Effect Audio Eros S

Zerstorer_GOhren

500+ Head-Fier
EFFECT AUDIO EROS S: Desirably Luxurious
Pros: ● Made of choice high quality materials
● The overall construction is sturdy and well-built for a premium cable.
● Aesthetically eye-pleasing one of its overall cable designs.
● Product packaging on this one looks classy after all to feel luxurious on its unboxing experience.
● Well-accessorised for a cable product.
● Smooth, supple and flexible.
● Didn't encounter any hint of microphonics at all.
● Crisp and clear sound output.
● Rhodium-plated brass termination plug
● ConX system for detachable connector of your choosing for certain type of IEM connector requirement.
Cons: ● Quite pricey unless you can afford them
● The subtle changes really depend on pairing to a proper source, beyond that it might be a placebo (Still need more studies to gather substantial data on this testing)
● It might be a bit unwieldy and unbalanced if you used them on lightweight IEMs.
● Wishing for modular termination plugs.
● A bit stiff earhook guide
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"There is no art without Eros"

~~ Max Frisch, Swiss Playwright and Novelist


Eros is a Greek god of love and sex and his name itself means desire. He is one of the 8 Erotes that serves as retinue to Aphrodite, the goddess of lust, love, pleasure and beauty. He is the husband of Psyche, the goddess of the soul that takes the form of a beautiful woman with butterfly wings on her back.

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Effect Audio is a Singaporean-based audio company that was founded in 2009 by Suyang, an electrical engineer during his university days. With his innate workmanship on crafting some cables that are capable of delivering a superior sound quality, a certain audio solution company, Crystal Cables based in the Netherlands that is also renowned for their premium and bespoke line of cables and also loudspeakers, did recognised Suyang's workmanship that leads into the development of the renowned "Crystal Cables Piccolino" that brought them into fame across the audio community. Their main focus on their specific audio solutions is to manufacture premium high-quality cables that exude value-for-money options for discerning audiophiles in which this part of the segment is considered a niche product in a portable audio market. They are pursuing a flawless sound quality with some audio engineering backed by their research and development team on their mastery and expertise on some metallurgical properties of materials that will be implemented on their cables.

This is my third review on a cable product and this one is part of the three models of Effect Audio's Signature Series on their premium cable line-up . Once again, I would like to inform my readers in advance that this is my purely subjective take on this product, and my analysis on this one might be lacking and inadequate so take it with a grain of salt.

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As I mentioned again, I'm still staying sceptical that cables will drastically change the sound profile of an IEM transducer and it was proven with my testing that in most cases in won't work like that but rather you take some consideration on source pairing as it has some noticeable changes, but I still believe that a cable made of high purity material that underwent some complex process will deliver a good power output due to some factors on passive electrical components like impedance, capacitance, inductance and conductance of certain materials. Once again, in ideal conditions, cables will absolutely have zero impedance. A voltage that was produced and generated by amplifiers will simply drop off across the impedance of transducers like IEMs, headphones and even loudspeakers. So if the constant impedance of cable stays flat, so the resistance of the transducers will also stay flat.

As it was stated in the heading above, This product model is christened Effect Audio Eros S. The third model of the Effect Audio's Signature Series line-up serves a flagship offering as it is more pricey than both Ares S and Cadmus due to its more premium material that were used on this cable. This one is a successor model of the previous Effect Audio Eros II that was released around 2016.

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PRODUCT PACKAGING:

Like the Ares S, the product packaging of Eros S really exudes a premium and elegance as how its packaging box was presented and also, on how the cable was organised on its compartment cardboard inside.

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Here are the following contents that you can find inside the packaging box:

Effect Audio Eros S cable

● Leather cable organiser

● Polyester cable pouch

● User's manual

● Booklet catalogue

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FEATURES & MATERIALS:

The Eros S is an 8-core cable in a 26 AWG set-up. Its wire gauge appears quite a bit leaner on its texture compared to the Ares and it is a bit rough on its texture. Besides its striking difference with other cable models, it still retains a supple, flexible and less prone to entanglement. Each wire was insulated in a matte-like coating material in a grey colour scheme.

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The materials that were used in this cable were UP-OCC (Ultra Pure - Ohno Continuous Casting) Pure Silver Litz and a Pure Copper Litz Hybrid. As I mentioned in my previous statement in the Effect Audio Ares S review regarding the OCC process, OCC (Ohno Continuous Casting) is a complex casting process that greatly reduces the annealing issues and almost eliminates the possibility of grain boundaries on silver by specific heated mould in order to draw a single mono crystal in a specific length of up to 125 metres. Other benefits of OCC process on silver is that it offers better resistance against oxidation and impurities that might ruin the electrical signals, low electrical resistance, flexibility and fatigue resistance without diminishing conductive characteristics, better and faster signal transmission that will deliver a clear, transparent and uncompromising sound quality. Meanwhile on the Litz wires, it is a multi strand wires that were individually enamelled with polymer and it used in electronic application to carry AC frequencies as it reduces the increase in resistance of wires due to some effects that will impede its conductive performance such as skin effect and proximity effect, thus it will deliver a transmission signal without distortion and it said that it will deliver a more accurate sound. With the combination of metallurgical properties of hybrid cable configuration, this will truly deliver a more refined and even more versatile performance on delivering signal transmission to have a better power output without any distortion.


The Eros S features a septuplet multi-size core bundle that each individual wire uses a Litz build that is variable for each specific thickness on its threads. These wires were braided and weaved tightly to have an ample tension in the overall structure of the cable. Its earhook guide seems less flexible compared to previous models but it seems alright to be worn behind my ears. Other components on the cable such as receptacle connectors, splitter and sliders are made of aluminium alloy and these components underwent either brushed or polished process to give a more premium look on its overall aesthetics.

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The termination plug on what I've got is a 4.4mm balanced one and it was made of brass that was plated with rhodium. Any alloys that were rhodium-plated will have a better tensile strength and excellent resistance against tarnishes, scratches, dents and corrosion while maintaining a lustre surface. On its electrical properties, it has an excellent conductive material due to its high resistance on oxidation with its high tolerance properties that can handle both high amperage and high voltages just like all platinum metal families. Upon ordering this cable, you can choose any termination plug that will be implemented on its plug socket.

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Another unique feature that all Effect Audio has is its proprietary Con-X system where you can replace the choice of connector interface on either 2-pin or MMCX which makes it more versatile and will cover all the basics on pairing it with your IEM collections. Good job, Effect Audio in this innovative approach!

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From Effect Audio's recommendation, it is said that Eros S will improve some of its technical aspects like wider sound/speaker stage, more defined layering, and a transparent and accurate sound.


PAIRING DEVICES:

I pair this cable with some of my neutral sounding sets that I currently have. Here are the following IEMs that I'm using to test the Effect Audio Eros S:

● LETSHUOER EJ09

● LETSHUOER EJ07M

● HIBY CRYSTAL 6 MK.II

● SEE AUDIO Bravery Red

● KINERA IDUN GOLDEN

● BQEYZ Winter

● AFUL PERFORMER 8

● AUDIOSENSE DT300

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My source devices that I'm using to conduct this test.

● LG V20

● LG G7

● LG V50

● QUESTYLE M15

● HIDIZS S9 PRO+ Martha

● TRUTH Shio

● HIBY R6 PRO II

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Android Apps:

● HIBY Music App

● Neutron App


SOUND IMPRESSIONS:

On how I conducted my test on other Effect Audio cables, this cable was also tested along them as I include it during my A/B testing phase for 5 hours at daily basis every night in 10 days straight before I going to my bed as I do some IEMs and source swapping, there is very minimal to none improvements that it really changes the overall sonic profile. But there are subtle audible improvements on some of its technical aspects that I will share some infos.

When I paired it to a more analytical or brighter source, pairing the Eros S with the EJ07M, HiBY Crystal 6 II and AFUL Performer, these sets give me a perception that it is somehow improves the spaciousness of sound/speaker stage, a subtle separation of instruments and more delineated layering on the said IEM models that I've mentioned, I even try it to other sets with less refined layering like ORIVETI OD200 (black nozzle mode) and BQEYZ Autumn but I don't hear any improvements as their layering aspect is audibly the same to my ears. I paired it with warmer sources like the SHIO dongle, there is no improvement of its either tonal or technical capabilities at all.

Due to the excellent metallurgical properties of the hybrid material configuration of its cable. The Eros S will definitely deliver a crisp, clear and transparent due to rapid signal transmission.


To summarise my assessment on Effect Audio Eros S, this cable truly represents the premium and its bespoke quality that Effect Audio defines themselves as a company as it delivers a phenomenal performance that some cable sceptics might have some second thoughts about their viewpoint on correlation between cables and IEMs.

As I conclude my review on this product, the Effect Audio Eros S is the epitome of premium and luxurious cable and if you are an IEM enthusiast that has a substantial collection and a financially stable individual, I will suggest that you should try one out.


EFFECT AUDIO EROS S is currently available on Effect Audio's official store online.

LINK:
https://www.effectaudio.com/signature-series/eros-s


SPECIFICATION:

MATERIALS:
UP-OCC Pure Silver Litz, Pure Copper Litz, Rhodium-plated Brass (Termination Plug)
WIRE CORE BUNDLE: 8-core
WIRE GAUGE SIZE: 26 AWG
LENGTH: 1.2M
TERMINATION: 4.4mm Balanced


P.S.

I am not affiliated to @EffectAudio nor receive monetary incentives and financial gains as they provide me a review unit for an exchange of factual and sincere feedback from yours truly.

Once again, I would like to send my gratitude to @JordonEA of Effect Audio for letting me to be part of Effect Audio Review Tour Philippines. I truly appreciate his generosity and trust towards me and other reviewers.

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Bosk

1000+ Head-Fier
Effect Audio Signature Series Review
Pros: Please read the review.
Effect Audio Eros S, Ares S and Cadmus Review.
by Nick Smith


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“Cables all sound the same. You must be hearing things.”

Either we are, or we purchase them because they’re pretty. Manufacturers know sound & looks aren’t mutually exclusive so they tempt us both ways.

In any event this review does not intend to change minds on the subject. Many of us hear a difference and are prepared to pay, there I’ll let matters stand.



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Introduction

Effect Audio have long been leaders in the portable audio cable world. My first “serious” IEM cable experience came from owning an EA Ares II a number of years ago which was famous for its’ price-performance ratio, but having been released in 2017 was since surpassed by the entry-level offerings of other brands.

This led many of us to wonder when EA would release an update, and the moment arrived in June 2022 when they announced their new Signature Series, consisting of the following models:

Ares S - a 4 wire, 24 AWG UP-OCC copper litz cable (USD $179)
Cadmus - a 4 wire, 24 AWG UP-OCC silver-plated copper litz cable ($199)
Eros S - an 8 wire, 26 AWG UP-OCC silver & copper litz cable ($299)

This review will compare all three, exploring their differences.



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Packaging

All three cables are packaged similarly, with only the exterior logo varying between them. Inside, each sturdy cardboard box contains a fabric-lined tray to display the Y-split section of the cable attractively for the unboxing experience, some informational papers, a leather cable buckle, carry case, and the cable itself.

The cloth carry case is lightweight but its’ quality does not impress. Cleverly the leather cable buckle also serves to close the case, discouraging them from becoming separated.

Given the entry-level pricepoints I have no issues with the packaging materials, my only disappointment being the absence of a more-durable leather case – something we often see bundled with cheaper Chinese cables & IEMs.



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Ergonomics

Ares S & Cadmus I weighed at 32.6 grams & 33.2 grams respectively, and though Cadmus is very slightly thicker they feel ergonomically identical. Both are slightly stiffer & heavier than typical entry-level cables, but not to the extent I see it preventing most people using them without discomfort.

Eros S at 40.9 grams is appreciably heavier yet slightly more flexible due to its’ use of 26 rather than 24 gauge wire. Not so heavy I’d label it uncomfortable, but weighty enough it has trouble ‘disappearing’ when worn. However that weight difference would not sway me towards Ares S or Cadmus if forced to choose between them.



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Hardware

Much of the weight of these cables stems from their Y-splits. Despite being constructed of aluminium with attractively angled meteorite finishes, they’re larger & bulkier than I’d like. Made of the same material, the plugs at the other end conversely seems to lack the heft needed to feel premium.

All Signature Series cables feature ConX connectors as stock, allowing their terminations to be swapped at will between 2pin, MMCX, A2DC, IPX & Pentaconn EAR. Cables are typically supplied with one type of connector -selectable at time of purchase- with the full ConX connector set available separately for USD $50.

The unrivalled flexibility of this system has become a major selling point for Effect Audio cables, and to see it offered as standard on their entry-level range is terrific.

The remaining question is to what degree these friction-fit connections affect performance compared to a solder joint – one I’ve yet to answer. I personally see the added convenience as a worthy trade-off, but might think differently if spending several thousand on a flagship cable where unrestrained performance might take precedence.



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Test Equipment

The cables were tested using an iBasso DX240 via AMP8MK2 and AMP3MOD amp cards, and all files were played back locally from a 1GB Micron Micro-SD card.

Three IEMs were used, all of which feature single dynamic-drivers as that is my pronounced preference – the placidly innocuous Sennheiser IE600s, the analytically strident Final Audio A8000s, and the agreeably bombastic CCA CRA+.

The following test tracks were chosen on the basis of being superbly high-quality recordings that cover a variety of genres & test a number of audio characteristics, which happen to be intimately familiar to me:

Basil Poledouris – Theology / Civilization (24 bit/192khz version)
Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (DSD 64)
Daft Punk – Lose Yourself To Dance (24/96)
Musica Temprana – Tono De La Virgen (Binaural DSD 64)
Jazz At The Pawnshop – Jeep’s Blues (DSD 128)
Yello – Way Down (24/48)
Louis Armstrong – Mack The Knife (DSD 256)
Van Morrison – Crazy Love (24/192)
Manfred Honeck – Beethoven Symphony No.9, IV. Finale (DSD 512)



Final Audio A8000 Impressions

The A8000s are ruthlessly transparent with outstanding resolution, deep sub-bass and a very forward upper midrange presence.

Ares S demonstrated the flattest soundstage & most congestion of the three cables, but offered the largest mid-bass boost and infused the presentation with a dash of warmth that was particularly evident between instruments & notes, enhancing the lower vocal range in the process.

Cadmus delivered greater treble sparkle, a brighter upper midrange and a slightly wider soundstage. Upper frequencies tended to be more heavily emphasised, with less warm air between notes and slightly better dynamics, delivering a somewhat more nuanced presentation than Ares S but inflecting a metallic timbre.

Eros S was more dissimilar to the other cables than they were from each other due to its’ 8 wire configuration. It’s presentation was smoother & more relaxed than both, featured a noticeably taller & deeper soundstage with more space between instruments and a blacker background. It also featured slightly increased note weight, but marginally less sub-bass than Ares S. Overall Eros S was the most satisfying A8000 pairing.



Sennheiser IE600 Impressions

The IE600s are extremely well-balanced across the frequency spectrum, with respectable technical abilities for a single dynamic driver.

Ares S portrayed the narrowest stage of the three and the most forward midrange, lending the presentation a hint more excitement & aggressiveness. Mid-bass was emphasised, and generally the lower frequencies were accentuated to give the presentation a warmer, meatier timbre.

Cadmus had a slightly wider stage than Ares S, spotlighting the central performer in it more sharply and separating instruments better. However it presented a drier, leaner timbre with an upper midrange emphasis that leaned towards sibilance, which not suit the IE600s well.

Eros S delivered a smoother sound, well-balanced across all frequencies without a perceptible emphasis on any particular range. Combined with a full-bodied presentation with slightly improved dynamics & detail, and a marginally more three-dimensional stage, Eros S was the most satisfying IE600 pairing.



CCA CRA+ Impressions

The CRA+ deliver an extremely fun, slightly V-shaped sound with powerful sub-bass emphasis. Stage & resolution are surprisingly close to the IE600, with the slow speed of the drivers being the main drawback.

Ares S delivered a slightly deeper but narrower stage than Cadmus, with a more forward midrange. However the earthier timbre bestowed seemed to enrich a presentation already a touch too warm and full to begin with.

Cadmus featured a wider stage with greater treble emphasis, yet even greater sub-bass impact than Ares S rendering it the most V-shaped cable of the three. Despite the increased upper midrange trending towards sibilance, Cadmus gave the CRA+ the sparkle they needed and proved to be the most satisfying CRA+ pairing.

Eros S possessed a more three-dimensional stage than the other cables, with the soundstage seemingly wrapped around one's head rather than laid out in front of it, improving separation as a result. However this was a smoother, more polite voicing less suited to the “fun” CRA+ tuning than the Cadmus’ V-shaped presentation. Interestingly, the differences between cables were easier to detect through the CRA+ than the IE600s.



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Conclusion

Cables are tone controls that impact IEM technical performance. In this role EA’s Signature Series has impressed, rendering them easy recommendations to anyone seeking to upgrade an entry or mid-level IEM stock cable.

Eros S is the cable I suspect will be most universally appreciated. More flexible than the others but slightly heavier, differences in ergonomics & price are relatively minimal yet the deeper, more three-dimensional stage demonstrated across all three IEMs sets it apart in a manner worthy of the added expense & heft.

Cadmus may prove the most difficult to match of the three, yet is ideal for ‘waking up’ more docile IEMs with added sharpness and zing.

Ares S like its’ forebears be a mainstay of future entry-level cable recommendations and deservedly so, it being difficult to go far wrong with a quality pure copper cable.

If choosing between them, I strongly suggest picking your poison based on how you’d like tone of your IEM altered: Smoother? Eros S. Brighter? Cadmus. Warmer? Ares S.

As for the age-old question… “are audio cables worth it?”, I would argue the widespread adoption of 4.4mm & presence of ConX suggests a Signature Series cable may remain useful for longer than past generations. Indeed time seems to run slower in the cable world, whereas IEMs & digital sources are more rapidly overtaken by new offerings.

Of course merely suggesting a cable will last does not establish its’ inherent value. To that I suggest beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
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Gustavo1976
Gustavo1976
Good review. Thanks.

kaoris2k

New Head-Fier
Eros S
Pros: Great feel, color is unique, worth the money
Cons: None
So for starters, I have never been into cables, that was until I found my main IEM, the U12t. I started just wanting to have the versatility of having the option to go balanced and single-ended whenever I wanted, thus I gave the Kinera Leyding and Qoa Rum a try. Both the Kinera and the rum are under $100 so it is not really fair to compare them to the Eros S but it is what I have as experience.
The u12t sounded way more narrow with the rum and Leyding cables, I loved how they looked and felt but being someone who is into classical, jazz, orchestra and those sorts of genres, I could not sacrifice any of my soundstages. Eventually, I decided to just go Big(big for me being 300 usd) and I went for the Eros S, the cable from effect audio has a superior built to any other I have tried, including the premium cable that started coming with the u12t during the last year. I honestly did not hear a dramatic difference but what I can tell you is that with the stock cable, I was only satisfied using the MX module which lowers the bass and gives you a wider soundstage, however, now that I am using the Eros S, I feel I have an equal if not wider soundstage while the m20 module which isolates the iem and increases the feel of the bass.
I won't tell you to buy it, but if you already have the IEM you love and you want to enhance it a bit more (especially in the aesthetics department), then go ahead.

ps Last I checked the only place that had the Eros in Stock was audio46.

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corgifall

1000+ Head-Fier
Corgifall Reviews Some Cables
Pros: Beautiful designed cables, good quality, swappable IEM connectors
Cons: Price, lacking an interchangeable plug system
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So I’ll be doing this review/roundup a little differently since I normally don’t do cable reviews. Hopefully this will be a different/fun read versus my normal content.

How this all started​

At one point in time I truly used to believe that cable rolling made a difference. This was also off of two IEMs I had at the time and since I only had those, it was easier to attempt to focus on small changes to sound via cables. This was half the reason why I cable rolled. I always understood cables were a subjective thing and yet I loved rolling cables anyways to see if I could hunt down the differences whether it was placebo or not. The other half was simply looks. I was a huge fan of both Labkable and Null Audio cables back then. I still to this day buy Null audio cables. Part of the reason back then was that I was a hardcore “balanced” believer and I always wanted to run 2.5mm and the new at the time 4.4mm pentaconn connector over 3.5mm. There was so much I wanted to chase down back then and the rabbit hole kept getting deeper and deeper. So why did I personally stop cable rolling in general? Let's get into that next.

So what happened?​

After I transitioned to reviewing audio gear, I quickly realized I didn’t have time anymore to attempt rolling cables. I attempted to cable roll for the first few months but once I actually started getting companies to let me try IEMs and full size headphones out at a more constant pace, I simply wasn’t able to dedicate a week of rolling cables into my reviews. Like that person at work who would say “if you have time to lean, you have time to clean”, I started following my own “if you have time to cable roll, you have time to review other stuff”. I started caring about the quality of stock cables for everyday use over possible improvements or how they were made artistically. Same thing with running balanced. I still run almost all my final testing off whatever the stock cable is terminated in but all my IEMs I personally own all have 4.4mm balanced plugs. It always comes down to time management and the difference between cable rolling/balanced testing for 3 days vs 3 additional days of listening, I’m always gonna choose listening.

Why care about cables now?​

So what brought me to this long set of impressions/review? Simple, I decided to dedicate some time to cables as I have an abundance of cables whether it's just random cables I bought, or ones I received to review. In this case, Effect Audio asked if I wanted to check out their upcoming Signature series cables though in prototype form and I thought it would be fun to review these and check out the final production units.

How is this gonna work review wise?​

Whether or not I do cable reviews down the road is gonna be hard to say. I will mostly be doing cable reviews with one or two IEMs max(in the future) since I still don’t have the time to roll a cable on anything more than that. I don’t think I will be rolling cables or doing balanced vs single ended testing with my normal reviews since I’m always backlogged in general. So now that I got all of that out of the way…

Time for Corgifall to review some cables!! Get on with it already!​

So what do I have for this special roundup/review? Well I have three prototype cables and three post release cables from Effect Audio. They are called the Ares S, Cadmus and Eros S. They come from their new Signature series line. Effect audio is one of those boutique cable companies that make absolutely gorgeous cables. While this is meant to be an EA cable review, I will say that my personal favorite cables come from Null Audio and DUNU.

Gear Used​

IEMs: Effect Audio Axiom, Thieaudio V16, Moondrop Variations, LETSHUOER S12.

Source Gear: SMSL SU-9 feeding the SP400 amp.

Looks and Feel​

So all these cables look and feel amazing. They all feel wonderful with nice texturing on the cables. The cables are a little thicker and they have a bit of weight but both the standard 4 braid cables(Ares S and Cadmus) come in about the same weight as my other 4 braid cables from other companies. The 8 braid Eros S is heavier with some extra thickness that adds a little extra weight on the ears but It never bothered me for long sessions. The Eros S has a nice matte grey color with a rougher finish on the cables which gives it a better quality feel. I think these do look good and I like the rhodium plating the 4.4mm pentaconn plugs use. Both the plug and the y split have a beautiful dark grey finish and the y split has a raw carbon fiber insert on both sides of the split casing.The connectors are Effect Audio’s interchangeable ConX system. The ConX plugs I received are a CIEM 2 pin so they will work with recessed plugs on IEMs. These are wonderful examples of good looking cables though and I love the way they look.
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Cable Sound Impressions​


Like most things in this hobby, cable rolling to me is super subjective. These impressions will be what each cable sounded like when paired to the specific IEMs I choose. IEM selection, source selection and ear tip selection will possibly add very different results vs what I hear personally. I spent a good amount of time really analyzing everything so take my impressions any way you wish.
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Effect Audio Axiom​


The first section will be my original impressions from the pre-release cables I received. The cable material didn’t change so my impressions stay the same here.

Ares S​

Starting out with the Ares S! I felt the Ares S really brought out the Axiom’s stock MU tuning when paired with this cable. The lows come in fairly strong and thick. It’s a nice sounding low end. While strong, it still felt well controlled and never bloated. Sub bass hits really come through well with nice impact/slam. The mids are a little recessed sounding but they have good speed and decent detail. Vocals never sound quite loud enough for my personal preference but instruments still make it through just fine. Treble has the same issue of not coming in loud enough to match the Axiom’s boosted bass. The treble was actually really clear though it was missing some of the extra brightness that the Cadmus has. Staging was probably the widest of the three cables but I felt there wasn’t much depth compared to the other cables and this very much felt closer to a wall of sound to my ears. Imaging was fine however and I could pick stuff out without too much effort. This was my least favorite cable for the Axiom but that doesn’t mean this won’t be a nice cable for other IEMs.
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Cadmus​

The Cadmus goes the polar opposite route of the Ares S and has less bass presence but sounds a little more accurate with better control. Bass impact was still strong but the bass notes didn’t linger which made for a leaner bass overall. In the case of the Axiom(MU module) this was welcome as the Axiom comes in strong with heavy bass. The mids are clear with a bit of energy but they didn’t feel overly fast or detailed. The instruments such as guitars and pianos sounded accurate but with just a hint of artificial sound to them. The treble however was noticeably more intense with a noticeable sharpness that made everything sound more accurate and detailed. Cymbal hits all had an extra zing with no lingering decay which made everything sound very fast and clean. The soundstage was rather average compared to the other cables. It’s not bad but the Ares S is wider with less depth and the Cadmus has a good balance. Imaging in this balanced stage made things easy to pick out. I liked this cable when paired with the Axiom and this was probably my favorite in terms of cleaning up the bass heavy Axiom.
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Eros S​

I found the Eros S cable to be the most interesting. The lows still have a slight boost with good impact/slam. There’s a longer decay that gives it a nice full/airy sound down low. The lower mids sound about the same as the Ares S but the rest of the mids are very prominent and focused. Things like guitars and vocals really stand out against the rest of the frequencies. I really liked the extra energy here, though some female vocals did get slightly sibilant at times which I had never experienced with the Axiom to this point. The treble comes in clear but feels a little behind the Cadmus in terms of presence and sharpness. The mids have a bigger focus when I listen so I have to put extra energy into listening for details in the upper frequencies. I would throw the treble somewhere between the Ares S and Cadmus. The soundstage is the most unique part about the cable. After much back and forth swapping, It was very noticeable the stage felt about as wide as the Ares S but it had a bit more depth than the Cadmus. The slightly longer decay within the whole frequency range may be the reason for this but there is a nice echo within the stage and while it's not dramatic, it’s neat and it made for a nice listening experience. The imaging was good and I was able to pick things out fairly easily within the stage and nothing ever got congested. I can’t quite tell if this is the best cable of the bunch or if it's just the most unique sounding cable of the three.
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Other IEM Pairings​


This will be a quick section of what I thought paired well with some of the IEMs I have on hand. I tried all three cables on each IEM but the ones I chose were the most noticeable vs the standard cable each IEM originally came with. These are quick and simple impressions as such.

LETSHUOER S12(Ares S)​

While I don’t like the color combo of the S12 and Ares cable, I do like the S12 in general so It was the first IEM I wanted to pair something up with. The stock cable is a silver cable so I figured the copper Ares would be a good opposite to go with. The low end did feel slightly more impactful with a more authoritative thump. The mids had a more relaxed sound but vocals still had a sharper presence. The treble I wanna say sounded a little more tamed with a slight loss to what makes the S12 special with its intense listen. Though the changes as with all the cables are very slight hints vs big changes.
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Moondrop Variations(Cadmus)​

The Variations stock cable is a copper cable so I went with the opposite here again and there was a slightly different flavor going on here. The bass is still very intense though it sounded just a hair more controlled. Mids had a little less warmth with a faster and clearer tone. Vocals still lacked a little energy but they sounded accurate still. The treble sounded a bit more energetic with some added sharpness that I rather enjoyed on the Variations. I liked this cable combo and I also loved the way it looked with the Variations color scheme. This is gonna stay on my variations going forward.
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THIEAUDIO V16 Divinity(Eros S)​

I don’t like the feel of the stock cable nor the way it sits on my ears for long sessions. The stock cable is a silver plated cable but I wanted to give it a hybrid in general. So while I don’t like the color combo of the pairing, I did notice a more unique sound from the Eros cable on this just like I have with my other IEMs. The bass still stays strong but with a bit more control vs the stock cable. There is a spaciousness for fullness down low that also follows into the mids. The mids have a slightly recessed sound but instruments and vocals feel powerful with more energy and a slight boost in the upper mids. The treble is still relaxed and since the V16 sits just where I want it in terms of treble, I like the way it’s presented here. The V16 didn’t feel very wide or deep but with the Eros, there is just a little extra to make me happy.
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Overall Thoughts​

So at the end how do I feel about the new EA cables? I like them though I enjoy them more for their looks and feel over anything else. When I do occasionally buy new cables, it’s always important how it looks and will pair with certain IEMs. While I was able to pick out different details from each cable, I have a harder time these days investing time getting deep into cable rolling. For the quality and cosmetic side of things, I can easily recommend the new signature series line of cables. Even at their pricing($180-300). I personally find cables to be an art thing. If it looks good, I can possibly find value in the price. For those looking at changing the sound of their IEMs, I still personally believe cable rolling is subjective though I think it’s totally fine hunting down sound differences and I say go for it and give the new EA cables a shot. Finally I’ll also mention the fact that a lot of other companies do cables as well. Some like Nightjar and Null Audio do really nice premium cables too. DUNU also makes really nice cables but their cables also have their own QD plug system which makes their products interesting in itself. While I won’t be doing many cable reviews in the future, I would like to poke at cable reviews as time allows. Good job to Effect Audio and I look forward to checking out more of their products in the future. Thanks for reading!!
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