Penon Audio OS133 Adapter Module
- Added by Redcarmoose
- Create date
Does your dongle dangle daily?
I've been a Digital Audio Player user all the way back to the iPod days, but last year started using dongles with my Macbook & even conducted a dongle shootout recently.
So when Penon offered to send their new OS133 dongle in exchange for a review I agreed, and was surprised upon glancing the price - just $34.90.
The OS133 isn't the least inexpensive dongle but can't be far off, sitting at the opposite end of the spectrum from most sources I review. Its' shape is also a bit different, closer to a cable adapter than the usual rectangular dongle.
It'll be interesting to see how much bang-for-buck Penon crammed into this tiny gadget.. now let's get the show underway!
Penon's USD $34.90 OS133 USB-C DAC uses a Conexant CX31993 DAC chip with an Analog Devices MAX97220 amplifier to deliver PCM playback up to 32bit/384KHz - amazing for such a tiny device.
The USB-C connector and your choice of 4.4 or 3.5mm jack are linked with black nylon sheathed silver-plated OFC wire Penon use for their OS133 cable, with 133 cores per wire.
The OS133 is heavier than you'd expect thanks to its solid connectors, weighing similarly to fully-fledged dongles at 27 grams. What differentiates the OS133 is its' form factor - which feels like a heavy cable adapter, rather than a metal rectangle that dangles awkwardly from your phone.
That's one reason I've stuck with DAPs instead of dongles over the years: I don't like how they hang from my phone, always concerned they'll bump into it and scratch the glass. Whereas the OS133 feels more like a natural extension of the IEM cable.
Sonically the OS133 is quite v-shaped with an excited tuning that’s going to suit modern music. It isn't dramatically powerful so I wouldn't recommend it for headphones, but delivers ample volume with IEMs. Background noise levels are on the higher side by dongle standards, but not so loud as to be distracting during quiet passages of music.
The OS133 is quite bassy with sub bass in particular being satisfyingly elevated. Bass texture isn’t the most impressive I’ve heard but the extra quantity helps make up for it to generate a fun, bouncy sound that’ll suit modern Pop & EDM nicely.
Being a Penon product the midrange is fairly forward as you’d expect and decently engaging, definitely not recessed which is always a dealbreaker for me, though vocals can be a little dry at times.
Treble's quite elevated, but could use more refinement. I don’t find it distracting but treble notes are a bit one-note & lacking the smoothness you get from expensive DAPs, but this is a $34 dongle after all.
I find OS133 technical performance respectable for its' extremely modest price & form factor, just don't expect to be blown away here.
The soundstage is decently wide by dongle stands but doesn't have much depth. Resolution's better than expected from something so tiny, but lags well behind more expensive dongles & budget DAPs. It's not so fuzzy that it becomes distracting though, and everything vital for musical enjoyment comes through.
There's a bit of congestion particularly during busy passages when instruments can struggle to remain separated, you won't get much reverb & decay on individual notes nor are they rendered with the delicacy of a decent DAP, but that's no surprise either.
Dynamics are average which creates a smoother sound (which the v-shaped tuning helps 'wake up') and imaging is not the sharpest. Given the form factor I'm not sure how reasonable it'd be to expect more.
Using my M3 Macbook Air I compared the OS133 with other dongles to get a feel for how it stacks up.
Penon Tail (USD $74.90)
The Tail is vastly more powerful and even comes with a hi-gain switch, making it the better option if you use headphones. Even with IEMs the Tail delivers a far more dynamic, powerful sound.
Tail bass goes deeper and it feels more bass-driven, its' midrange is more forward with greater engagement, and its' stronger amplifier controls & separates instruments better during busy passages.
The Tail's soundstage is deeper and its' resolution especially through the midrange is higher, delivering performance closer to that of a full-fledged DAP. I recommend spending the extra on the Tail if you prioritise performance, but the OS133's form factor is still unbeatable in daily use.
Cayin RU7 (USD $289)
Sonically the RU7's superior refinement is reflected in its' vastly higher price.
The great strength of the RU7's 1bit DAC great is its' remarkably organic, vividly textured midrange which makes the OS133 sound quite digital. The OS133 is bassier in quantity but the RU7 has better bass texture, and is more musically engaging whereas the OS133 can feel flat & uninvolving by comparison.
The RU7 also features lower background noise, better dynamics and a blacker background, greater control during busy passages and a slightly wider stage, along with higher resolution delivered with greater nuance & delicacy.
For $34.90 the OS133 dongle sounds way better than listening straight out of a phone or laptop.
What really surprised me is the build quality - both wire & connectors wouldn't feel out of place on a cable worth a few hundred dollars. I have no idea how Penon can make them for this price.
Sonically the OS133 is probably good enough for a noisy train ride, and more convenient than a conventional dongle which will bang up against your phone. Using the OS133 feels like plugging IEMs directly into your phone through an adapter, ergonomically it's tough to beat and when price is taken into account is very easy to recommend.
I'd love to see Penon offer a few different wire choices as drop-down menu options, perhaps allowing a downgrade to cheaper wire or upgrading to pure silver for a different flavour.
The OS133 is perfect for max portability without the hassle of carrying & charging a separate device.
I've been a Digital Audio Player user all the way back to the iPod days, but last year started using dongles with my Macbook & even conducted a dongle shootout recently.
So when Penon offered to send their new OS133 dongle in exchange for a review I agreed, and was surprised upon glancing the price - just $34.90.
The OS133 isn't the least inexpensive dongle but can't be far off, sitting at the opposite end of the spectrum from most sources I review. Its' shape is also a bit different, closer to a cable adapter than the usual rectangular dongle.
It'll be interesting to see how much bang-for-buck Penon crammed into this tiny gadget.. now let's get the show underway!
Tech Specs & Ergonomics
Penon's USD $34.90 OS133 USB-C DAC uses a Conexant CX31993 DAC chip with an Analog Devices MAX97220 amplifier to deliver PCM playback up to 32bit/384KHz - amazing for such a tiny device.
The USB-C connector and your choice of 4.4 or 3.5mm jack are linked with black nylon sheathed silver-plated OFC wire Penon use for their OS133 cable, with 133 cores per wire.
The OS133 is heavier than you'd expect thanks to its solid connectors, weighing similarly to fully-fledged dongles at 27 grams. What differentiates the OS133 is its' form factor - which feels like a heavy cable adapter, rather than a metal rectangle that dangles awkwardly from your phone.
That's one reason I've stuck with DAPs instead of dongles over the years: I don't like how they hang from my phone, always concerned they'll bump into it and scratch the glass. Whereas the OS133 feels more like a natural extension of the IEM cable.
Sound Impressions
Sonically the OS133 is quite v-shaped with an excited tuning that’s going to suit modern music. It isn't dramatically powerful so I wouldn't recommend it for headphones, but delivers ample volume with IEMs. Background noise levels are on the higher side by dongle standards, but not so loud as to be distracting during quiet passages of music.
The OS133 is quite bassy with sub bass in particular being satisfyingly elevated. Bass texture isn’t the most impressive I’ve heard but the extra quantity helps make up for it to generate a fun, bouncy sound that’ll suit modern Pop & EDM nicely.
Being a Penon product the midrange is fairly forward as you’d expect and decently engaging, definitely not recessed which is always a dealbreaker for me, though vocals can be a little dry at times.
Treble's quite elevated, but could use more refinement. I don’t find it distracting but treble notes are a bit one-note & lacking the smoothness you get from expensive DAPs, but this is a $34 dongle after all.
Technical Performance
I find OS133 technical performance respectable for its' extremely modest price & form factor, just don't expect to be blown away here.
The soundstage is decently wide by dongle stands but doesn't have much depth. Resolution's better than expected from something so tiny, but lags well behind more expensive dongles & budget DAPs. It's not so fuzzy that it becomes distracting though, and everything vital for musical enjoyment comes through.
There's a bit of congestion particularly during busy passages when instruments can struggle to remain separated, you won't get much reverb & decay on individual notes nor are they rendered with the delicacy of a decent DAP, but that's no surprise either.
Dynamics are average which creates a smoother sound (which the v-shaped tuning helps 'wake up') and imaging is not the sharpest. Given the form factor I'm not sure how reasonable it'd be to expect more.
Dongle Comparisons
Using my M3 Macbook Air I compared the OS133 with other dongles to get a feel for how it stacks up.
Penon Tail (USD $74.90)
The Tail is vastly more powerful and even comes with a hi-gain switch, making it the better option if you use headphones. Even with IEMs the Tail delivers a far more dynamic, powerful sound.
Tail bass goes deeper and it feels more bass-driven, its' midrange is more forward with greater engagement, and its' stronger amplifier controls & separates instruments better during busy passages.
The Tail's soundstage is deeper and its' resolution especially through the midrange is higher, delivering performance closer to that of a full-fledged DAP. I recommend spending the extra on the Tail if you prioritise performance, but the OS133's form factor is still unbeatable in daily use.
Cayin RU7 (USD $289)
Sonically the RU7's superior refinement is reflected in its' vastly higher price.
The great strength of the RU7's 1bit DAC great is its' remarkably organic, vividly textured midrange which makes the OS133 sound quite digital. The OS133 is bassier in quantity but the RU7 has better bass texture, and is more musically engaging whereas the OS133 can feel flat & uninvolving by comparison.
The RU7 also features lower background noise, better dynamics and a blacker background, greater control during busy passages and a slightly wider stage, along with higher resolution delivered with greater nuance & delicacy.
Conclusion
For $34.90 the OS133 dongle sounds way better than listening straight out of a phone or laptop.
What really surprised me is the build quality - both wire & connectors wouldn't feel out of place on a cable worth a few hundred dollars. I have no idea how Penon can make them for this price.
Sonically the OS133 is probably good enough for a noisy train ride, and more convenient than a conventional dongle which will bang up against your phone. Using the OS133 feels like plugging IEMs directly into your phone through an adapter, ergonomically it's tough to beat and when price is taken into account is very easy to recommend.
I'd love to see Penon offer a few different wire choices as drop-down menu options, perhaps allowing a downgrade to cheaper wire or upgrading to pure silver for a different flavour.
The OS133 is perfect for max portability without the hassle of carrying & charging a separate device.
The Penon Audio OS133 Adaptor Accessory/Module
This must be an invention of nonsense. “I know……we will make an adaptor that fools audiophiles into wasting their money.” An adaptor that simply connects the male 4.4mm/3.5mm or 2.5mm to the identical 4.4mm/3.5mm or 2.5mm female plug………….in-turn doing nothing. If you don’t believe cables make a difference you can stop reading right now, this will save you time and effort. If you do believe in cables, the Penon Audio OS133 makes a small change, such a change may be wanted in your favorite set-up, but be warned it is small, yet may be of use if you were really trying to add a bright cable to a medium toned IEM, and needed a slight reduction of midrange and treble energy, but didn’t want to use EQ………or wanted slightly a slightly different outcome than provided by EQ alone. But one step further, the OS133 creates a small unique sound-signature all its own, by placing elements spatially into the soundstage with an added specific tone in the end. Such a tone is different than just the pure signal from your DAP and IEM. Realize of course, the effects are still dependent on your DAP and IEM combo (and your cable) for success.
Weighting in at a staggering 26 grams…..the $29.00 4.4mm to 4.4mm OS133 Adapter gives the impression of importance. Now if all this metal does something special………we will soon find out.
I personally don’t call this a cable because it works more like a filter. Plus if it was actually a cable you could hook it up to IEMs………….and you can’t, you need a cable hooked to IEMs, to the OS133 Adapter. Such a stretch of confidence in a device was met with strong opinion here at Redcarmoose Labs. If your investment was involving a high risk of loss……….well then it would be something to be serious about. And while $29.00 thrown out the car window is something not to be taken lightly…………there are far greater risks in audio. And while the internet, and human opinion in person is rather varying in stance, I’m willing to state my findings, for better or worse. In fact, maybe I just have way too much time on my hands, as the OS133 invention was placed here at Redcarmoose Labs with no review needed. I could have simply tested it........or not, except you do understand the curiosity of the audiophile. The wonderment of all things sonic…….in the probability the adaptor was first invented as a way to merge 2.5mm balanced to 4.4mm balanced…..I’m just guessing here…….but why else would you make such a thing? The resulting outcome was in fact that it changed the sound. Every piece of the signal chain affects the outcome, though at times more and at times less. Here is one of those lesser times, yet in fact just like a tone knob has various levels of adjusting tone, an audio cable has ways it affects tone. And besides the tone, the possibly of changing instrument texture and spacial placement. SO……….If you’re up for reading-on, I will try and describe my “there” yet small findings with the OS133 Adapter Cable Amplifier Accessory.
Penon OS133 Audio Adapter Cable for Earbud/IEM/DAP/AMP
Description
OFC silver-plated cable
Black nylon sheath
4 shares, single share is 133 cores, a total of 532 cores.
Gold-plated copper + carbon fiber plug accessories
Cable length: cable is about 8cm,total length is about 15cm (include plug)
Available type :
3.5mm Audio Male to 3.5mm Audio Female
3.5mm Audio Male to 2.5mm Balanced Female
3.5mm Audio Male to 4.4mm Balanced Female
2.5mm Balanced Male to 2.5mm Balanced Female
2.5mm Balanced Male to 4.4mm Balanced Female
4.4mm Balanced Male to 2.5mm Balanced Female
4.4mm Balanced Male to 4.4mm Balanced Female
3.5mm Audio Male to 3.5mm Audio Male
2.5mm Balanced Male to 2.5mm Balanced Male
4.4mm Balanced Male to 4.4mm Balanced Male
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/penon-os133-iem-cables.25829/reviews#review-28806
https://penonaudio.com/penon-os133.html
Here is my original Penon OS133 cable review. The OS133 adapter is made by doubling up the regular OS133 cable and putting an out-put termination on the other end, so you can plug any cable into it. Such an “extra” is an addition to your regular cable and goes between the source and whatever cable you are using.
So first off I will get to the main point of the review. If this cable did something would it matter if I simply added it to the regular OS133 cable to extend the OS133 cable? Or is it truly an add when we combine the OS133 Adapter to a different cable entirely? Let me just say this………before you start reading……the effects of everything in the signal chain make a difference. There are other cable adaptors and they may do much more, but many of them cost more money. Also remember that there are always different mixtures of metals, each with their own sonic signatures. Make an adapter out of pure silver and it will have limited use, due to being regularly brighter. There could be a use, but such findings range on the outskirts of usability. In such a formula, taking a dark amplifier and using a super dark IEM could result in a brighter transfer of signal which in fact could make the signal balanced. Still why wouldn’t you simply use a brighter cable and not mess with adaptors in the first place. I’m going to go out on a limb and say there is a place for many different signatures, and in-fact each one is slightly different. Why? Because of the fact that the signal is passing through a different set of materials. The out-come is unique in that it is singularly different. But here is the opposite in that the copper used in the OS133 seems to effect the sound more than any silver involved? That we are gong in the opposite direction than many other brighter adaptors. Also keep in mind this is an IEM by IEM experience. This is also a DAP by DAP experience. Thus X IEM and X DAP used gift a sound with just the regular cable used, but throw in the OS133 Adaptor and we again have a different fish to fry.
Does it matter?
The importance truly is like anything. Meaning shades of color are of choice and subjective as to their value in the end. Though we do know that with clothes (for example) or house paint (for another example) that certain colors mean something. The colors frequency of light can be found to be complementary to both the viewer and the surrounding colors. So, by contrasts there are relationships which start to take place. With clothing a bright color can be added to a neutral earth tone, and two bright colors at times can conflict. Such talk is not for an audiophile review, as is the possibility of color affinity and their mixture (possibly) being special to a native land. But with audio, terms like contrasts and brightness and darkness have value. Such spacial relationships with-in the soundstage are and will be affected by cables and/or adaptors. How ever small the intrinsic add of an adaptor, it is still an add, and possibly an essential if serendipity seemed to place all the planets in alignment.
THE TESTING:
The first combination I tried was the Tansio Mirai (TSMR) Sands:
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/tansio-mirai-sands.25799/reviews#review-28568
This was not what I guessed would happen which makes it even more interesting. Here I’m combining the bright mid-centric Sony WM1A with the ISN SC4 cable and TSMR Sands. Typically the Sands has a reputation for being on the bright side, yet with the correct cable like the PAC480 cable, it comes not only into focus, but alive. We (various Head-Fi members) believe the PAC480 warmness is toning the various spots down, while a the same time leaving the best parts of the Sands to still flourish. Needless to say (even after modification) this style of Sands character isn’t for everyone…….Yet I find the combination fantastic. So let’s go in the opposite direction let’s try the ISN SC4 cable with the Sands………..sure enough……not enough lower tones, the wind has been musically taken out of the Sands sails. Add the OS133, and wait……still no fun. So the OS133 will do a job, just not a drastic job……it doesn’t work miracles. In fact surprisingly the OS133 didn’t have that much affect at all.
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/penon-pac480-iem-cable.25228/reviews#review-28808
The second combination was the Noble Audio Encore Universal IEM:
To say I’m familiar with the Encore would be an understatement. While being a favorite for years…..I have put more than 3000 listening hours getting to know the 10 BA beast. Typically I will use the Walkman WM1Z................midcentic WM1A can come off slightly too bright even while still using the OCC Hansound ZEN 4 wire cable. It is just a slightly bright IEM which just barely goes with the more mid centric WM1A. What I’m trying to say is it’s bright, but still listenable and great, yet on brighter side of the street. Brightness in a range at times, not an exact destination, unless it's overboard brightness of course. Surprise, the OS133 did change things….though ever so slightly….though I’m not sure this is even enough to matter to anyone? Though there was a definite add of body to the midrange? The highs were taken down an incredibly small amount?
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/noble-audio-kaiser-encore.22120/reviews#review-22519
The third combination was the actual OS133 cable with and with-out the OS133 Adapter Cable:
Slightly brighter than the pure copper Zen, the OS133 was showing its silver add. Plus wrong DAP here. That’s right…..the Walkman WM1A was just the wrong avenue to drive down exploring cables in such manner. No worries though a quick change using the same song on the warmer Walkman WM1Z/Nobel Audio Encore combo was the ultimate solution. That’s right the Encore, OS133 cable and Walkman WM1Z was the Schiit. I could have listened all day, and not got any review done! It was just that good, the combination of OS133 cable with the touch of energy from the slight silver add, plus the “big” treble the WM1Z does naturally was thoroughly intoxicating. What does this have to do with cable adapters? Well………let’s find out. The added 2X the amount of wire placed onto the front of the regular OS133 didn’t do anything. The sound remained the same.
Now for our final test the Penon SERIAL Universal IEM:
Interesting enough the Penon SERIAL comes in as the most neutral IEM Penon Audio has made, now that doesn't mean it's neutral, but the most neutral for Penon Audio. The 3 DD SERIAL exhibits a warmer, yet balanced character which just so happens to be perfect for our testing today. The SERIAL displays a critical balance of sorts in contrast to our peaky Noble Audio Encore Universal, which goes all out with a W signature of BA brightness. The SERIAL is shipped with the conservative but friendly CS819 cable. Such an included cable is well balanced and a special value, yet leaves room for experimentation with brighter cables if such sound is desired. Now, a quick change-out into the ISN SC4 now shows a boost in upper frequency detail, at the same time cooling the warmth and diminishing the low-end. Such resulting expression of cable metallurgy is a matter of opinion if optimal or not. It seems the SC4 has added silver in contrast to the included SC819 cable, The CS819 a $49.00 purchase on its own, and the SC4 a $99.90 purchase on its own. The reason Penon doesn't included the SC4 with the SERIAL (in my opinion) is it takes away from the natural warmth with is an endearing trait contained in the Penon SERIAL. Still though the outcome here of the SERIAL and SC4 with the Walkman WM1A is not bad, and actually listenable. Though maybe some improvements could be found, or at least a change of tone? In comes the OS133 Adapter Cable. Now we find the same staging that was so endearing with the SC4, the same imaging placement, yet everything across the board has better note weight, and different texture. Along with those changes come a different color of playback, everything is toned down slightly and the shimmer isn't exactly gone, but what was white is now a shade of pearl. What has effectively happened is we added an add of copper to the ISN SC4 makeup, only it wasn't placed into the cable itself, but only right in front in the form of the OS133 Adapter Cable.
I can see this as an avenue to possible future two part cables? Meaning someday there will be two-part cable sets that are sold. Whole groupings with mix and match front ends of more silver and darker back parts to add the warmth. These new ideas simply give users more freedom to rotate in a new sound signature. Now realize this change is small, as it's actually half the amount of change that you normally experience with a cable change.....or less? lol
Still for this cable enthusiast the results were real, but not consistently found to work across the board with every application.
Conclusion:
While there could be an optimal place in your collection of equipment for such a device, the OS133 Adapter Cable isn’t a fix-all or cure-all. It does affect the sound but only contains so much power to do so, and only reveals that power only in special situations. Science would say things have to offer consistence in response, or they don't work. And maybe the OS133 is not consistent in its level of coloring the sound? But with the right equipment combination, it is reliably consistent! As in certain situations the end tone results are confirmed to be noticeable and repeatable day in and day out. It's just with drastic extremes (like a bright cable/bright IEM/bright source) the OS133 only shows limited power to filter the tone. Yet in mild applications like trying to add note weight and authority while using a bright cable with a slightly darker IEM, such findings come as a welcome surprise, having the best of both worlds so to speak. With such welcome discoveries, such an add justifies the $29.00 cost, yet it's difficult to emulate every conceivable application beforehand, so be warned. The Penon Audio OS133 has an application, though if it works in your exact set-up with your exact hearing, remains to be seen. What started out as a way to adapt a 2.5mm balanced signal to 4.4mm signal (as an example) was further explored as a way to add cable color therefor tone to an existing DAP/cable/IEM set-up. If such a tone is wanted depends on the individual, while half of Head-Fi don't believe in cable differences, the other half does. Yet here is a situation where somehow the copper affects the tone with the adapter the most. While using the regular OS133 cable, it shows what silver is present, in comparison to the contrast of pure copper cables. In this experiment I am met with just as many questions as answers, yet that's OK, as this journey is a journey of discovery and questions. While some questions may never be fully answered, the answers I did get are verified and repeatable. Now is the time to ask yourself if you're up for a possible discovery. As $29.00 is not a lot of money in the world of audio, but as a $29.00 paperweight the OS133 IS expensive. If you are 99% there with your optimal setup and needed just the right amount of added color/authority, then maybe the OC133 is of use?
$29.00
https://penonaudio.com/penon-os133-audio-adapter.html
Disclaimer:
I want to thank Penon Audio for the love and the OS133 Audio Adaptor review sample.
Disclaimer:
These are one persons ideas and concepts, your results may vary.
Equipment Used:
Sony WM1Z Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm
Sony WM1A 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
UA3 Dongle DAC/Amplifier 4.4mm
This must be an invention of nonsense. “I know……we will make an adaptor that fools audiophiles into wasting their money.” An adaptor that simply connects the male 4.4mm/3.5mm or 2.5mm to the identical 4.4mm/3.5mm or 2.5mm female plug………….in-turn doing nothing. If you don’t believe cables make a difference you can stop reading right now, this will save you time and effort. If you do believe in cables, the Penon Audio OS133 makes a small change, such a change may be wanted in your favorite set-up, but be warned it is small, yet may be of use if you were really trying to add a bright cable to a medium toned IEM, and needed a slight reduction of midrange and treble energy, but didn’t want to use EQ………or wanted slightly a slightly different outcome than provided by EQ alone. But one step further, the OS133 creates a small unique sound-signature all its own, by placing elements spatially into the soundstage with an added specific tone in the end. Such a tone is different than just the pure signal from your DAP and IEM. Realize of course, the effects are still dependent on your DAP and IEM combo (and your cable) for success.
Weighting in at a staggering 26 grams…..the $29.00 4.4mm to 4.4mm OS133 Adapter gives the impression of importance. Now if all this metal does something special………we will soon find out.
I personally don’t call this a cable because it works more like a filter. Plus if it was actually a cable you could hook it up to IEMs………….and you can’t, you need a cable hooked to IEMs, to the OS133 Adapter. Such a stretch of confidence in a device was met with strong opinion here at Redcarmoose Labs. If your investment was involving a high risk of loss……….well then it would be something to be serious about. And while $29.00 thrown out the car window is something not to be taken lightly…………there are far greater risks in audio. And while the internet, and human opinion in person is rather varying in stance, I’m willing to state my findings, for better or worse. In fact, maybe I just have way too much time on my hands, as the OS133 invention was placed here at Redcarmoose Labs with no review needed. I could have simply tested it........or not, except you do understand the curiosity of the audiophile. The wonderment of all things sonic…….in the probability the adaptor was first invented as a way to merge 2.5mm balanced to 4.4mm balanced…..I’m just guessing here…….but why else would you make such a thing? The resulting outcome was in fact that it changed the sound. Every piece of the signal chain affects the outcome, though at times more and at times less. Here is one of those lesser times, yet in fact just like a tone knob has various levels of adjusting tone, an audio cable has ways it affects tone. And besides the tone, the possibly of changing instrument texture and spacial placement. SO……….If you’re up for reading-on, I will try and describe my “there” yet small findings with the OS133 Adapter Cable Amplifier Accessory.
Penon OS133 Audio Adapter Cable for Earbud/IEM/DAP/AMP
Description
OFC silver-plated cable
Black nylon sheath
4 shares, single share is 133 cores, a total of 532 cores.
Gold-plated copper + carbon fiber plug accessories
Cable length: cable is about 8cm,total length is about 15cm (include plug)
Available type :
3.5mm Audio Male to 3.5mm Audio Female
3.5mm Audio Male to 2.5mm Balanced Female
3.5mm Audio Male to 4.4mm Balanced Female
2.5mm Balanced Male to 2.5mm Balanced Female
2.5mm Balanced Male to 4.4mm Balanced Female
4.4mm Balanced Male to 2.5mm Balanced Female
4.4mm Balanced Male to 4.4mm Balanced Female
3.5mm Audio Male to 3.5mm Audio Male
2.5mm Balanced Male to 2.5mm Balanced Male
4.4mm Balanced Male to 4.4mm Balanced Male
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/penon-os133-iem-cables.25829/reviews#review-28806
https://penonaudio.com/penon-os133.html
Here is my original Penon OS133 cable review. The OS133 adapter is made by doubling up the regular OS133 cable and putting an out-put termination on the other end, so you can plug any cable into it. Such an “extra” is an addition to your regular cable and goes between the source and whatever cable you are using.
So first off I will get to the main point of the review. If this cable did something would it matter if I simply added it to the regular OS133 cable to extend the OS133 cable? Or is it truly an add when we combine the OS133 Adapter to a different cable entirely? Let me just say this………before you start reading……the effects of everything in the signal chain make a difference. There are other cable adaptors and they may do much more, but many of them cost more money. Also remember that there are always different mixtures of metals, each with their own sonic signatures. Make an adapter out of pure silver and it will have limited use, due to being regularly brighter. There could be a use, but such findings range on the outskirts of usability. In such a formula, taking a dark amplifier and using a super dark IEM could result in a brighter transfer of signal which in fact could make the signal balanced. Still why wouldn’t you simply use a brighter cable and not mess with adaptors in the first place. I’m going to go out on a limb and say there is a place for many different signatures, and in-fact each one is slightly different. Why? Because of the fact that the signal is passing through a different set of materials. The out-come is unique in that it is singularly different. But here is the opposite in that the copper used in the OS133 seems to effect the sound more than any silver involved? That we are gong in the opposite direction than many other brighter adaptors. Also keep in mind this is an IEM by IEM experience. This is also a DAP by DAP experience. Thus X IEM and X DAP used gift a sound with just the regular cable used, but throw in the OS133 Adaptor and we again have a different fish to fry.
Does it matter?
The importance truly is like anything. Meaning shades of color are of choice and subjective as to their value in the end. Though we do know that with clothes (for example) or house paint (for another example) that certain colors mean something. The colors frequency of light can be found to be complementary to both the viewer and the surrounding colors. So, by contrasts there are relationships which start to take place. With clothing a bright color can be added to a neutral earth tone, and two bright colors at times can conflict. Such talk is not for an audiophile review, as is the possibility of color affinity and their mixture (possibly) being special to a native land. But with audio, terms like contrasts and brightness and darkness have value. Such spacial relationships with-in the soundstage are and will be affected by cables and/or adaptors. How ever small the intrinsic add of an adaptor, it is still an add, and possibly an essential if serendipity seemed to place all the planets in alignment.
THE TESTING:
The first combination I tried was the Tansio Mirai (TSMR) Sands:
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/tansio-mirai-sands.25799/reviews#review-28568
This was not what I guessed would happen which makes it even more interesting. Here I’m combining the bright mid-centric Sony WM1A with the ISN SC4 cable and TSMR Sands. Typically the Sands has a reputation for being on the bright side, yet with the correct cable like the PAC480 cable, it comes not only into focus, but alive. We (various Head-Fi members) believe the PAC480 warmness is toning the various spots down, while a the same time leaving the best parts of the Sands to still flourish. Needless to say (even after modification) this style of Sands character isn’t for everyone…….Yet I find the combination fantastic. So let’s go in the opposite direction let’s try the ISN SC4 cable with the Sands………..sure enough……not enough lower tones, the wind has been musically taken out of the Sands sails. Add the OS133, and wait……still no fun. So the OS133 will do a job, just not a drastic job……it doesn’t work miracles. In fact surprisingly the OS133 didn’t have that much affect at all.
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/penon-pac480-iem-cable.25228/reviews#review-28808
The second combination was the Noble Audio Encore Universal IEM:
To say I’m familiar with the Encore would be an understatement. While being a favorite for years…..I have put more than 3000 listening hours getting to know the 10 BA beast. Typically I will use the Walkman WM1Z................midcentic WM1A can come off slightly too bright even while still using the OCC Hansound ZEN 4 wire cable. It is just a slightly bright IEM which just barely goes with the more mid centric WM1A. What I’m trying to say is it’s bright, but still listenable and great, yet on brighter side of the street. Brightness in a range at times, not an exact destination, unless it's overboard brightness of course. Surprise, the OS133 did change things….though ever so slightly….though I’m not sure this is even enough to matter to anyone? Though there was a definite add of body to the midrange? The highs were taken down an incredibly small amount?
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/noble-audio-kaiser-encore.22120/reviews#review-22519
The third combination was the actual OS133 cable with and with-out the OS133 Adapter Cable:
Slightly brighter than the pure copper Zen, the OS133 was showing its silver add. Plus wrong DAP here. That’s right…..the Walkman WM1A was just the wrong avenue to drive down exploring cables in such manner. No worries though a quick change using the same song on the warmer Walkman WM1Z/Nobel Audio Encore combo was the ultimate solution. That’s right the Encore, OS133 cable and Walkman WM1Z was the Schiit. I could have listened all day, and not got any review done! It was just that good, the combination of OS133 cable with the touch of energy from the slight silver add, plus the “big” treble the WM1Z does naturally was thoroughly intoxicating. What does this have to do with cable adapters? Well………let’s find out. The added 2X the amount of wire placed onto the front of the regular OS133 didn’t do anything. The sound remained the same.
Now for our final test the Penon SERIAL Universal IEM:
Interesting enough the Penon SERIAL comes in as the most neutral IEM Penon Audio has made, now that doesn't mean it's neutral, but the most neutral for Penon Audio. The 3 DD SERIAL exhibits a warmer, yet balanced character which just so happens to be perfect for our testing today. The SERIAL displays a critical balance of sorts in contrast to our peaky Noble Audio Encore Universal, which goes all out with a W signature of BA brightness. The SERIAL is shipped with the conservative but friendly CS819 cable. Such an included cable is well balanced and a special value, yet leaves room for experimentation with brighter cables if such sound is desired. Now, a quick change-out into the ISN SC4 now shows a boost in upper frequency detail, at the same time cooling the warmth and diminishing the low-end. Such resulting expression of cable metallurgy is a matter of opinion if optimal or not. It seems the SC4 has added silver in contrast to the included SC819 cable, The CS819 a $49.00 purchase on its own, and the SC4 a $99.90 purchase on its own. The reason Penon doesn't included the SC4 with the SERIAL (in my opinion) is it takes away from the natural warmth with is an endearing trait contained in the Penon SERIAL. Still though the outcome here of the SERIAL and SC4 with the Walkman WM1A is not bad, and actually listenable. Though maybe some improvements could be found, or at least a change of tone? In comes the OS133 Adapter Cable. Now we find the same staging that was so endearing with the SC4, the same imaging placement, yet everything across the board has better note weight, and different texture. Along with those changes come a different color of playback, everything is toned down slightly and the shimmer isn't exactly gone, but what was white is now a shade of pearl. What has effectively happened is we added an add of copper to the ISN SC4 makeup, only it wasn't placed into the cable itself, but only right in front in the form of the OS133 Adapter Cable.
I can see this as an avenue to possible future two part cables? Meaning someday there will be two-part cable sets that are sold. Whole groupings with mix and match front ends of more silver and darker back parts to add the warmth. These new ideas simply give users more freedom to rotate in a new sound signature. Now realize this change is small, as it's actually half the amount of change that you normally experience with a cable change.....or less? lol
Still for this cable enthusiast the results were real, but not consistently found to work across the board with every application.
Conclusion:
While there could be an optimal place in your collection of equipment for such a device, the OS133 Adapter Cable isn’t a fix-all or cure-all. It does affect the sound but only contains so much power to do so, and only reveals that power only in special situations. Science would say things have to offer consistence in response, or they don't work. And maybe the OS133 is not consistent in its level of coloring the sound? But with the right equipment combination, it is reliably consistent! As in certain situations the end tone results are confirmed to be noticeable and repeatable day in and day out. It's just with drastic extremes (like a bright cable/bright IEM/bright source) the OS133 only shows limited power to filter the tone. Yet in mild applications like trying to add note weight and authority while using a bright cable with a slightly darker IEM, such findings come as a welcome surprise, having the best of both worlds so to speak. With such welcome discoveries, such an add justifies the $29.00 cost, yet it's difficult to emulate every conceivable application beforehand, so be warned. The Penon Audio OS133 has an application, though if it works in your exact set-up with your exact hearing, remains to be seen. What started out as a way to adapt a 2.5mm balanced signal to 4.4mm signal (as an example) was further explored as a way to add cable color therefor tone to an existing DAP/cable/IEM set-up. If such a tone is wanted depends on the individual, while half of Head-Fi don't believe in cable differences, the other half does. Yet here is a situation where somehow the copper affects the tone with the adapter the most. While using the regular OS133 cable, it shows what silver is present, in comparison to the contrast of pure copper cables. In this experiment I am met with just as many questions as answers, yet that's OK, as this journey is a journey of discovery and questions. While some questions may never be fully answered, the answers I did get are verified and repeatable. Now is the time to ask yourself if you're up for a possible discovery. As $29.00 is not a lot of money in the world of audio, but as a $29.00 paperweight the OS133 IS expensive. If you are 99% there with your optimal setup and needed just the right amount of added color/authority, then maybe the OC133 is of use?
$29.00
https://penonaudio.com/penon-os133-audio-adapter.html
Disclaimer:
I want to thank Penon Audio for the love and the OS133 Audio Adaptor review sample.
Disclaimer:
These are one persons ideas and concepts, your results may vary.
Equipment Used:
Sony WM1Z Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm
Sony WM1A 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
UA3 Dongle DAC/Amplifier 4.4mm
