Alright my friends! Sunday evening is time for some fun impressions... I hope you like it.
Code 24c: Purple Rain!
How can I put this? It's the nicest looking cable I had in some time. Not boring black, Copper, Silver looking cables…Also not the loud blue C24. I never thought I would like so much a purple piece of gear. Well, some might think it's a tad ostentatious, this is like an audio equivalent of a flamboyant guitarist shredding in spandex. But hey… if you're going to rock a song called Purple Rain…you better make an entrance.
If you had a C23 you know what the feeling is when hanging a power cable to your IEM. C24c sits somewhere between C23 hard rock like Metallica and the not so hard C24. It's thinner and more flexible… Thanks to the new Trio-Flex tech. It does make a welcomed difference in the ergonomics, but also makes it a "Not-C23" sounding cable. Trade-offs forever.
Does the sound signature make you sing in the rain?
Now, onto the juicy part: how does this purple wonder sound? First, just like Deep Purple wasn't solely Ritchie Blackmore's show, the Code 24C won't magically transform your IEMs into sonic legend. But it has its own tricks up its purple sleeve. Synergy is not only on a receipt for a great rock band, but also for a great audio experience.
Compared to the Code 24, the Code 24C emphasizes mid-bass frequencies, adding punch and warmth to music. This can be appealing for genres like rock and hip-hop. While it delivers a punchy mid-bass, the sub-bass extension seems less emphasized compared to the Code 24, potentially impacting the depth and rumble of heavier basslines. That's probably one of the reasons I preferred C24c with A12t and C24 with LX.
Not my preferred kind of music, but female vocals and certain instruments might gain a touch of presence compared to the more balanced presentation of the Code 24. This could be a positive or negative depending on your preference. Also making the sound signature more intimate and narrower soundstage. Again, another reason why it went better with A12t which already have a more focused soundstage, therefore C24c just tuned that, instead of changing the IEM signature.
The treble is less prominent in the Code 24C compared to the Code 24, resulting in a smoother and less bright overall sound. Less "in-your-face” if you might. That helps tame a bit those high hats on classic rock, but doesn't take off that Prince's shinny purple hat, pure swag.
As usual…some thematic songs I used to check this eye-catching cable.
Prince - Purple Rain: The opening notes shimmer with newfound clarity, while the guitar solo cuts through the mix with a intensity. Prince's vocals, already brimming with emotion, gain added depth and presence, drawing you deeper into the purple rain. It helps reducing the grainy cymbals on some IEMs.
Muse - Starlight: The opening synth arpeggios sparkle with celestial brilliance, while Matt Bellamy's soaring vocals strike through the dense instrumentation. The Code 24C's mid-bass emphasis adds weight to the kick drum and electronic effects, propelling the song forward while driving energy to keep kicking your feet.
Smoke on the Water - Deep Purple : Ritchie Blackmore's legendary riff cuts through the mix with razor-sharp precision, each note distinct and defined. Ian Gillan's vocals retain their trademark power, but some might find the overall presentation a tad brighter than expected. Imagine "Smoke on the Water" performed under a vibrant nebula, visually stunning but perhaps lacking the raw energy of the original recording.
Purple Haze - Jimi "fkn" Hendrix: The opening riff explodes with smooth clarity, each note biting interlinked and around the head like a psychedelic kaleidoscope. Hendrix's vocals gain a touch of warmth, adding a raw emotion that pulls you deeper into the purple haze.
Fear of the Dark - Iron Maiden: Not a purple themed song, but who's not afraid of the dark?... The galloping bassline pulsates clearly on the background, setting the stage for Bruce Dickinson's soaring vocals, helped a bit by the mid skewed signature of this cable. The overall presentation is smoothly clear and engaging, but the Code 24C's mid-bass focus might overshadow some of the intricate guitar nuances and angry cymbal/hats hits.
Starlight's final Riffs:
So, is the Code 24C a groundbreaking sonic revolution like Deep Purple's impact on rock music? Not quite. It's a well-built, good-looking cable that adds warmth, clarity, and punch to your music, particularly in the mid-bass and upper mids. However, it might not be your cup of tea if you crave a perfectly neutral sound or prioritize sub-bass over everything else, C24 would be closer to what you're looking.
It's not for everyone, just like Prince wasn't everyone's favourite artist, not even mine. But I can't deny it's importance to the music, like what EA is doing with reinventing themselves with these "non-braided" collection.
Ultimately, the Code 24C is a solid mid-priced option ($499) for those who value both sonics and aesthetics, embracing a bold departure from the conventional black cable norm. Remember, just like exploring the galaxy, sonic preferences are subjective. So, thanks for embarking with me on this little listening odyssey. I think it sits quite well in the price/performance position and Code 24c definitely deserves a try.
All in all, I never thought I would like this kind of cable colours, but…damn… This looks good. #MorePurpleGear
