Vortex Seraphina - Turning a Skeptic Into a Believer​

Specs -​

• Structure: Shielded Twisted pair & S-Z Multi Strands with Shielded Twins Pair
• Material: (i)Shielding: Silver plated OFC Copper (ii)Core: Silver Plated 6N OCC Copper
• Gauge Size: 21.3 AWG
• Accessories: Standard ConX Basic 2.0 connectors & gold-plated copper connectors

Disclaimers & About Me -​

• RU7
• Szalayi / MP145 / Dark Phoenix

Aesthetics & Build Quality -​

The Seraphina is a fabric cable, black with bright blue spot coloration. It's vibrant and eye-catching, especially when combined with the machine-etched connectors and Y-split. These parts feel especially high quality, giving the brand a unique identity to stand out in today's busy market. On an aesthetic level, this cable is directly in line with what I was looking for my upcoming 634Ears LOAK2-Ti. (hopefully it arrives soon!)

The y-split is a very clever piece of metal that uses a bolt to tighten the cable, there is not glue or adhesive used. It is a bit sharp, this doesn't bother me but it is worth noting. The cable itself could be a bit softer, but the sleeving feels very high quality. There has been no fraying or stray fibers.

Ergonomics & Use -​

The Seraphina is a bit on the stiffer side, this is not really a cable to use with lighter IEMs or when in motion. Stiffness combined with the lack of a chin slider is an especially rough combo, I would like this option on future cable purchases in this price category. In my opinion, this is the largest issue with the Seraphina and one to consider before purchasing.

Vortex's inclusion of Effect Audio's ConX connection system was an amazing decision, and I would like more companies to utilize this feature rather than designing their own. Though the system is a little under engineered and could use some refinement, the ability to swap to MMCX and 2pin with the same cable is a game changer, and should be standard in this price category. Take notes, cable makers!

Packaging - ​

Vortex really went above and beyond on the packaging for their products. It includes the following:

• Seraphina cable
• Leather cable clip
• Basic Effect Audio ConX kit
• Carrying case, similar to this one from ddHiFi
• Warranty card

A very impressive package, and high quality be-fitting the price.

Sound -​

Ah, the best (and most subjective) for last! How does the Seraphina perform on my chain? To answer that question, a bit of context is needed.

I have been skeptical about cable performance. In my eyes, spending more than $100 dollars for a cable was a big ask. I couldn't hear enough of a difference for the price to possibly seem worth it. The one time I did exceed that limit was a huge disappointment, and one of my biggest audio regrets (NiceHCK DragonScale). I decided to spend more money on a cable this time as a statement piece for my new custom 634Ears set. The money spent was decided on a cable that looked and felt high quality, a step above the budget products I was familiar with. Sound was not very much a consideration.

Imagine my surprise when there actually was a noticeable sound difference. To my ears, Seraphina brings an increase in quality and presence to the lower end of the frequency, specifically in the mids and sub bass. Using my Szalayi, a set I can typically wear all day without fatigue, the added sub bass is actually a bit overpowering on bass heavy songs. With the MP145, the added presence in the mids is palpable. I left Seraphina at home to burn in on the Dark Phoenix, and 2 days later I simply had to put it back on the MP145. The added "oomph" is addictive. On the Dark Phoenix, it unfortunately adds a bit too much mid bass bleed (an issue i think the Szalayi avoids with grace, by just.... being a bass monster instead). I did not notice any drop off in treble shine or extension with any IEM, nor changes in soundscape.

Conclusion - ​

The Seraphina is a carefully crafted piece of art, from the packaging to the sound profile. Everything about the Vortex Seraphina shouts "high quality product". I will be looking at Vortex cables for my future purchases, with the inclusion of chin sliders and a softer/more pliable fabric, they would be an absolute game changer. However, I cannot deny that I am now a more firm believer in what the cable can bring to a chain. Well done, Vortex.

4.5 stars

Vortex Seraphina can be purchased from MusicTeck for $439.00

ISN Neo 5 - Purple Bass​

I have been using the Neo 5 for around 6 months, 4 of which were full time. It's a 1DD x 4BA configuration.

They were purchased through AliExpress on a sale with my own money.

A little about me...
I am a mid 30’s dad, and work full time in IT. Music has been important to me from a young age, consuming as many different types of albums and genres as I could. That is still true today, though my every day playlists lean most in pop, bass heavy electronic music, metal, and classic rock. I have a treble sensitivity due to years of negligent concert hearing protection (both on and off stage), so my preferred sound signature is warm and bassy. This is just a hobby for me, and I will always state how and where I got my gear.

Gear used for this review -
ivipQ-140 Cable / Stock white tips / Cayin RU7 / Schiit Magni + Modi+ stack / Qudelix 5k

Aesthetics + Build Quality + Accessories​

With the translucent purple and gold branding, at first sight the Neo 5 spoke to me. It reminded me of an old Nintendo 64, and when I heard it was bass tuned I knew I had to have one. It's an elegantly simple looking set, with the full innards of the drivers on display. The resin shell is small and shaped to fit the ear comfortably. The shells feel high quality, and are not easy to scratch or mark up. On the back of each shell is a small vent hole, marked blue/red for left/right. I would have preferred no coloration but its hardly an issue. The nozzles are small and have a metal mesh, and can fit most any tip easily. The 2-pin connection is not recessed, and was VERY tight when I first got my set, on the left side. I was concerned about breaking it when removing it the first time or two, but it did loosen up... a bit too much, 6 months on and a few cable swaps later. It hasn't been an issue where it has fallen off, but I would be mindful of it when cable swapping.

The Neo 5 came with an S4 cable, small carrying case and variety of tips. I prefer the sound of the white ones more, to my ears they are a good balance in sound by thinning out the bass a bit. Both of the stock tips have been used with other sets, Penon makes high quality tips and it would be wise in invest in some regardless! The carrying case is a nice blue leather with a magnet top. It's a little too small for my use, but if you just want to carry around an IEM and that's all it would work for that. The S4 cable has a couple minor issues, no ear hooks, the right wire is a smidge longer than the left, and the chin slider does not hold.

Bass​

The star of the show, the Neo 5 is tuned around it's full-bodied bass. With a winning combo of sub rumble and mid bass thump, it's stereo-like presentation hits hard and envelops the rest of the frequency in warmth. The first word that came to mind to describe it was "bulbous" and I believe that is an accurate description. For as much bass as there is, the bleed into the mids isn't as much as you would imagine. It digs deep, but the decay sticks around for a bit too long. My biggest gripe is with how slow the bass is, on faster tracks like metal or drum and bass it sounds very inarticulate/disjointed with the rest of the mix.

Mids​

The mids have a thick note weight. Vocals, while not exactly recessed, take a back seat whenever they need to share the stage but both male and female vocals sound crisp and clear (male more so in my opinion). The mids are never thin, and on slower tracks (acoustic, vocal) you can really get a sense of how articulated and beatiful the mids are put together. The only time this changes is on the faster BPM tracks I mentioned earlier.

Treble​

While I would call the treble the weakest link in the tuning, its far from being bad. It extends far out, but lacks the details and sparkle a treble head would look for. I have never considered this set as sibilant in any form, it leans warm like the rest of the tuning but there is zero BA timbre, everything is natural. Things like cymbal crashes are recessed, but I never felt like I was missing sounds in the higher register. I would recommend a wide bore tip to elevate the treble a bit.

Technicalities​

The soundstage is wide, but not as deep, or tall. The bass adds to the width, bassier tracks typically "feel" grander than songs without as much. Instrument separation is good but not fantastic, as are the details. The Neo 5 isn't a technical monster, but it isn't supposed to be; it's for a smooth, engaging listen and it excels on every front in that regard.

Power​

Impedance: 26 Ω - 1kHz
Sensitivity: 110 ± 3dB - 1kHz

The Neo 5 isn't just a great sounding all-rounder, it's low power draw allows functionality with any DAC/dongle you utilize. I recently upgraded to 4.4mm cables, but with this set it is not necessary, a 3.5mm is fine. I use low gain on everything with it.

Final Thoughts​

It's not perfect, but I love my Neo 5. It's my go to IEM for out of the house due to its ease of use, low power needs and fun bassy sound signature. Commonly I use it for gaming on my Steam Deck, or watching movies when I am traveling on my iPad. At this point, newer and shinier things have hit the market but I feel like the Neo 5 deserves a little more recognition. It would make a fine addition to any collection missing a bass set.

ISN Neo 5 for $289.99 on Penon Audio