC849 Audiophile Cable. Now you may be wondering about some of the ways the ISN CS02 and ISN T-OCC differ. While showcasing many of the same tonal features resulting from image density and stage, the ISN CS02 holds slightly less note-weight? Now part of that may be the CS02 plug, being the plug has been sculpted from Rhodium, where the unique part of the T-OCC is the solid oxygen-free copper plug.
The T-OCC solid copper plug:
These styles of solid copper plugs are now the latest thing. Adding $60 to $80 dollars onto the retail cable option normally, they are standard with the T-OCC, solid copper 2Pins too. Such a plug modular option normally weighs 4 grams, except the modular solid oxygen free copper weighs 7 grams. Here of course we have a permanent fixed plug, and I can only guess it weights 7 grams.
Left to right 4.4mm plug weight:
1) 5 gram Purple Copper Plug
2) 7 gram (this one) Solid Copper Plug
3) 4 gram Rhodium Plug
4) 4 gram Rhodium ISN CS02 Cable
5) 4 gram regular plug on Penon Renata
6) 7 gram plug on ISN T-OCC Cable
Note how you can tell the two plugs on the #2 and #6 are exactly the same, they look slightly brighter.
Per Dsnuts
- Silver for its highest transparency and stage enhancing.
- Gold for that rich tone and depth.
- Palladium for that remarkable imaging and detail.
- Copper for body and warmth.
With the regular plug installed the Renata comes off actually slightly less heavy sounding, not so lumbering. Yet the size, ohh this glorious size saying that if you don’t mind the giant weight and size the Renata sports, the $269.00 Renata is truly the way to go. More filled-in, wider stage and clearer, less ever so slightly less bass laden, which somehow helps to lift this clarity factor to the moon? Sure I could add a solid copper plug to try and nurture more bass weight, but why? The Renata is a force of nature just the way it is, sure I could also add the Totem 4.4mm adapter cable, yet this morning when I have the Renata in place, it doesn’t need anything.
Comparison from the ISN CS02 to the ISN T-OCC:
I have actually done this a few times, yet once more for this very review. As described earlier, the Renata, the CS02 and the T-OCC are all birds-of-a-feather, showcasing much of the same personality in playback. This holds both the stage of silver, and close to the imaging of silver, yet with an extra top-off which you can only get from Copper. A smoothness on-top of this imaging. Because the T-OCC goes one step further to add actually three diameters of copper alloy into which each holds a different make-up of copper, the resulting sound is slightly more separated.
Build of the ISN T-OCC:
98 cores 0.08 Single Crystal Copper
48 cores 0.06 Quenched Single Crystal Copper
35 cores 0.05 Copper-silver Alloy
The T-OCC with the Sony WM1A and Penon Volt:
Here we are basically attempting to add note weight and overall stature to the Penon Volt.
Results:
In contrast to many cables the T-OCC makes its noticeability in two major areas of playback. Number one the total separation found resulting in stage size, while adding a little to the bottom-end, it’s this midrange that is uncannily filled with life and size, way overcoming the lows, while still showing respect to them. That we have no form of stridency or too much shimmer, and become left with a fluid vibrancy that just goes with the Volts mid-centric demeanor all day long. While not going for (obviously) the pure vividness of pure silver, here we still gain those qualities, especially in stage size, only what is offered-up is still vivid yet slightly smoother than a pure silver example would be. Where this becomes focussed is in the vocals, where there is no denying the Volt is a vocal showcase, the silver cable would react to push those vocals even more forward, where here (while still separated) they still hold all the luster you could ever ask for in the end.
The T-OCC v The PENON Vocal Cable:
Here the Vocal Cable was rotated-in due to its wild card properties. Yep, I needed something different and unique to go against the T-OCC. And while showcasing more forward vocals as a result, still there is a forwardness of visibility, and of course Pinna Gain, yet with the Volt, it is an unneeded attribute. Why? Well the Volt is forward Vocals anyway……….and this may be a hair too much? If anything, putting the Vocal in the mix, goes one step further to drive home our love affair with the natural vocals the T-OCC does nonchalantly anyways………vocal replay without trying or coming off too intense. Really it is the personality of the T-OCC at this point which holds an honesty in comparison to what shenanigans the Vocal toys to pull off. To write any more would be a waste of words here. But I will say the only reason the Penon Vocal Cable is brought-out again into the light-of-day…….is due to its value and very special sound, on other IEMs! Just here, it was over the top, to say the least!
The ISN T-OCC with the Noble Audio K-10 Encore:
Look, the Encore is a vibrant beast, often a little too spicy, and so many years ago a purchased two pure copper cables to try and align the tone. And sure enough here we are found both a brightness and tolerability that naturally comes with copper. Yet, the case in point here is the T-OCC brings new inventions to the table, a separation and imaging of sorts……..that's both entertaining and hard to argue with. Due to the Encore’s neutral bass and flat midrange this upper focus of 5kHz to 8kHz takes center stage. Yet any of that oxygen-free copper plug and 2Pins seems to not stand a chance here, and that’s OK, as we have still gained listenability and musicality.
The T-OCC with Totem Adapter and Noble Audio K-10 Encore:
Here is the thing, at times we have room to play, meaning there is normally always leeway (of the middle-ground) to where we are going to end-up. Yet in contrast here we are attempting to add warmth, but more than that there is a plethora of added Totem features that we also get, regardless of intent. Still I have to say, with the tune the Encore is parlaying 100% of the time regardless of cables or DAPs, this change is really the least of our consequences today. Really almost a wash as far as results go. Why? Well the T-OCC truly works on its own to smooth-out our Encore vividness, the Totem Adapter didn’t seem to add its normal share of authority and harmonics? Next………
The Penon 10th Anniversary and T-OCC:
Here we are climbing the fence and going into an amusement park after-dark. Trespassing, yet not in-danger of ever getting caught, because of just who we are and what exactly is taking place. You see I have been waiting for this moment since I started writing this review…….this is what I wanted, even desired. Why? Easy street, yep it is just all so very easy…………….
Look, the 10th is fairly easy-going, making friends with most stuff, and here is no different. Big, emotional and wide stage activities, robust bass, and you may wonder if this cable may be too dark, or detailed enough to use on a daily basis. Well guess what……that’s what! That’s what I want here. The 10th Anniversary is my favorite Penon/ISN ever……..and there could be a chance that the T-OCC makes it really fine and all you could ask for from a cable. Really from a consumer standpoint the T-OCC is doing the exact same-same as it does for the following IEM test; the TSMR FEAT. Where both of these IEMs, the 10th and the FEAT could be looked at as warm IEMs…….and that is the question. Why would you add a cable on the warmer side, wouldn’t you want a brighter cable? All I can say is effortless, that and enhanced harmonics. Really this kind of stuff is not all that complicated, where the T-OCC is not tightening the bass up as much as other cables, it does take-away any grain held in the 10th midrange, and add density and harmonic complexity to the treble and midrange. It does this the same as all the others, only because the 10th is special (in-my-book) it becomes even more special. I had three other IEMs to test, but I will try and keep this short, being that yes, the T-OCC does the same tricks across the board and I can pretty much promise you (about 99%) that it will work the same way with the IEMs you have in question.
The Totem Adapter added to the T-OCC and the 10th:
Bigger and more clear. Where sure there is room for improvement, with the 10th it goes with every source with really every cable and player all genres of music. The 10th is the kind of IEM that you could take on a trip where you are not sure of the mood you're going to be in, do you want Rock, or Classical even EDM the 10th has you covered. Hearing the Totem involved (once more) had me ask myself why I don't always go this route, as the Totem added clarity, note weight and increased pace.
The TSMR FEAT and ISN T-OCC:
This triple copper in reality does something. Here again we are joining the T-OCC with a noticeable bass laden IEM. I mean the TSMR FEAT has an added lower midrange and more bass than has ever been produced by TSMR. In contrast to the new TSMR-X, the FEAT is actually warmer, and less technical of an IEM, except the bass is clear here, the transient edges are cleaner than the Penon 10th Anniversary, more detailed……….yet again the value and major noticeability is in the full-scale midrange, where all the information is held. Simply bigger in size and shapes than the TSMR FEAR included cable, and not holding us pressed up against the included cables 5kHz to 7kHz shelf. Yep, these cable personalities can take the life out of an IEM they are introduced with. Now while the FEAT cable is not bad, for comparison the T-OCC offers simply more realistic replay, that and a bigger warmer and easy going stage placement. What comes out the other end is simply more emotional engagement, pure and simple.
The reality of the ISN CS02 v the ISN T-OCC:
Really for the price of both cables, the T-OCC at $119.00 and the CS02 at $69.90 together you are approaching the total cost of the Penon Renata at $269.00. And if you want to deal with the size and weight of the Renata, there is really no comparison to it. Meaning while each of these cables share some of the same features, the Renada is bigger is size displacement and just overall clearer than the T-OCC, where the T-OCC is close to the same as the ISN CS02, except it is fuller staged and better images than what the CS02 is trying to do. This difference almost makes me maybe not recommend the T-OCC as an upgrade to the CS02, even though it is, the real difference here is saving your money and going for the gold…….the Renata!
If you’re wondering if the Renada is that big of a jump, sorry to break your heart, but it is. In fact nothing became more apparent in my testing today than that single fact. What can I say, I’m challenging these cables against each other, and the outcomes become even more noticeable with each and every tryout. Look, I have tried my share of cables, and nothing on Earth is like the Renata Cable, for the exact same reasons I have listed, only this clarity through extra wire becomes that much more in-your-face and vivid. Not only vivid, but there is a smoothness too, that engages the vocals to come out and play. Look, I started this review with the Renada Cable, and I will end this review on the Renata cable, what am I supposed to do?
Top row:
Left to right: Penon Renata and ISN T-OCC
Bottom row:
Left to right:
ISN CS02 and Penon Vocal Cable
Conclusion:
For what it costs and for what it does the ISN T-OCC is special. Way more ergonomic than the Renada while still visiting that balanced, yet warm part of town. A perfectly silent gentleman while in operation, never creating unwanted micro-phonics. The T-OCC is really the perfect size and demeanor, resisting tangles and simply going where it is placed. Ahhh............
Fires?
The T-OCC both puts out fires on that IEM that you felt needed smoothing out and nurturing, and enhances clarity, both at the same time. I know that doesn’t exactly make sense, but that is what the T-OCC does on a regular basis. I have done way more joining of theT-OCC and IEMs in the 14 days since it arrived. I have also done burn-in of the T-OCC for 100 hours. But the most rewarding thing probably was just how each IEM was still itself with the T-OCC, while still promoting vocals and an inviting smooth replay. It is this friendly middle-of-the-road that seems to be the focus Penon/ISN were looking for, because even though this T-OCC has warmth, it is not really colored, probably the CS02 holds more color? And due to such actions, the T-OCC becomes amazingly valuable, because it just seems to enhance (in-the-right-way) every IEM it comes in contact with? Now that may not sound like a big deal, but in reality it is. And it goes forward to exclaim that I can pretty much guarantee you that you will like the results with any IEM you join it to. And that is saying a lot, in this business of subjectivity. So due to the handleability and easygoingness, this cable purchase really becomes a risk free expenditure, unless you want the Renata, then just get the Renata, you won’t be sorry.
ISN Audio T-OCC 2 Shares Triple Copper Hybrid 2Pin Audiophile IEM Earphone Cable
Specification
Brand：ISN AUDIO
Model: T-OCC
3 kinds of copper combination, 3 kinds of diameters
2 shares, 181 cores per share
Outer diameter is 2.5mm, 18AWG wire
98 cores 0.08 frozen single crystal copper
48 cores 0.06 Quenched single crystal copper
35 cores 0.05 Copper-silver alloy
OFC 2-pin 0.78mm connector
3.5mm audio/4.4mm balanced OFC plug
Aluminum CNC alloy cutting integrated slide
The solder joints is silver–contained tin
Secondary oxidation gold foil gold ring
Cable length: 1.2mm
$119.00
| https://penonaudio.com/ISN-Audio-T-OCC $269.00 https://penonaudio.com/Penon-RENATA $69.90 https://penonaudio.com/ISN-Audio-CSO2.html Disclaimer: I want to thank Penon Audio for the love and for the ISN T-OCC Cable review sample. Disclaimer: These are one person's ideas and concepts, your results may vary. Equipment Used: Sony WM1A Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm Sony WM1Z Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm Sony TA-ZH1ES DAC/AMP Firmware 1.03 Electra Glide Audio Reference Glide-Reference Standard "Fatboy" Power Cord Sony Walkman Cradle BCR-NWH10 AudioQuest Carbon USB HiBy R3 II DAP 4.4mm ifi GO bar Dongle |
ISN Audio Cable Products:
1) AG8 Cable
2) C16 Cable
3) C2 Cable
4) C4 Cable
5) CU4 Cable
6) CS02 Cable
7) G4 Cable
8) GC4 Cable
9) GD4 Cable
10) GS4 Cable
11) H16 Cable
12) H2 Cable
13) H8 Cable
14) H8Plus Cable
15) 8 Core Cable
16) S16 Cable
17) S2 Cable
18) S4 Cable
19) S8 Cable
20) SC4 Cable
21) Solar Cable
22) Type C Audio Adapter
23) T-OCC Cable
ISN Audio IEM Products/Earbud products
24) D02 IEM
25) D10 IEM
26) EST50 IEM
27) H30 IEM
28) H40 IEM
29) H50 IEM
30) Neo 5 IEM
31) Neo 3 IEM
32) Neo 1 IEM
33) Rambo Earbuds
34) Rambo II Earbuds
Penon Audio Cable Products
35) Bass Cable
36) CS819 Cable
37) Fiery Cable
38) Flow Cable
39) GD848 Cable
40) HiFi Balanced Adapter
41) Penon Impact Cable
42) Leo Cable
43) Leo Plus Cable
44) Mix Cable
45) Neo Cable
46) Obsidian Cable
47) Orbit Cable
48) OS133 Cable
49) OS133 Adapter
50) OS849 Cable
51) OSG Cable
52) Space Cable
53) Storm Cable
54) Totem Cable
55) Totem Adapter Cable
56) Totem Adapter Type-C DAC/Amp
57) OS133 Type-C DAC/Amp
58) Vocal Cable
59) ASOS Cable
60) ASOS+ Cable
61) Renada Cable
62) Rhodium Plug
63) Purple Plug
64) OFC Copper Plug
Penon Audio IEM Products
65) Penon IEM
66) Impact IEM
67) Legend IEM
68) Globe IEM
69) Serial IEM
70) Sphere IEM
71) Volt IEM
72) Vortex IEM
73) Turbo IEM
74) DOME IEM
75) Quattro IEM
76) Voltage IEM
77) Penon Tail Dongle
77 individual personal audio products.
ISN CS02 (while still great) takes a backseat to the ISN T-OCC.
But I agree that Reneta is taking over the review. In your experiments, how does it sound with Mirai X, warm+warm , makes me wonder. The question you had raised under Penon 10 "Why would you add a cable on the warmer side, wouldn’t you want a brighter cable?"
Glad someone liked it. Cheers!