Satin Audio Zeus

Satin Audio Zeus – IEM Cable Impressions

Website – Satin Audio

Features

24AWG
Superior Pure OCC Material
Gold Plated Silver | Palladium Plated Silver | Silver-Gold Alloy
Geōmetria Multi-sized Stranded – Satin Special Structures II
Kevlar Damping Core
Premium SA Palladium Plated UCopper 2.5mm/3.5mm and Pentaconn OFC 4.4mm as standard plugs

For a single cable product, the Satin Audio box for the flagship Zeus cable is fairly large. An outer paperboard layer with an ancient Greek accent on the background and detailed info of the product. The thicker main black cardboard box slides off and inside you will find the round storage case neatly carrying the Zeus cable with a leather strap attached. The case itself is made of Epi leather of very high quality and premium look, corresponding well to its suggested price. It looks very solid to the touch and the finish is just excellent. The top cover has the Satin Audio logo on it and attaches tightly as to securely hold the cable and earphones inside. It has enough room for the thick cable itself when attached to even large IEMs. There is an extra box containing a very soft silk or satin-like pouch and an extra leather strap if needed. I would say the pouch is okay, but if already pairing the expensive cable with high priced earphones, then the round case is highly recommended.

The Zeus cable is the higher model of the Satin Audio Olympus Series, and thus the current flagship cable. Not surprising, at its base $1K+ price tag (that goes higher according to the number of wires), the Zeus features best materials from its inner wires, that consist of expensive metals, their complex structure arrangement, to the outer jacket, plug, split and connectors.

Satin Audio has a detailed description of the ‘hybrid’ mix of wires used on this flagship cable. It is composed of gold-plated silver, palladium-plated silver and silver-gold alloy (which is basically a 99% Silver & 1% Gold mix). Moreover, the silver is made of the highest purity achieved so far for what cables go, from 6N and occasionally up to 7N level. The wire gauge is 24awg, bigger than the more common 26awg found on many other audio custom cables. Theoretically, the larger the gauge the greater the audio transmission is, and that in addition to the different wires conductivity allows to ‘tune’ the sound to a certain desired level. Palladium is the least conductive followed by gold, while silver is far more conductive among cable materials. However, the two least conductive are used as thinner plating on the main silver, and thus give the subtle yet planned attenuation to the main wire as to limit the resistance of the final cable.

Inner structure – Satin Special Structure II – arranges the Type 4 litz cables into a very specific formation where each of the different wires is placed in a different layer and have different diameter size, called ‘Geometria’. Outer layer is composed by the Gold-plated Silver strands, and consequently gives the shiny golden hue to the Zeus cable. The inner layer is a mix of the other two wires, Palladium-plated silver and Silver & Gold, alternately placed. At the core there is a Kevlar Damping. Incidentally, the outer gold-plated silver layer is smaller in the strands diameter than the inner layer composed of the other two wire types. Each and all of the strands is covered by special insulation to protect it from potential oxidation, an effect that would be unforgivable for such an expensive cable. (Of course, this is not something that can be tested during a review limited period).

Finally, the different hardware components are made of high quality materials as well. In the case of this specific cable termination of 2-pin (0.78mm), the connectors are made of a Tellurium copper (TeCu) for the actual metal pins, supposed to provide higher conductivity than regular connectors, and surrounded by PEEK material and the shells are made of Silver Anodized Aluminum. However, while PEEK is of good quality, it does not hold the metal pins as fixed as anodized aluminum used on many other quality custom made cables. As such, they must be plugged with more care as they can be bent if too much force is applied; in case it happens, they can be quickly returned to the original position, but it still is something you would never want to see on a cable, let alone at this high price. Do also note that the 2-pin connectors may not fit to every IEM socket perfectly. For reference, with Moondrop, InEar, 64Audio, Hifiman IEMs they fit correctly; while on Unique Melody (Mest MKII), Dita Audio (Twins and Dream XLS) and Custom Art models, the pins are either thicker or are more distant from each other and may bend inwards when plugged or not fit at all. I used 2-pin to MMCX adapters in order to pair it with a wider range of earphones, and with those they did fit just right.

Right and left sides are differentiated by red and blue rings, respectively, close to the top of the connector’s metal shells. Strain relieves are limited to the size of the plugs and y-splitter, hidden by the metal components. There is no memory wire on the right and left sides, but there is the option to have the cable bent to form an ear guide shape or add the more common plastic tubes that act as preformed guides. The y-splitter is gunmetal black carbon on both ends and of a gold color barrel in the center. The straight plug is an original Japanese 4.4mm Pentaconn made of OFC (oxygen-free copper), intended to increase conductivity as well. So as the wire itself has been selected and mixed for its specific level of conductivity, the plugs and connectors were chosen for the best results possible. Finally, the cable cinch is aluminum in the same gunmetal color; it does slide with ease on the cable, though it doesn't hold its position tight enough.

Considering the larger 24awg, in its basic 4-wire option the Zeus remains relatively light and compact. Compared to other brands 6-wire and 8-wire cables, it is more pliable and easier to carry around. Combined with the outer jacket the cable may not be the softest though it pays off being more tangling resistant. The mix of gold color and silvery sparkles seen through the transparent jacket makes it a very luxurious and beautiful cable. Though some may prefer a more reserved, if a bit plain, looking cable for their top-tier IEMs. The lower half, from plug to y-split, is a bit softer than the upper side, but overall it is easy to roll up and store inside the included round case. Cable noise is very low even from the upper part of the cable.

Sound Impressions

Earphones: UM Mest MKII, Hyla Sarda, Hifiman RE2000, InEar PMX, Dita Audio, CA Solaris 2020, final A8000, Fir VxV
Sources: Shanling M8, M6/Pro, iBasso DX300, Fiio M15, Lotoo PAW6000, Oriolus BA300s

While the improvements and/or changes in sound that cables can produce are rarely dramatic, with the Zeus cable they are more immediately audible already from the first listening. As a general description, paired with higher-end IEMs, the sound is more powerful and weightier, especially on the lower end, with greater dynamics and finer layering. It is noticeable either with single dynamic earphones, hybrid or multi-BA. Also, the required volume out of the playing source is a bit lower than with other cables. Mainly noticed when changing from other cables to the Zeus, and vice versa, slightly, but easy to discern. This may speak of the advertised cable higher conductivity. There is more energy on the sound, not aggressive but yes getting more sparkle and impact. Hard to call it very ‘colored’ but the Zeus seems to add a bit of its own tonality, being more vivid and immersive that still does not break the earphones' sound balance and coherence.

The strength on the low-end is pronounced, yet it sounds wider and deeper so there is not too much warmth that blends into the midrange region. While getting more body and density, the sub and mid-bass achieve better layering. More effortless extension, primarily with dynamic or hybrid, than BA based sets that (in comparison) already suffer from their limited reach. On the other hand, the extra impact is immediately noticed on either a dynamic or BA based IEM; even with lighter, neutral bass ones like the PMX, VxV or RE2000, the low notes sound more natural and realistic.

The midrange does not get the coloration and enhancement as the low-end does, yet, it gains more articulation and higher clarity. The positioning remains almost the same (when compared to stock cables), neither more distant nor more forward. But there is finer separation and even more body on instruments and vocals. You get a clearer image and a bit richer and more natural texture. While there is no extra emphasis on it, the upper midrange is more revealing and open with a touch of added sweetness, smoother and less prone to harshness or sibilance. Overall, it could be described as sounding more ‘organic’, realistic, with better contrast between each element of the sound mix.

While the effect on the highs is not immediately appreciated as on the lows or mids, there is more energy and sparkle. More noticed on the lower treble area, but still hearable on the whole higher region. It does sound more vivid and sharper in notes, though not necessarily more aggressive in attack. There is more clarity and a cleaner treble presentation overall that results in more precision and finer micro-detail. Especially appreciated on acoustic instruments and orchestral works where multiple components each have their own place. The Zeus is not a cable that seems to add brightness to the sound, but yes some extra richness. Further treble extension is perceived with more ease and note decay is more natural.

There may be not much increase in stage dimensions but with proper sources that provide good staging like the Shanling M8, Fiio M15 and iBasso DX300 (and even the Shanling M6/M6 Pro on a more mid-fi range), the presentation does sound more open and airier when paired with higher IEMs. The background is super clear even with the balanced 4.4mm using the higher power of the DAPs as it takes advantage of the better channel separation. The UM Mest MKII with its unique imaging benefits further with the Zeus cable even over its bundled PW Audio balanced cable, and the final A8000 shows a better layering and increased dynamics and a better front to back distance.

Furthermore, the UM Mest MKII with one of the best sub-bass quality among IEMs sounds even more engaging paired with the Zeus. It is more colored but it is also more bodied, better layered and roomy. The midrange is less lean and less dry and a bit more forward with a sweeter texture. And on the EST drivers inside that are almost as good as the most detailed BA-based earphones (qdc VX and InEar PMX) in pure detail retrieval, the tonality is more natural and the texture just a bit smoother (less aggressive), more comfortable. There is an even better sense of air.

In a different way, the final A8000 with its best dynamics and layering, gets more extension, body and weight on the low-end, and a thicker texture on the midrange, especially on the low-mids being less lean. The bright nature is still untouchable if just less sharp and piercing. Over the stock SPC cable, with the Zeus the presentation has greater 3D surrounding effect and even more cohesive imaging.

With a full multi-BA like the ProMission X (10 BA drivers), the changes are quicker to notice when paired with the Zeus. The immediate effect is on the bass that sounds more enhanced and fuller (instead of its flat neutral response with its very basic stock cable). There is no improvement in speed whatsoever, but yes better dynamics and a more natural tonality on the upper region. This synergy may not be the most optimal if looking to improve the neutral, reference sound of the PMX, but it does show the overall changes of the Zeus cable if wanting something more entertaining. A similar effect (to a lesser degree) is found on the Fir VxV, being a rather neutral to slightly mid-forward with touch of brightness IEM, on which the Zeus adds more body, texture and a warmer, richer tonality on the lows and low-mids. Treble is a tad less sharp and some greater stage expansion can be appreciated along a more natural timbre overall.

The Campfire Solaris in its traditional hybrid setup gets a more direct ‘upgrade’ to its sound. The bass is more impactful, better extended, deeper in its sub-bass and greater layered in its mid-bass area. The low-mids are now more properly even with the upper-mid part and the treble is more open and airier. The soundstage as a key feature of the Solaris does gain even more space and so is the imaging more correct.

Comparisons

Plussound Palladium Plated Hybrid (PPH)

The PS PPH, while innovating with palladium coated wires, is not as rare or complex as the Zeus in its cables’ mix. The two cables are comparable, not so similar but a bit complementing in the final tuning they add to the sound. The PPH offers less extension on the lows with less sub-bass gain and less mid-bass body. The Zeus improves the dynamics range and it’s richer and fuller. Midrange is more forward on the PPH, while more bodied and airier on the Zeus. Treble is more energetic and sharper on the PPH, and the Zeus gives a more natural presentation. Soundstage expansion is very similar, if a bit with more front to back distance and layering on the Zeus.

DITA Audio OSLO

Price difference aside, there is a noticeable contrast between these cables. The OSLO is simpler in inner structure, wires’ rarity and outer design. It has a much more discreet look on it and it is also lighter, less obstructive than the Zeus is. In terms of sound, the OSLO gives a smoother and very silk-like tone to the music. It is more reserved in technical abilities but also has less coloration and more linearity.

Effect Audio Code 51

The complexity and combination of wires are very close on both cables, though each with its specific structure inside. In sonic performance they share very close technical abilities: dynamics, layering and stage expansion and dimensions. Volume match is pretty much equal out of powerful portable DAPs. Differences are found in the overall balance – the Code 51 is more even through lows to mids, and a touch richer and more vivid in the whole midrange. In comparison, the Zeus is a bit cooler with a very slight emphasis on the upper mids that continues to a lively, sparkly treble. The extension is around the same, but easier to perceive with the Zeus on the bass thanks to its fuller and more immediate low-end gain. The gain in micro details is very equal, too, making the EA Code 51 even overpriced; though it is hard to say the Zeus holds a better ‘value’ when already referring to very expensive gear at the $1K+ range on portable audio.

Satin Audio Zeus Review: Gentle, bold finesse

As one of the fastest-growing cable brands from Vietnam, Satin Audio has been putting out numbers of quality cables for reasonable prices. We have the classical Monster series (now replaced with Monster II series), the affordable Titan series, and the Olympus series - the premium or flagship level of the family. Athena is Satin's premium palladium-coated cable which also made the start of the Olympus series. It was not until recently that Satin Audio announced the second model of the Olympus series as well as their first flagship, Zeus. There are not many doubts about its quality since their stably fine outputs all this time, yet it still caught my eyes big time to find if they were thoroughly capable of reaching the 'top-tier' level in both tuning and performance. Let us now take a look at Zeus and see how Zeus performs and compares.

Packaging

The packaging of Zeus parallels with the one from Athena - clean and artistic box design but not overdone. The front of the box shows the plaster cast of Zeus' face that we are all familiar with. The rear includes the overlook of Zeus, showing the introduction as well as its specs. Inside the box is simple but comes with all the necessities. Other than the cable itself, the package includes a premium sheepskin leather case, a silk pouch, a leather cable strap, a warranty card, and some Satin Audio stickers for you to stick them elsewhere you want.

Aesthetics / Details

Zeus uses 24awg wires with a tribrid formulation in material, incorporating Gold-plated Silver, Silver-Gold alloy, and Palladium-plated Silver. For the record, Zeus is the first to be using a tribrid setup as well as the second to be using Palladium after Athena among the Satin family. Combining three or more materials has been a recent trend for flagship cables, such as Effect Audio Code 51, PlusSound Tri-Silver, Han Sound Torfa, and more. But of course, 'the more the better performance' logic does not necessarily either on cable materials or driver counts on IEMs. It all comes down to the tuning and making full usage out of all those materials which we will find out from the sound impression sections soon to follow. Before moving on, let us cover the rest of its structural details and specs.

Zeus is applied with Satin Audio's signature SP-OCC technology, new extraction technology ables them to achieve one of the highest purity, exceeding 6N or even reaching close to 7N. It also uses the latest Satin Special Structures II, which is an advancement made from their prior structure. A Kevlar Damping core is installed in the middle of each wire that increases durability and signal transmission. Silver Gold alloy wires and Palladium Plated Silver wires are alternatively wrapped around the core. Then these bundles are once again shielded with Gold Plated Silver wires. Lastly, the transparent outer jacket named SA Insulation II protects the wires from oxidation and to keep its flexibility. The inner and outer wires have different dimensions that Satin Audio refers to as a Geōmetria Multi-sized Structure. This is to achieve the specific sound characteristics and tuning Satin Audio intended to make.

Photo by Satin Audio

Premium & Custom Satin connectors

Satin Audio uses its exclusive connectors for 2Pin and MMCX terminations. It is not just about using a unique barrel design, but they also use conductors or pins made of TeCu/PEEK and TeCu/Teflon. Satin Audio introduces their TeCu (Tellurium Copper) connectors to show superior conductivity by ranges between 45-93% while most other connectors would reach around 45%. For the plugs, Satin made a special advancement for their flagship cable by using Palladium-plated Ultimate Copper which obtains high conductivity, durability, and sound quality. Satin's Ultimate Copper plugs are unique as they obtain strength and durability that is good enough as Brass, while normal copper does not. These plugs are available in 2.5mm or 3.5mm. For 4.4mm, Satin uses Pentaconn OFC plugs which is certainly one of the very best plugs out there.

At the time being, Satin newly announced their updated design for the metal components as shown above (unlike the Zeus parts I am featuring in this review). The specs stay the same - it is just the design that has been revamped to look even better with those gold polygons wrapping the barrels. As great as the new components look, they are exclusive to Zeus and other Olympus series products. For the braids, Zeus comes in as 4 braids by default but could also be upgraded to 6 or 8 braids.

General sound characteristics

Now, it is the time to get to the most important - the sound. Zeus brings in a significant amount of liveliness and pushing force throughout the range, making every note to sound powerful. While lows gain depth as well as deepened in color, it does not bloat or pumps up the bass quantity one bit. Instead, Zeus widely spreads out the layer, giving a delicate vastness to the low-end atmosphere. Since that, the bass would advance in both the clarity and dynamics. All three bands would get tastier in tone, though the true appreciative element I consider to be is that this "tastiness" is toned elegant and full of richness.

This is why I would differentiate from those that simply sound "sweet", as Zeus applies a type of sweetness that does not feel cheapy or cute. Instead, Zeus sounds highly mature that involves a bit of an antiqueness. How ironic is that I would bring up the term "antique" while the cable itself is named Zeus with an archaic theme! However, such an impression is, of course, no imagination but an evident characteristic from Zeus. To elaborate further, this "antiqueness" I am referring to has to do with the texture. It is somewhat like an image from those classic films - texture exposed the fine grains, which does not depreciate the presentation but instead adds a nostalgic and antique mood. However, I would not call such an analogy to be perfect because Zeus is crushingly clearer and finer in resolution than usual stock cables or lower-grade custom cables.

Deeper into the sound

Another wow-factor that I would guess other to Perhaps one of the most natural-sounding hybrid cables out there. Trebles get clearer, airier along with the tonality getting tastier while staying all neutral. Along with a cleaner decay, the splashes would spread wider and further, strengthening the afterglow. This leads treble atmosphere to gain a more breathable and cheerful mood. Thanks to all that, the upper end now sound much more engaging and realistic without getting fatiguing or harsh as they never get any hotter.

Below are two comparisons where Zeus is put to the test paired with a single dynamic driver IEM and a hybrid/multi-driver IEM. Note that these are rough tendencies and generalizations based on the driver settings which may still vary depending on each IEM.

Single dynamic drivers (in general)

Once paired Zeus to 1DD IEMs, the IEMs usually benefit by gaining upper-end openness with clearer treble strikes, thicker (both in color and density) mids, and deeper, darker, and more prominent lows. The staging usually does not gain direct changes as it does with hybrids (which is good since the natural single-driver-headroom is retained), yet the extra depth from the lows and the trebles getting opened-up visibly makes the sound livelier and engaging.

Hybrid / Multi-drivers (in general)

The role of EST drivers gets stronger and bolder all while keeping strict originality and balance. Others would flow similarly as if it did with single dynamics. Despite the number of crossovers going on in multi-driver IEMs, the careful modification and precise improvements that Zeus carries do not discolor or degrade the original tone an IEM has. Very interesting that the bass would stick out with higher clarity without booming up the quantity or breaking the original sound signature of the IEM.

Sound impressions - Paired with Unique Melody Maven

Maven already sounds clear and clean as it is, yet Zeus makes the impossible by bringing an increase in purity and resolution once again. The overall clarity is increased - all the way from lows to highs. Since their EST drivers, let us first talk about the trebles. The electrostatic drivers in Maven truly shine as we pair it up with Zeus. Now, the airiness sounds much more vivid and lively that it could produce stronger and wider-spreading splashes. The same applies to the mids as well. It opens up with clarity with further detailed texture expression, though what is more impressive is that the depth and density do not degrade, if not upgraded instead. The surface is smooth and fine despite the blatant texture reveals, hence the sound does not get dry or harsh at all. Alongside, the sound expression from all three bands would scale larger and wider which leads to an increase of both the side-stage and height.

Sound impressions - Paired with Rhapsodio Eden (*Officially modded with RSD GSW wires)

Time to put my all-time favorite 1DD IEM, Rhapsodio Eden. Note that my Eden is an upgraded version where the inner connectors are replaced with Rhapsodio's Gold-Silver Wizard wires, making the sound fuller and more dynamic than the originals. The expansive, flat, and organic charms from Eden further advances as we match it with Zeus. The sound has become thicker both in color and density. Mids are where such changes would get most apparent to the point where the stock Pandora Drawf cable would sound watered-down compared to what Zeus offers. The fine texture details are now fuller and impactful, making the overall sound a lot more "tuned-in". The staging size itself remains similar or slightly wider in this case, though the overall dynamics and depth are the ones that made the major changes. Eden's unique softly-dry texture allows maximum texture details without getting any harsh or lacking moisture - and Zeus fully respects its original nature. The way how Zeus brings in all the positive effects while keeping the tonality and the IEM's original characteristics have amazed me big time.

Compared to other Flagship cables

-Rhapsodio Silver Copper Wizard-

While the textures are just as refined, SCW (Silver Copper Wizard) gives a larger bite to the sound, making the sound feel more 'manly'. Lows leave slightly more reverbs that adds subtle vastness to the atmosphere. It has a slightly darker background with a serious atmosphere. The body is also slightly thicker and fuller in SCW. In contrast, Zeus makes the lows just as visible, bold, and nearly deep as SCW without applying more bass quantity or reverbs, taking advantage of neutrality - or keeping the sound original as possible. While I have said SCW is thicker in body, the difference is rather marginal and Zeus still is thoroughly full and rich in body. In fact, the body is more 'fit' and able to keep the sound more agile and cleaner.

Both cables do a fine job adding natural finesse to the vocals as well as making the vocals stand out and packed with density. For the highs, Zeus shows a bit quicker and airier nature while SCW delivers slightly more weight and stability. The size of the sound stage is similar but SCW takes a slight lead for the low-end and Zeus for the high-end. Both cables are very well made and go neck and neck. Of course, Zeus sure holds its advantage is portability since the slimmer wires!

-Han Sound Audio Torfa-

Both do a great job maintaining a clean, pitch-black background but they slightly differ in their sound signature. Torfa brings out a punchier bass with a gently empowered low-end body and color. It also adds more meat to the lower-mid body, giving a more surround, darkish feeling to the vocals. While Torfa shows excellent resolution, Zeus takes a step forward in its analyticity and creates a more reference-like signature. It makes less alteration with the quantity but does more with others - such as the texture details, airiness, color, and so on. The bass quantity from Zeus is mildly lesser than Torfa as Zeus tends to stick with the IEM's intended bass quantity. However, as mentioned before, Zeus does outstandingly well in highlighting ultra-low extensions without noticeably increasing the quantity. This leads the lows to stand out clearer and bolder yet still very leveled and original in their presentation.

Torfa takes the lead in terms of depth and fullness while Zeus does the same with its mid-high extension and lush openness. Both cables utilize a variety of different materials and shieldings, but one thing in common is that they show compatibility that is outstandingly stable. Custom cables often result in mismatches as pairing with a player or an IEM, yet these two cables bring out a consistent and omnivorous sound signature.

Verdicts

Zeus is a bold yet remarkable output made from Satin Audio. Flagship cables tend to show vivid changes to your sound, though this could also lead the cable to be trickier to pair with an IEM. In that sense, Zeus pervades into the IEM's sound outstandingly natural manner. Its unique and pleasable effects - improved depth, clearer texture, and wider extension - are brought consistently and apparently. In fact, I would put Zeus to be one of the top fives that maintains a beautiful harmony with a variety of IEMs with different sound signatures, all while bringing evident improvements to the sound.

As I conclude this review, Effect Audio Code 51 comes up to my mind due to the same material combination with Zeus. It would be worth mentioning that Zeus made itself more competitive by marking a more reasonable price along with its higher versatility with different IEMs. Zeus is sure not a budget cable that is easily accessible to everyone. However, if you are looking for a serious cable to step up the sound of your flagship IEM, or a cable that is sleek, light, and portable-friendly, Zeus would be one of the very best and safe choices you could make.

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Thanks to Satin Audio for providing Zeus in exchange for an honest impression/feedback.
I am not affiliated with Satin Audio and none of my words were modded or asked to be changed.

Satin Audio Zeus

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