Effect Audio cables thread

[theveterans]

Leonidas II with Palladium instead of Gold + the PSquared plug.

 

[EffectAudio]

​

Effect Audio announces the all-new ‘Heritage Series’ Flagship: “Leonidas II”​

Revolutionary unconventional new design fully utilizes industry first ‘Palladium-Plated Silver’ to create an unmatched superior listening experience.
​

Effect Audio Headquarters, Singapore, 2018 – Effect Audio, a leading designer & atelier of boutique high-end audiophile cables announced the introduction of an all-new iteration and primed successor of the reputed and accredited “Leonidas” - “Leonidas II”. Drawing upon Effect Audio’s R&D experience & expertise since 2009 and with the recent exposure to groundbreaking contemporary materials “Palladium” infused into cables, Effect Audio broke through the industry’s plateau and actualized the perfect iteration of “Leonidas” in the “Leonidas II”, bringing about a truly unique melodious experience.

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Path To Success

Effect Audio’s first of the many successes in the global head-fi scene was exemplified by "Leonidas", launched on the first Singapore CanJam in 2016. During then, the launch represents a turning point for Effect Audio and their team members. Since launch, both its sound quality and built quality have received numerous accreditation and accolades. Its unique tonality and timbre has captured the hearts of many and its technicalities and allure was not easily replicable with alternate offerings.

Opposed to the conventional approach of cable crafts, 'Leonidas' explores unprecedented design philosophy, methodologies, materials and employs a completely redesigned customized cable make up and geometry. Featuring accredited woven Litz wiring technique and individually enameled strands, "Leonidas" was a product that excels well ahead of its time. “Leonidas” not only represents EA’s spirit of innovation but also symbolizes EA’s dedication to the creation of exceptional and worthy products.

“Leonidas II” is built upon the past successful design of its former iteration featuring golden ratio of 7 core bundle accredited woven Litz and a reconditioned customized geometry design that manages to solve the inadequacies of the “Leonidas”.

Technology & Features

At the core of the “Leonidas II” is a radical, Industry-First application of Palladium Plated Silver that has been covertly researched by Effect Audio’s team several years in the making. Palladium in audio application is not new in the Hi-Fi segment of the industry albeit unapproached within the Head-Fi scene due to materials scarcity and technological impediment. Palladium in cables application has been found to provide exemplary details and superior openness while providing a detailed focus on the sound imaging in comparison to non-palladium cables. Palladium plated upon Silver cores effectuate an unsurpassed high frequency and mid-range viscosity without sounding harsh or fatiguing.

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Selecting from the most exceptional grades of materials, “Leonidas II” features both high grade Customized Litz Silver as well as Palladium Plated Silver processed with the revered patented UP-OCC (Ultra-Purity Ohno Continuous Cast) technology which is undoubtedly highly sought after in high end audio industry. The unidirectional UP-OCC refining eliminates electrical resistance and omits crystal boundaries. These specialized refinements allow for a faster transmission of electrical signals and reproduce little to no distortion compared to common silver wires.

Effect Audio’s bold and sui generis geometry design has always been touted by the audiophile community, the “Leonidas II” is no exception. Sporting a highly researched septuplet core bundle Litz formed with the golden ratio of dispersion of Palladium plated silver and Silver Litz, “Leonidas II” once again has broken through industry norms and conventional ideology for cable crafts.


Superior Plugs Collaborators



Oyaide Electric is known for their superior plugs and connectors within the audiophile industry. Effect Audio has partnered with Oyaide for the PSquared Plug which features precious metal plating (Palladium/Platinum) and which passes the stringent tests certified for a Hi-Fi connector plug.

Pentaconn is the official designer and manufacture for the all-new 4.4mm balanced plug. Effect Audio has partnered with Pentaconn to product the P-EA official 4.4mm plug made exclusively for Effect Audio.

“Leonidas II” is sported with Oyaide’s collaborated PSquared for the 2.5mm & 3.5mm connectors while Pentaconn’s endorsed P-EA 4.4mm for the 4.4mm connector. These connectors are a major upgrade to the regular Rhodium plated plugs offering seamless connectivity, wider spectrum, rich decadence and surreal dynamics amongst others.

Avant-Garde Customizable Y-Split



For the first time, Effect Audio will be unveiling EA-Custom Y-Split design. The “Leonidas II” comes equipped with a modernistic Y-Split with Patina leather that is selected from premium leather and further hand burnished; presenting a unique patina style that is in sync with emerging fashion trends. The new Y-split is of a modular design and could be further customized and upgraded in the near future. The All-New Y-split design was built with ergonomically sound calculations reducing the weight of the cable while eliminating undesirable microphonic and mechanical noises.

Premium Patina Selects Case



“Leonidas II” comes with a “Premium Patina Selects” Case that is individually handcrafted individually from supple oil-pull leather and vegetable tan calf. The case would be a perfect complement to “Leonidas” and the user’s accompanying in-ear monitors. Unique patina and user marks will develop with use and imprints a unique mark of character in the natural finish.

Product Specifications

- 26awg
- Selected UP-OCC
- Golden Ratio Palladium Plated Silver & Litz Silver Hybrid
- Septuplet Core Bundle Litz
- Individually Enameled Strands
- Superior PSquared / P-EA plugs

- EA Ultra-Flex Jacket

PRE - ORDER IS NOW ON!​

 

[KuroKitsu]

OH YEAH GUYS, I WAS RIGHT, EA IS SMACKING PALLADIUM ON ALL THE CABLES. TIME TO GET YOUR JANUS (S)ILVER/ LEONIDAS II

 

[yukiorui]

Looking forward to seeing reviews of the Leonidas II!

 

[aaf evo]

Right after I get an 8 wire Ares that I haven’t even received yet :/

Interested to read the reviews.

 

[KuroKitsu]

Right after I get an 8 wire Ares that I haven’t even received yet :/

Interested to read the reviews.

I know eh? My 8 wire just shipped. Now pops out this thing.... Im not one for silver cables of any sort, but damn this looks nice.

 

[EffectAudio]

@WayneWoondirts @Deezel177 @twister6 @marcusd

People are rioting for reviews soon

Meanwhile, for the "Leonidas II" pre-orders, you'll be protected by -

Industry Leading - Lead Time Assurance Policy :

Effect Audio pledge to ship out the Pre-ordered "Leonidas II" within 3 - 5 working days upon confirmation of order. In the event that we miss the shipment window, Effect Audio will gift 1 nos of "Premium Series" cables of your choosing.

This policy shall be applicable to all pre-ordered "Leonidas II" units.

 

[420204]

@WayneWoondirts @Deezel177 @twister6 @marcusd

People are rioting for reviews soon

Meanwhile, for the "Leonidas II" pre-orders, you'll be protected by -

Industry Leading - Lead Time Assurance Policy :

Effect Audio pledge to ship out the Pre-ordered "Leonidas II" within 3 - 5 working days upon confirmation of order. In the event that we miss the shipment window, Effect Audio will gift 1 nos of "Premium Series" cables of your choosing.

This policy shall be applicable to all pre-ordered "Leonidas II" units.

Eric knows I have a special relationship with the Leonidas cable. I have two sets already in my possession (original and Limited Black Edition), and both are on heavy use as these are two of my personal favourites. Apart from that, the name Leonidas was also on the list for my first born.
Normally I don't do first impression posts on Head-Fi, but with Leonidas II I want to make an exception.

I have been spending a lot of time with Leonidas II lately and it is a fantastic cable which has unique qualities. After a few days I feel like Smeagol (Gollum) from Lord of the Rings, as it is really difficult to just let it sit beside me unused.
What I really love about it, is the 4k like resolution where everything stands out from a deep dark background. Every little detail gets portrayed so precise and accurate, I can hear people whistling far back in the crowd of a live recording which none of my monitors had picked up this clear before. The sound to me is so very pure and clean it's just amazing how this is done. Eric told me this is due to the use of Palladium - I feel poisoned.

On top of that it kept the key signature the original Leonidas was known for, a smooth midrange with an organic sound. Leonidas II just is a definite step ahead when it comes to everything else. A real successor.

What do cables do really? They hurt the signal once they lay there hands on it. I don't know how many here are familiar with the slogan of AudioQuest 'Do no harm', that is what Leonidas II does.

I know there are only limited slots for the pre-order of L2, I wanna encourage you, jump on it. Leonidas II is special.

Now here are some preview photos. Enjoy.

 

[twister6]

Eric knows I have a special relationship with the Leonidas cable. I have two sets already in my possession (original and Limited Black Edition), and both are on heavy use as these are two of my personal favourites. Apart from that, the name Leonidas was also on the list for my first born.
Normally I don't do first impression posts on Head-Fi, but with Leonidas II I want to make an exception.

I have been spending a lot of time with Leonidas II lately and it is a fantastic cable which has unique qualities. After a few days I feel like Smeagol (Gollum) from Lord of the Rings, as it is really difficult to just let it sit beside me unused.
What I really love about it, is the 4k like resolution where everything stands out from a deep dark background. Every little detail gets portrayed so precise and accurate, I can hear people whistling far back in the crowd of a live recording which none of my monitors had picked up this clear before. The sound to me is so very pure and clean it's just amazing how this is done. Eric told me this is due to the use of Palladium - I feel poisoned.

On top of that it kept the key signature the original Leonidas was known for, a smooth midrange with an organic sound. Leonidas II just is a definite step ahead when it comes to everything else. A real successor.

What do cables do really? They hurt the signal once they lay there hands on it. I don't know how many here are familiar with the slogan of AudioQuest 'Do no harm', that is what Leonidas II does.

I know there are only limited slots for the pre-order of L2, I wanna encourage you, jump on it. Leonidas II is special.

Now here are some preview photos. Enjoy.

Palladium poisoning is not a joke, better seek medical attention soon Linus! j/k

Got mine a day ago, on a burn in now. Definitely loving it!

 

[azabu]

damn this looks nice.

My thoughts exactly. I can hardly wait to listen to this at e earphones.

 

[Shecky504]

Any Leonidas II comparison to an 8-wire EA cable like Thor silver II? How does soundstage, bass, and clarity compare to the 8-wire?

 

[singleended5863]

I thought I read somewhere said that from now on EA will make 8 wires for all their productions (correct me if I am wrong). Imagine Leonidas II 8wire having overkill SQ (?) and double the price or even more costly...However, I still love the 8 wire quality which feels robustly, don’t you think?

 

[420204]

Palladium poisoning is not a joke, better seek medical attention soon Linus! j/k

Got mine a day ago, on a burn in now. Definitely loving it!

Meh, a little risk makes things more exciting.

 

[Dollar2]

Has anyone been able to use the pre-order form? I've tried with three different browsers and it doesn't work. I emailed EA and I hope they can fix the problem soon.

 

[aaf evo]

Has anyone been able to use the pre-order form? I've tried with three different browsers and it doesn't work. I emailed EA and I hope they can fix the problem soon.

I’ve been able to fill it out just fine