Hey guys, I just posted my CanJam SG 2018 article on TheHeadphoneList.com, which you can check out
HERE. Below are my first impressions on Effect Audio's two Janus cables, before I take a longer look at one (or both; who knows? Eric might be feeling a bit generous after his vacation
) in a full review. Enjoy!
Effect Audio
Out of the numerous cable manufacturers present at the event, two of the most popular were undoubtedly Effect Audio and PWAudio. The former brought their usual platter of diverse conductors, from the widely-acclaimed entry-level Ares II, to the revered top-of-the-line Horus. But at CanJam Singapore 2018, all eyes were on Effect Audio’s latest releases, the Janus Basso and the Janus Dynamic. The Janus “twins” – so-to-speak – are variations on the same 8-wire hybrid cable; constructed out of palladium-plated copper and a specially-developed Effect Audio alloy mix. The differences between the two lie within the geometry of the conductor, diverging their signatures into two wholly different products.
The Basso performs as its moniker suggests – endowing IEMs it’s attached to with thump, energy and immediacy, as well as a light touch of warmth. Mid-bass impact gains physicality, but low-end extension bolsters its layering – deftly avoiding any sense of congestion. Complemented by a rise in the upper-midrange, the Basso undercuts its extra body with a quicker transient response. While the Dynamic has the edge in organicity and timbral accuracy, the Basso takes the lead in immediacy and speed. Though, that’s not to say the Basso is a bright-leaning cable either. A linear lower-treble does its best to maintain warmth, and vocals – somehow – remain as rich and wet as they do on the Dynamic; probably by virtue of the palladium plating. The Basso is also airier, but the Dynamic fares better spatially due to its superior linearity. Imaging is more precise on the latter, because the former is more forward-sounding and energetic overall. Listeners looking for an extra dose of speed and punch – with minimal effect towards timbre – should definitely give the Basso a listen.
The Dynamic is the warmer, smoother and richer of the two. While the Basso takes advantage of an accentuated mid-bass and a lifted upper-midrange to create a more energetic presentation, the Dynamic thrives on its timbre plus a light touch of vocal clarity. As a result, this iteration of the Janus yields a more musical presentation, but its linearity serves dividends for technical performance as well. Because of an increase in headroom, the Dynamic renders details with greater stability and precision. Where the Basso emphasises energy, the Dynamic prioritises finesse; releasing notes with a pleasing – yet precise – touch. Again, its play on balance – whether between the lower-and-upper-midrange to enrich vocals and instruments, or between the mid-bass and upper-treble to attain a warm tone – renders it a beautiful cable to pair with IEMs that highlight timbre. Monitors like the Empire Ears Phantom excel because of organicity, and the Dynamic only serves to improve technical performance – i.e. precision, imaging, soundstage expansion – whilst enforcing its natural tone. It’s my personal favourite between the two, but I can absolutely see why there’s a keen interest in both.
On other note, Janus will come with a free "Janus" Pigtailed adaptor either from 2.5mm-4.4mm or 2.5mm-3.5mm
PS- I saw your email, will be getting round to it later 
