I’ve had the benefit of trying a lot of different cables over the past few years and always enjoy it, I’ve received Effect Audio’s Signature Series II (Ares S II, Eros S II, and Cadmus II) as part of the Australian Tour (thanks
@Damz87 and
@EffectAudio) in return for some honest impressions, so here they are!
I have a large collection of IEM’s (100+), and even more cables, so have quite a good baseline. I generally try out cables on my Aful Performer 5, however I’ve been reviewing the EW300 recently so used this as my IEM of choice for comparisons as my ears are accustomed to them at the moment, they aren’t the best IEM in the world but they hold up decently at their price point and highlight differences in what the cables deliver quite admirably. I also used the cables across some of my higher end IEM’s and while they are obviously at a different quality level, the differences remained consistent.
In terms of my testing setup, I used my Luxury & Precision E7 via the 4.4mm output, to the three different cables, to the Simgot EW300. Volume was fixed at 58 across all three. I listen to a large variety of music; I’ve selected five tracks (refreshed from my last few impressions) to highlight the differences between the cables. If you don’t think cables make a difference, I’m not here to convince you otherwise, just writing down what I hear and not interested in debating it.
Coheed and Cambria – The Liars Club:
Ares S II – Warm, vocals get mixed but coherent, a very musical presentation.
Eros S II – Sits in between the other two, easily the winner here. Vocals are just where I want them, and not overpowering the rest of the track. Coherent, musical, presentation of the track.
Cadmus II – Claudio’s vocals are separated but probably work better when mixed in for this one, a little to forward in the mix for my liking. The rest of the track takes a back seat.
Winner: Eros S II
Eminem and JID – Fuel:
Ares S II – Laidback, doesn’t have the impact that you’d generally want from Rap. Not bad, but not my favourite.
Eros S II – Again, kind of between the two. I’d flick between this and Cadmus II depending on my mood. Eminem sounded better on this one.
Cadmus II - Vocals are in your face, punchy and less rounded out than the Ares S II, works really well. JID sounded better on this one.
Winner: Eros S II & Cadmus II
Janine Janson – Vivaldi: Violin Concerto No. 2 in G Minor, RV 315 "L'estate" - 3. Presto:
Ares S II – Again, quite laidback and warm, lacks definition, but a nice if you want to relax. Doesn’t quite hit the spot for my ears.
Eros S II – Still a little too warm for the track for me, better than Ares S II, but not Cadmus II. Some would prefer this one I’m sure.
Cadmus II –Punchy, precise, what I expect from this track. Thoroughly enjoyable listen.
Winner: Cadmus II
Shpongle– Divine Moments of Truth:
Ares S II – I wasn’t expecting this to work well, but for some reason it presents the mix here in an extremely pleasing way.
Eros S II – Sits between the two once again, I think I prefer Ares S II still in this instance, but would be more than happy with this cable for this track.
Cadmus II – Individual components of the mix are easier to identify but isn’t as coherent as Ares S II.
Winner: Ares S II (Eros S II only ever so slightly behind, listening to this as I write this and almost want to change it over)
The Doors – Roadhouse Blues:
Ares S II – Vocals are pushed back a little, little warm.
Eros S II – Yes. Perfect. This is how this track lives in my head and it’s a perfect representation.
Cadmus II – Better clarity, vocals better placed in the mix. Bass impact isn’t as much, prefer it over Ares S II.
Winner: Eros S II
Tally:
Eros S II – 3 (nearly 4)
Cadmus II – 2
Ares S II – 1
So, no clear winner, but for me the Eros S II was my preference overall and works better on more of my library. Ares S II was a little too warm for me (which is odd), Cadmus II was fine and I’d also be happy with that.
With the three cables here I think there would be an option for everyone. They are built extremely well from my time with them and all are a significant lift over what a stock cable is on most IEM’s under $500, if not $1000. Great job Effect Audio! I may grab an Eros S II in the not to distant future
