Flash Acoustics Thanos

Flash Acoustics Thanos

Introduction

Now that I’ve returned to the hobby, I was in the mood to give something entirely new and unusual a chance, and Flash Acoustics really caught my eye with their unique cable geometries and designs, with the added bonus of having EA’s ConX, making it suitable for my Moses in addition to the rest of my IEMs

I definitely appreciated that Flash Acoustics went through a proper and proprietary RnD process, including “Sub-Zero Cryogenic Treatment OCC Copper (SCOCC)” that they developed themselves as well as a unique cable structure they call “X-Cross and P.N.T. technology” that enhances instrument positioning and background darkness

I won’t go through all the tech in their cables, but it is absolutely worth checking out, because they have a lot of proprietary stuff that I haven’t come across in any other cable brand: https://shop.musicteck.com/products...-mM1EwwhqzBDbeCsMww-OPSbVpa5ph5ETwuCQXML2_DrA

Stiffness, Microphonics, General Feel

I won't be reviewing the Thanos "for the price" - I think it's one of the better cables on the market at any price point, and I'm personally not feeling like I am missing out on anything compared to other cables I've owned at 2-4x the price

The packaging is pretty basic. You get the cable, a little Asian Autobot girl and the box. It doesn't come with a carry case, which is fine for their less expensive offerings, but I'd maybe like to see one included for their TOTLs (I don't know if it is or isn't included).

The cable itself is extremely soft and pleasant to use for a 2 wire. I have the Eletech Euclid to compare it to, which is a little stiffer, and the APX SE stock cable, which is a lot stiffer and way more uncomfortable to use




The look of the Thanos is very unique, and I absolutely love it. The black "core" that they have going on contributes a lot to the design, and makes the purple more of an "accent" rather than a full blown, purple-only cable. The stock hardware is excellent and feels really well built. It's also a really good match for the Moses since they have a similar shade of Titanium.

As far as I'm aware all FA cables come with EA's ConX. It's come in handy for me considering the recent popularity of Pentaconn's connector.

The wire is very soft for a 2w. I've used it a lot while walking around outside, and I never ran into any issues. It's not microphonic at all either. A very supple 4 wire would be softer and more comfortable overall, but this is good enough for me to basically not notice the cable at all, which is great

Sound

A lot of the tech that Flash Acoustics integrated in their cables is supposed to help improve the dynamics, and it absolutely does. I personally haven't heard a cable that is able to get this dark of a background out of an IEM, and the improvement compared to the Moses' stock cable was instantly apparent.

I didn't hear a significant soundstage expansion, but the dynamics gave more space to instruments and improved the perception of positioning. Instruments feel more precise and separated from the mix.

The Thanos definitely leans on the darker side, and tames the lower treble a little. Bass texture is incredible on it, without sounding bloated or overly slow. I don't have the A18t with me at the moment, but I think that it has the IEM profile that would be a perfect match for the Thanos

What I love the most about it is the warmth it infuses the midrange with, pushing up the lower midrange a little, giving vocals a more textured and full sound. I still get plenty of upper mids on it with the Moses, but it takes the edge off ever so slightly, making them a little more withdrawn and relaxed.

It's not quite a "classic copper" sound, I would describe it as a little darker and cozier in the midrange and treble, but with an added tightness and texture to the bass.

If I had to point out a flaw, I would say that the Thanos isn't the most versatily cable and it is quite colored. I tried it with my A18S, and it definitely didn't work - it made it even darker than it already is.

I would love to try a more "neutral-sounding" FA cable to see if I'd experience the same dynamics and imaging without the coloration that only really benefits some IEMs



Conclusion

I think that Flash Acoustics have a really unique value proposition, and even more so with the Thanos. It's a very soft, supple and non-microphonic cable that is a particularly good match for brighter IEMs.

It gets a very, very easy recommendation from me