Penon ASOS

Hello everyone, and thank you for joining. Today, I am reviewing the Penon ASOS, an IEM upgrade cable with 3-in-1 modular plugs. The good people at Penon Audio sent me the cable for review. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to them for providing me with the sample. The impressions in this review are in no way influenced. I write what I hear.

Penon ASOS cable can be bought here. Link




Rating Criteria:

I want to lay out my rating criteria before we start off. For me, the primary criterion for evaluating audio gear is its intrinsic value rather than its price tag. A higher price doesn't always correlate with superior quality, and similarly, a low-priced product can give enough listening pleasure for it to be called outstanding. I consider the build, features, and, most importantly, the impact on the listening experience. The fundamental purpose of audio gear is to enhance the listening experience. So for me, this degree of enhancement in the listening experience is a key determinant in rating a product.

Rating below 4: I really won't be posting reviews of such items unless someone has asked for them.
Rating of 4: The product is good, and some users may find it more satisfactory, but it does come with a few caveats, such as price, fit, etc.
Rating of 4.5: The product is excellent and comes with an easy recommendation, reflecting its high quality and overall positive attributes.
Rating of 5: This product can be deemed groundbreaking, a trendsetter, and an eye-opener and deserves a spot on everyone's list due to its exceptional features and outstanding performance.




Design and build:

The cable is built in an 8-core design, with each core having 25 alloy copper silver-plated wires and 99 single crystal copper silver-plated wires. The alloy copper consists of copper mixed with other metals, and the single crystal copper (also known as monocrystalline copper or Ohno Continuous Cast copper) is composed of pure copper with extremely uniform structure with very few grain boundaries, thus being more optimal than the alloy copper.

The appearance of this cable is no less than that of the premium and costly cables on the market. The cable has a very solid build. The robust build is enhanced by a polished finish, providing a combination of durability and visual elegance.The cable features a pearly white color with a pleasant shine and smooth texture. It is designed in an 8-wire configuration with expertly done braiding, leaving no visible gaps.


The cable has a slight firmness and a substantial weight. When using it, there is no significant downward tension from the weight of the wire. This tension is greater when you are on the move. This cable, for me, is not an ideal cable to be used when on the move. When in use, it feels heavy on the ear. To ease the feeling of heaviness and tension on the ear, one can use a clip and stick the cable to the shirt. This makes the cable quite easy to use.




The 4.4mm termination plug has a carbon fiber silver shell finish. The connector is of normal size and is relatively lightweight. It's the cable that adds the most weight. Thankfully, the plugs and splitter are quite light. The brand offers 2.5mm and 3.5mm termination plugs with the cable too. The 2-pin connectors on the cable are round cylinders in shape. They are black in color with metal ends and marked with red and blue to distinguish between the left and right sides. The 2-pins are small and quite nicely built. It feels easy to pull out the pins holding the 2-pin.

In terms of storage, since the cable has a substantial thickness, it does not roll up easily and may need more space than usual cables. When it’s rolled or coiled, it has a tendency to uncoil on it’s own.


Sound Analysis:

So, what is this bulky and chonky ASOS good for? In my opinion, the cable stands out in the way it brings refinement to the IEMs.

The cable provides a more pronounced sense of airiness. It effectively enhances overall resolution and clarity. Additionally, there are nice improvements in imaging and instrument separation on IEMs. The cable aims to maintain the original timbre while adding an organic quality. It retains the original timbre without any noticeable alteration. It primarily adds just a little bit of warmth and smooths the overall sound.

In the bass region, the cable does not add a lot of quantity but brings quite a positive change to the quality of bass. The layering and texture seem to improve. The cable is not ideal if one is looking for a lot of improvement in bass volume (punch), especially the subbass. The subbass may not be as deep and impactful. The midbass has more improvements as it is more rounded and refined. The cable balances out the sub and mid bass and makes the bass more cohesive. The bass seems to spread out, losing its tightness a bit.


In the midrange, the cable brings some good changes. The mids have better clarity and some enhanced resolution. The mids appear closer and are pushed forward. There is a good level of detailing, and micro-details are clearer and more pronounced. The mids are richer, the vocals are more organic, and the string instruments have a better and lusher presence. The notes have more weight and texture, and the details in the decay are better. The midrange has a pleasing lingering and is a lot more enjoyable.

The treble region has a good amount of energy and detailing. Nothing gets harsh or sibilant. There is a good sense of spaciousness and clarity in the upper frequency region. The good balance of copper and silver keeps the treble well-controlled. This cable might not be ideal for IEMs that already have a sharp treble or a bright sound profile, as it can amplify harshness and sibilance.

Apart from bringing some nice refinements, ASOS has a good impact on the technical aspects too. The soundstage has more depth, while the width does not see much improvement. With more clarity and better resolution, there is a sense of more spaciousness in the sound. The cable enhances the imaging, leading to more precise spatial placement of the instruments. With improved stage depth, the instruments and vocals are more widely spread, offering a better sense of accuracy. This creates a more spacious stage for the instruments, allowing details to emerge with greater clarity and precision. Needless to say, there is a better separation of instruments with the cable.


IEMs Pairing:

One good thing about the cable is that it can pair well with IEMs of all segments. I paired the cable with some budget IEMs as ISn Neo3, Penon Dome, and Letshuoer Cadenza4; mid rage IEMs as Kinera URD and Alpha Omega Ra; and some flagship level IEMs as Noble Audio Kublai Khan and 64Audo Tia Fourte. The sound improvements mostly align with what I have put down above.




Which IEMs have the best synergy with the cable?

In terms of synergy, the best pairing is with the IEMs that have a tamed treble or a near dark treble range. The IEMs with a brighter profile do not gel well with the cable.

For ex: the Fourte has a decent pairing with ASOS, but the cable is not ideal for it as it loves more copper and less silver. Kublai Khan, too, has a similar story. Noble KK has a touch of sharp upper mids and treble, so the cable bringing more transparency and detailing does not make an ideal pairing. I really like the pairing of this cable with FlipEars Artha, which has a good, warm signature. The cable smooths the midrange and enhances the resolution and detailing factor, which makes it very enjoyable.

I also find the pairing of ASOS very nice with the Alpha Omega Ra and Kinera URD. Both of these IEMs have a nice amount of bass, and some additions to the upper frequency can really help. While the bass amount does not have much enhancement (I think I missed some punch in the subbass with this cable), the bass has a faster attack. The midbass is well defined and has a good texture. The midrange and the treble region get good refinement. The soundstage on Ra has a good enhancement in width, which is very evident as the default stage on Ra is narrower and more intimate. With the URD, there is a similar story, and there is an evident forwardness in the midrange. A smoother and more clear midrange makes the IEM quite enjoyable.

I really liked the pairing of this cable with the ISN Neo3. The stock cable on the Neo3 is very limiting in performance, and the ASOS brings quite significant enhancements. The bass is full-bodied and more rounded. The midrange is lusher and has added richness. I was expecting some similar enhancements on the Penon Dome, but sadly, the synergy did not go well. Dome's bass, which is what I love the most about it, seems to lose its impact. The soundstage is also not quite positively impacted. On Cadenza4, there is a positive impact on the sound. The cable adds airiness and energy to the treble region.




Conclusion:


The cable has some solid synergy with the few IEMs I paired. The detailing and soundstage exhibit a notable enhancement, making all the subtle nuances more pronounced and clearly audible. There is a marked improvement in the treble region, making this cable perfect for IEMs that lack energy and detail in the upper frequencies. The mid-range stands out with greater tonal accuracy, resolution, and clarity. The cable may feel stocky, but the effort of putting the extra weight on the ears does pay off. Moreover, the price tag is also quite thoughtful. The cable rivals some good cables on the market in the sub-500 USD range, both in terms of performance and design. There is already an ASOS+ cable, and I am sure the cable will perform better than this one.

All in all, it gets a healthy recommendation from me and can stay in one's collection quite comfortably. At $169, the price-to-performance ratio is really good. I would rate it 4.5/5. The half star goes away for its weight.

Penon ASOS is an unashamedly chunky 8 wire, 24AWG OCC copper litz & SPC cable with a slightly higher price of USD $169.

Make no mistake, ASOS is a substantial cable that's thoroughly deserving of behemoth status. If the cable reminds you of Effect Audio's Cadmus 8 wire cable you're not alone, because hardware aside the appearance & weight of both are nearly identical.

I was surprised when Penon sent me the ASOS in exchange for a review because they've focused on smaller 2 or 4 wire cables lately, so it's nice seeing them release a proper 8 wire monster for a change!

Packaging​

ASOS arrives in a smallish cardboard box, inside is a fabric carry case that's decently sized but still pocketable, along with a shirt clip.

When purchasing the ASOS you can elect to have it terminated in a 4.4mm, 3.5mm or 2.5mm plug, or alternatively purchase the modular plug system where you'll get one of each to swap them around.

I'm usually more of a fixed plug guy since all my devices feature 4.4mm sockets and it's been a long time since I've used anything else, but the 3.5mm option is handy if you'd rather not use adapters.

Ergonomics​

At 54 grams ASOS is the heaviest cable in this roundup, but also the most flexible & supple, in part thanks to its' very soft PVC insulation.

If you're someone bothered by cable weight then a 4 wire option may suit you better, but I'm far more irritated by stiffness so I find the ASOS perfectly usable. That said the weight is significant and means the cable won't quite "disappear" in use as much as others will.

The finish of ASOS' hardware is a step-up in quality from other cables in this roundup, helping to lend it a premium feel. I would suggest purchasing the fixed-plug version if you prioritise performance & reliability, but the modular plug on mine hasn't given me any issues so far.

Sound Performance​

If you want more bass, especially midbass, ASOS should be on your shopping list. There's good reasons why chunky 8 wire cables like this exist - one is to boost the bottom end beyond smaller 4 wire offerings.

However ASOS isn't a one trick pony, also emphasising the lower midrange which can enhance the vocal resolution, doing it without adding the warmth a pure copper cable to keeps things more neutral.

The soundstage is usually expanded in a manner you'd expect from a large 8 wire cable, with most IEMs I usually notice an uptick in dynamics as well, and slightly more defined imaging in some cases.

Bear in mind ASOS does a great job of beefing up the lower frequencies without deviating too far from neutral, but won't boost treble quite as much as many pure silver cables out there.

IEM Impressions​

Simgot EA1000 - 1xDD 1xPR (USD $219)

ASOS deepens bass with more midbass in particular being added, and I also notice a greater emphasis on the lower midrange as well with improved dynamics.

The soundstage is deeper & tonality shifts to one that's more bass focused. However treble is a little darker than using a silver cable, but ASOS does create a more powerful, earthier sound.



ISN EST50 – 2xBA, 1xDD, 2xEST (USD $449)

Bass is boosted with additional midbass, and again the lower midrange is given greater prominence which helps correct the EST50s' v-shaped tonality a little.

I also notice better dynamics and also a blacker background, but the soundstage dimensions don't seem to change very much.



Penon Turbo - 6xBA (USD $549)

In this satisfying pairing I notice more midbass impact with an uptick in note weight. The soundstage feels deeper but no wider, yet gives the impression of being more spacious & three dimensional.

Imaging is slightly improved, tonality isn't much different which is good if you enjoy the stock cable's tonality, though I miss the extra treble sparkle of the CS819 as the Turbos are tuned rather dark.

Conclusion​

Cable manufacturers have experimented with all sorts of tricks like shielding, fancy geometries & alloys to elevate performance over the years, but the most surefire path to greatness seems to be building thick, heavy cables with huge numbers of wires in them.

More wires means more conductivity, which usually translates to better performance.

In the case of the Penon ASOS that means more bass, a deeper soundstage & better dynamics - you may also hear a number of other improvements depending on the IEM you pair it with.

Considering EA charge USD $299 for their Cadmus 8 Wire, at just over half the price the ASOS feels like a worthy rival that delivers a slightly less treble-intense, more bottom end focused sound without being excessively warm like a lot of copper 8 wire cables are.

The Penon ASOS
Taking everything to the next level!


The ASOS has a funny thing it does where it convinces you (while listening) that it’s the best cable for the job 90% of the time? Strange and a first in my experience?

The new Penon ASOS is a OCC Silver-Plated, Copper Litz cable. Such cable is an 8 wire, 24 AWG configuration. You get a technicalities boost over your included IEM cable, while adding heft and clarity to the midrange. Literally to me it was like a slight clean-up down-low, adding bass texture and adding size to the stage, while enhancing imaging and details up-top. This review comes in two parts, where I first describe my usage with 5 IEMs, then tell a tale about using the ASOS Cable along with 7 other cables. So the way this review unfolded was easier than I thought. The new $349.00 Penon DOME 1DD X3BA Hybrid arrived at Redcarmoose Labs, only it also came with a new cable on the side........can you guess which cable that was? Yep, it’s only natural that a person would at least try this new cable. Sure it looks more Hollywood than the regular included DOME cable. But also the ASOS seemed almost like it was made for the DOME IEM. And while the retail price of the ASOS is $169.90, I’m told the ASOS is a lot like the same 8 wire, 24 AWG Cadmus cable made by Effect Audio, though the difference is it doesn’t cost $199.00 like the Cadmus does.

A huge part of the Cadmus Cable expense comes from the additional Gucci hardware. It doesn’t really come from Gucci, but it resembles the stuff. So if you’re into that look, then maybe it’s a good deal? Except the additional hardware size makes a big cable even bigger and adds unnecessary weight, without truly adding any actual sound benefits.

So now I find myself writing this cable review, yet it has been weeks and weeks since the ASOS Cable arrived. Any (new-toy-phenomenon) psychological-boost in favor of the ASOS surely has worn-off by now? Also I have tested the ASOS along with 7 other cable choices to try and get an understanding of both the ASOS sound, and the relative value.


Top to bottom:
ISN G4 (Graphene) $99.50
Penon ASOS $169.00
Penon Bass $79.00
Penon OSG (Graphene) $299.00
Penon Vocal $69.00
Penon Leo Plus $249.00
Penon Mix with Rhodium Plug $149.00/$29.00
Penon Space $99.90

The Penon DOME IEM:
Most of the cable side-by-sides were done with the Penon DOME. So keep in mind that the Penon DOME, while even and correct, still it may still show favoritism to a certain cable? And in fact in this test the DOME was better with the ASOS cable than the Penon Bass Cable, in my humble opinion. Yet in prior testing the Bass Cable was quite the cable during my Penon 10th Anniversary Edition testing. So this phenomenon is simply cable matching and mixing. Where often synergy is found due to the IEM blending with the cable personality. At times cables can be fixer-uppers too, which means there may be a slight attribute in playback that a cable enhances or suppresses, which we want. Also remember this is just one guy's findings, and while here at Redcarmoose Labs these results are repeatable, you on the other hand may want a different sonic outcome. Meaning there are variables like the tone of your DAP, the ear-tips you are using, if narrow bore or wide bore…..etc, etc. But to generalize here, the actual IEM tests were way more easy to understand and process. Why? Well we were simply joining the ASOS Cable and interpreting the results. If you are wondering how the IEMs were chosen, they are simply IEMs I like…..really that’s it. To over generalize here, the only IEM that was borderline was the Noble Audio Encore K-10. Meaning the ASOS has a slight boost in the midrange, where often we are looking for more silky and smooth demeanors to kind-of subdue the midrange/treble shelf of the Encore.


Noble Audio Encore K-10 Universal IEM: Top: $1850.00

Second row, left to right:
Penon Volt Universal IEM:$799.00
Penon 10th Anniversary Universal IEM: $499.00
ISN EST50 Universal IEM: $449.00

So imagine with me those same features which took the K-10 Encore over the top in playback, went and cleaned-up the ISN EST50. Where in many ways these two IEMs can be looked at as opposites. The Encore offers a neutral bass response, where it’s safe to say the EST50 is more L-shaped. So while in use the ASOS Cable actually made the Encore bass still clear and clean, we never had a problem in the low-end. In fact the Encore lows were totally special in that there was clarity which enhanced bass detail and texture. The only issue was the midrange and treble which have this total shelf which most of the time needs smoothing, combined with the aluminum enclosure which again seems to resonate those brighter frequencies? Where the response from the EST50 is a mesmerizing feature. Where we are finding clarity into how the mids are positioned, that and the bass response is actually clear and clean…….adding pace and texture to the lows……..but more than that…..adding bounce to rock and improved pace to pretty much everything. Most of us who have spent a while with ISN EST50 frequencies either are bass-heads, or like myself looking for slight attenuation? Here I found a home with the EST50, a place that with the ASOS aboard, I could stay all day in infatuation.


ISN EST50 Universal IEM and Penon ASOS Cable:

2 Sonion Electrostatic driver for ultra-high frequency
1BA Knowles for high frequency
1BA Sonion for middle frequency
10mm dynamic for bass

So, remember we were talking about midrange boost? And we were talking about a slight addition of bass definition? So that is what the ASOS brings to the table. Yet the reason this works out so well is we still have the sonic thickness and bigness with the ISN EST50. To me using the Penon ASOS Cable is more balanced than with the included ISN EST50 S8 cable or with a few aftermarket cables. Probably my real infatuation with this set-up is due to me not always hearing this much bass on a regular basis, except here I would say it’s AAA quality, especially now with what clarity the ASOS brings. Big wide staging of authority and dimension. Dimension because the bass is “clear”.............it’s there with the frequency response, except in no way protruding into our pace......or too much into other frequency zones........which is surprising in and of itself? When I reviewed the ISN EST50 I liked it, but I didn’t know my relationship with it would be so long and drawn-out. Drawn-out in a good way. You see, I didn't know about wide-bore tips when I reviewed the EST50. I also was new to cables and didn’t quite understand how they could tailor the bass to a better place. So if you’re with me, still reading this diary of a madman…………………..The ISN EST50 is now maybe the best it has ever been. I’m using the very mid centric WM1A with MrWalkman’s firmware, no EQ and find it totally satisfying. Satisfying because I’m not bored with the sound, and it has been weeks now with the ASOS. Another reason I’m not bored is due to pace, the fact that this example of an IEM and playback that really has it all. The ISN EST50 didn’t quite have this style of midrange when I reviewed it, because if it did I would have talked about it.......more than the regular EST50 midrange. Also as far as my daily listening.........normally I don’t regularly listen to exactly this much bass, so it’s a thrill, a thrill to behold and one of my alternative sound signatures. Truly we are dealing with the basics still, the EST drivers adding a smoothness and level of detail that is special in comparison to BAs. There is nothing wrong with BAs, except (when done right) EST drivers can approach the signal with slightly better timbre. But here and now we are experiencing even better midrange due to the gifts the ASOS is up to. That enhances the interpretation of the bass too, making the low-end just that much more even and satisfying. I know this may sound dumb, but this is exactly how I always wanted the EST50 to sound. It has extra transparency from the ASOS, that and it’s just dialed-in?


Penon Volt Universal IEM and Penon ASOS Cable:

Sonion 4 electrostatic
Sonion 2 Balanced Armature
10mm dynamic driver

Same-exact-same audio set-up as above, except we changed to the Penon Volt. If you were here (listening) with me you would understand this well roundedness that is going on, we just went from a more bass centric IEM to a mid-centric IEM using the same cable, and it is also bringing out the very best. Well, not maybe the very best but what $169.90 would get you. I mean that. There is word on the street that Penon is planning to bring about a VOLT II. If you could hear this set-up right now you may understand as to why I could care less about it. Yep, same as cars and motorcycles, once you reach a certain level it’s all (in the end) personal taste. Meaning sure more expensive does this or that, except this is singularly one of the best IEMs I’ve ever heard. Now I haven’t heard them all, but I have heard a few. It’s just that the ASOS is doing its midrange magic again………that and it is tailoring the bass, making it slightly become into better definition. Now those two things sound simple, but not every cable has this exact personality this way. Think of it as being slightly closer to your source, that's all. Bass has added clarity and texture, and the Volt is not renowned for bass replay, yet this is really fine. The mids……the mids are lush……lush and full. And the treble is a perfect example of EST treble balance, really the whole signature is dove-tailed together. And of course the effect is synergy just like the EST50. You are reading this and you may think I chose these IEMs, that I picked them to go with the ASOS, just so I could write about it, and it would make a happy story in the end? A fairy-tale of audio with a happy ending…….maybe? And that is just not so. I chose these IEMs because I like them, what better reason to find a cable to work-out? I mean right at this point I don’t want to continue writing the review, I want to stop and take-in the music. Why? Primarily because this is my idea of correct, that and there is a magic to it all, one I don’t know how to put into words……..and maybe don’t need to?


Penon 10th Anniversary Universal and the Penon ASOS Cable:

2x Sonion EST for ultra-high frequency
1x Knowles BA for high frequency
1x Sonion BA for middle frequency
2x 6mm crystalline plated biofilm dynamic driver for low frequency

At times I’m a little confused, as typically in life you always get better quality from spending more money. Except IEM audio is different. Sure this is a subjective game. But also it is a game of basics, meaning take care of the basics, and do a good job and more people will find positive subjective ideas from listening to your products. That still will not make everyone happy, but if there is a music realism found (in-the-end) more people will be able to relate and a connection will be made. In truth the 10th Anniversary is a grand departure for Penon Audio. With all the IEMs they make and have made in the past this new idea of sound design is welcome. But to me it’s possibly my very favorite PENON IEM. I wrote a ridiculously long review simply explaining my love for what it does. And just like the IEMs above, we are not really changing the sound too much. Again maybe a few mild basics are enhanced, but this is a perfect example of how the ASOS goes with almost everything. Now later I will go into the (above) cable comparisons, yet I will try and keep it short. Except often we choose cables because they offer a solution of sorts. A way to make an IEM better to the point of keeping it.....and not selling it off. Or just using the same old IEM more........... listening to it more, and there is nothing wrong with that as a concept. Only today we are simply pin-pointing the subtle extras the Penon ASOS does. With our selected IEM group here we are enhancing each IEM natural attribute, but except for the ISN EST50, we really are not putting out fires. Simply what the ASOS did naturally was the key (to me personally) to arrive at a special EST50/ASOS success. What I’m trying to say is the midrange boost of the ASOS really works wonders on most of today's IEM……..except for the Noble Audio K-10 Encore. Yep, what the ASOS does as far as adding slight energy to the mids/treble doesn’t seem to make the Encore better, for me anyway? I will get to the Encore next. But for now...........what are we getting with the 10th Anniversary Model?

First off, the 10th is a little bit chunky in size. Look at the pictures, as it fits me fine, except really the size of the ASOS has met its match maybe? I mean the ASOS size is large and the 10th is on the big side. The results…you ask. Smooth, smooth and balanced. There is this bass and lower midrange which separates the 10th from the Volt. Now remember with different ideas of sound design, we may never ever reach a sound like what the Volt has by trying to add the extra bass to the inventive sound design? You see part of the very reason the Volt midrange takes front and center position is due to the way the bass is subtly formed. I mean if there ever is a Volt II, I know Penon will keep those mids, they have to…..it is what the Volt is famous for. And just like how the ASOS made the midrange of the Volt milky smooth, the ASOS is adding the traits to our lower midrange. Yep, we find the extra lower frequencies to be of notice with the 10th. Except maybe, just maybe the ASOS is also putting out another fire like the ISN EST50? I mean this is where the 10th gets controversial……..it is all about what midrange and vocal abilities you come to the 10th expecting. Expectations..................For me the 10th Anniversary is fine, but I can understand why some may want more? And possibly the ASOS Cable brings a slight vocal forwardness to the 10th sound? Maybe? Though in truth what I hear more about the ASOS playback with the 10th is careful and calculated bass replay. Meaning we had room for bass sculpting with the 10th, and you know what, it’s perfect really, I love this style of bass.

So in-fact it is possibly the refinement of bass character that is letting the 10th midrange show through?

Home:
So once again I’m home with the ASOS Cable and 10th IEM. Also the ESTs are in-fact smooth and detailed.........reserved, and just right too. Flowing freely outwards into the stage we are witnessing basic clarity at hand……..I mean why else would you spend $169.90 of your hard earned money on a silly piece of wire? Well, of course looks too, sure the ASOS is a looker! Look at it!


Noble Audio Encore K-10 Universal IEM and the Penon ASOS Cable:

10X Balanced Armatures of unspecified make:

The Encore is a strange bird. Really I read a review and the review (with-out going out and saying it) reminded me that maybe the Encore could sound like the AKG k701 full-size headphone? Maybe it does, maybe not, really it doesn’t matter, but one thing for certain is the Encore is bright in a way. Showcasing an almost neutral lower midrange and bass, the Encore lights fireworks off in the upper midrange and lower treble. Add to that and there is this kind of halo effect to the treble where it travels into 3D formation and never lets go. So strange of a bird that many a reviewer simply doesn’t understand what the Encore is going after as far as sound design. Then of course there are the followers like myself…….I’ll never sell it because nothing sounds like it. And while I also have smoother cables, smoother than the ASOS to make the Encore work-out, not everyone is going to be willing to invest in this style of sound. The Penon Totem is spectacular, the ISN Solar again....ultimately amazing, and are the stuff of dreams with the Encore. Yet, what the ASOS cable brings to the table may not be what every Encore owner wants. Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure there is a group of crazies that are game for this level of brightness, it’s just not me, or anyone I know. This particular test today will utilize two DAPs (the WM1A and WM1Z) as a way to try and find a way in…….a way into acceptable sound replay.

The Noble Audio K-10 Encore Universal with Penon Solar Cable

Kinda-fun?:
It’s kind-a fun for a while with primarily the vocals being way, way forward. Big, in-your-face and not taking any prisoners. Bigger than life with what the stage is doing. Yet, the ASOS is leaving the bass energy alone and really enhancing the bass clarity. With the neutral midrange and neutral lower midrange, we are left with what could be described as a window looking down into the bass areas. What can be found down there is tight, firm and well-paced bass action, really it is quite fun and refreshingly new from all the big DDs that have been bestowed upon me here at Redcarmoose Labs. What could this possibly mean for you? Well, upper midrange heat is subjective, so some like their drinks straight and some like girly cocktails. There is nothing wrong with cocktails........as many have found they can prolong their enjoyment, without getting in a car accident. Yet, back to the subject at hand, basically there are time limits and volume limits to how much the human can take of this potion. And while entertaining, after a while too much is simply too much. So imagine with me that we have a personality with the ASOS………….that for the most part, and with maybe 90% of IEMs out there on the street you’re going to be fine. And even with the Encore there is a lot of win here, really more win than I am disclosing to you. So let’s try a darker source, the WM1Z.

WM1Z:
This was a wild coincidence. While I haven’t listened to the WM1Z for days, the exact same song was in place as the WM1A. In fact I had to make sure I didn’t get confused and use the WM1Z already? Nope, the same song, all ready to go, I have to get into more test music, that may be the message? Actually it’s borderline workable now…..maybe not something I would choose, but not bad, not really that awful?

Top to bottom:
ISN G4 (Graphene) $99.50
Penon ASOS $169.90
Penon Bass $79.00
Penon OSG (Graphene) $299.00
Penon Vocal $69.00
Penon Leo Plus $249.00
Penon Mix with Rhodium Plug $149.00/$29.00
Penon Space $99.90

Cable tests:
These were done for my recent review of the new Penon DOME IEM. Coincidentally the DOME came as a package with the ASOS to review. Quickly as I can I will go down the list and make a summary of what I experienced in my DOME review. The wild part was I didn’t even think this grouping test would be relevant to a future ASOS review until the cable's sonic personality started to reveal itself. So just like using different IEMs to test a cable, using different cables back-to-back can go ahead and offer insight into a cable's personality. This is even a more vibrant truth once you get into the middle of testing. If you’re like me, you made the DOME and ASOS a team.............which was used for weeks on end.

Each cable has a personality with the IEM you are testing, and at times that personality is wanted and other times it’s not so great. Also having a long term relationship with the cables on the list gives you prior ideas as to how they may sound. But of course it is the DAP (WM1A)…the Cable and the IEM…..all coming together to realize a particular sound. Some may find parallel experiences, maybe not………….but it is what it is.



The ISN G4:
The G4 is a standard cable used often, here we are awarded with the Graphene tone. Such personality is slightly subtle to induce a midrange boost, which comes with a warmer tone than pure silver. Yet along with that there is a slight blackness to the background where the bass is delineated. Where the ASOS is more open and airy, taking advantage of technicalities and clarity slightly ahead of the G4. Though the G4 has its uses........aside from what the ASOS does. This is a more ASOS straightforward style of playback, with enhancement in stage size above and beyond what the G4 does on a regular basis.

Penon Bass:
With the DOME it was slightly less clear, where yes the DOME had a slight extra sub-bass, the overall technicalities were not as good as the ASOS. The ASOS cost more, so in this case, you get what you pay for.

Penon OSG:
Using Graphene to the fullest extent, here we probably experience a blacker background than the ASOS offers, and while the OSG goes ahead to itemize the bass, it is almost done with a distinct personality. You would need to hear Graphene cables to understand this specific personality? The Graphene personality enhances the mids and spreads them out into the stage, while intensifying the imaging and tone of different instruments and vocals. In the end the ASOS offers a fuller more straightforward rendition, not exactly better, but different. It just depends what sound you are after.

Penon Vocal:
Imagine the DOME having forward vocals…too forward. In many ways this emulated our ASOS/Encore replay, in that here the midrange in way, way, way forward, and at the expense of everything else. The DOME and Vocal Cable are not maybe recommended, unless of course you really want a dramatic midrange boost, and know what you're signing-up for before hand.

Penon Leo Plus:
One of the unexpectedly warmer styles of cables in use with the DOME. Analogue and more laid-back than the ASOS is capable of. Yet, total quality here, just the way the DOME came alive and offered a more relaxed and smoother rendition of all the music. Great imaging despite being warmer, and truly a full and correct way to go, one of the very best with the DOME in replay.

Penon SPACE Cable and Penon Mix cable with Rhodium Plug:
Surprisingly the MIX and SPACE added that size, or should I say stage shape perceived as an equal brother to the ASOS. Both the SPACE and Penon Mix offered an increase in stage size, except the Mix with Rhodium Plug jumped ahead (in treble and midrange imaging) due to silver in usage……sticking imaging slightly farther out to the sides in physical distance. Pure silver will go ahead and add that separation between imaging in the stage, as well as create contrast due to such polarizations of frequencies. Yet in many ways the ASOS was clearer in that the bass was more defined than the SPACE, things just had finer details, where the SPACE offered a warmer wall of sound? There have been (other) times when I thought the SPACE was slightly bright, but in comparison to both the ASOS and Penon Mix, the SPACE seemed very neutral, with just a hint of that natural warmth? So while I could hear the pure silver imaging inside of the Mix stage, those items were boosted and imaged (through frequency) farther out than any cable. Yet remember too, the Mix has the Rhodium plug (in use) which sound changing traits do the same with the signal, making it slightly brighter and tighter. In the end the ASOS was just slightly clearer than both the SPACE, and even the Mix, except the Mix offered wider clearer treble items. It’s funny here as each cable sounded (kind-of) the way like they look. The Mix offered bright edges due to the pure silver stands, and warm bass due to the pure copper components………..and sounded very separated. Where the SPACE was just big, due to 2X the material than its prior little brother, the Penon OS133 cable inspiration, it was designed after. So the SPACE is simply big in size of stage, but less detailed inside and more warm due to less silver.

Cable side-by-side conclusion:
So in many ways this becomes a path to truth. First choosing the Penon DOME IEM and going about weeks of listening, then attempting to mix things up, by trying different cables in place of the Penon ASOS. While what was apparent was the DOME was incredibly forgiving allowing us leeway as to all the possible sonic changes. Finally it became noticeable that each cable had slightly different ideas (as to what they will do) to influence the transference of signal. While I was asked (personally) which was better, the better cable (for the DOME) could be a matter of taste? Except there were a few winners here, and a few not best in the combinations. Most of all I could see people accessing the ASOS as a low-cost way to introduce a transparent signal carrier which added a small amount of midrange energy, and had the character of focusing the bass. Such ASOS demeanor slowly became more obvious the more cables I used with the DOME, thus truth. Of course this was only the specific truth for the DOME, then I parlayed that knowledge to go to the next level just seeing how the Penon ASOS would go ahead and bestow those same delineated character traits to other IEMs.


Penon ASOS Cable with SIMGOT EA1000

Conclusion:
Well there you have it, a wonderful new Penon cable. And while I have more expensive cables, the Penon ASOS has a personality which sets it apart from all the cables I have. Such personality is clarity and transparency, that and a very natural and critical positioning of musical information inside the stage. And while I spent weeks with the ASOS Cable, it wasn’t till I really started comparing DOME back-to back (cable tests) that this laundry list of attributes started to show-up. Then I grabbed a handful of my favorite IEMs to see if in fact those same attributes could be supplied just as before with the DOME test vehicle? And sure enough that there was a commingling of both characters inside of the IEM response and fortifications of transfer into the wire of what was going into the IEM from the DAP. Simply the ASOS is great at transparency and any midrange heft and note-weight was a wanted effect.

The bass relay was always improved across the board, and I suggest looking for that truth as one of the first realizations that your getting somewhere with this cable. And while treble space was in-fact increased, they didn’t add the energy typically found with a pure silver conductor. So yes, there is a slight focusing of bass, yet really the ASOS is having fun all the time with its daily jobs. It’s only when you put the ASOS to work helping dial in the ISN EST50, that you realize that the ASOS does have a job to do. While most usages will encounter a smooth yet detailed images closer to the reality of your music, it’s the fact that all this fun takes place at a reasonable price!

What else could you possibly ask for…..huh? Looks?....the ASOS is a looker too. And while the ASOS is slightly big in size, it's incredibly flexible due to the smaller diameter of each of the 8 strands. If you don't want a 3-in-1 system, simply order an ASOS Cable with a single permanent plug. Really the ASOS Cable goes with 80-90% of IEMs out there, seemingly always convincing you that it's the best cable for the job!

Just buy it, you have nothing in the world to lose! Unless you have only one single bright IEM in your collection, then you wouldn’t be reading this review in the first place.

$169.90
https://penonaudio.com/Penon-ASOS.html

Penon ASOS 8 Shares Alloy copper Silver-plated & OCC Silver-plated Mixed HiFi Audiophile IEMs Cable wth 3-in-1 Modular Plugs

Description
Penon ASOS Audiophile IEM Cable

Brand: PENON
Model: ASOS
Materials: 8 strands, 25 cores alloy copper silver-plated + 99 cores single crystal copper silver-plated wire mixed
High transparent imported PVC wire sheath
Carbon fiber silver shell
3-in-1 modular plug

Package includes:
Penon ASOS cable
3.5mm audio plug
2.5mm balanced plug
4.4mm balanced plug

Disclaimer:
I want to thank Penon Audio for the love and for the ASOS 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