This thread needs some eye candy. I've already posted a pic of my AS-2, but here it is again. I've never been a big aesthetics guy when it comes to IEM faceplates (I've always gone with the standard issue stuff for the most part), but considering how nice the rhodium plates look on my AS-2, I might be changing my tune on future customs..
Since my AS-2 arrived (over a month ago), I've exclusively used a PlusSound Audio (pure) silver cable with it (pictured). About a week ago, I switched to using the stock cable. The last few days, I've been A/Bing them.. and I was a little surprised with what I ended up preferring as far as sound.
In terms usability, the stock cable is simply terrific. It's thin, extremely flexible, and has no microphonics. What I also like is that while it's very light, it still has some weight to it.. so it contours to whatever it's laid across. The silver cable I have is quite usable, as well.. and while it was somewhat stiff when I received it.. with repeated use, it's softened up and become more flexible. It's ergonomics aren't on par with the stock cable, but the PlusSound silver cable is better than most other silver cables I've owned.
Without getting long-winded about the sonic differences.. I found the the silver cable to offer better bass control (this was surprisingly apparent, actually), instrument separation, and more aggressive detailing of the leading edges of notes.. as well as a crisper, more present, balanced treble response. The stock cable offered as decidedly smoother sound: comparatively looser bass (with more midbass presence), an extremely smooth midrange, and a laid back treble response that was detailed, but softer in character.
Being that I'm a bit of a detail & resolution junkie.. you'd think I'd take the silver cable all day, everyday.. right? Well, not quite. I feel the stock cable (which I'm pretty sure is copper) has a certain synergy with the AS-2's signature. The AS-2's smooth, slightly warm, slightly dry midrange seems to get a very welcome dash of liquidity with the stock cable. I don't get the pinpoint imaging, (comparatively more accurate) tonal quality, clarity, and all the other technicalities that the silver cable offers.. but I've come to realize I prefer sonic synergy over technical purity with the AS-2. I don't consider the AS-2 a detail/resolution "beast".. at least in the way many do with the HD800 or JH13. The AS-2 certainly doesn't disappoint on these counts, but I don't consider detail retrieval and/or resolution ability as the AS-2's
main forte (or purpose).
With a lot of slower vocal, acoustic & organic instrumental music, I prefer to use the stock (copper?) cable.. with faster, more dynamic, bass heavy music, I like the speed, detail, and control the silver cable seems to offer. I don't have a PC-OCC cable at the moment, but perhaps, it might offer a balance between the things I like from the silver and (presumably OFC) copper cable?
BTW.. yes, I'm discussing cables.. and the last thing HeadFi (and the "high end" audio world, in general) needs is an internet "pillow fight" over the sonic validity and impact of various cable/materials.. so, for the sake of keeping this thread active and civil, please keep the responses and discussion candid. If you're interested in Sound Science,
there's a subforum for that.
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