EFFECT AUDIO New release | Signature Series II

[Ace Bee]

For my assessment of the performance of the Signature Series II, I chose the 634EARS LOAK2-TX01, one of their flagship trio. It is a single DD iem costing around 835 USD (128000 JPY). The sound profile is v-shaped, with highly transparent mid, lots of energy throughout, and brilliant end-to-end extension. I felt that this is a nice candidate to properly reveal the cables' inherent nature. As a source I used ibasso DX260.

This new Signature Series II differs most obviously from its predecessor in the strand count - whereas the earlier series Ares-S and Cadmus were 4-wire in the standard configuration (with 8-wire released later, Eros-S was already 8-wire), the Ares-S II and Cadmus II comes by default in 8-wire configuration.

First of all, I would like to talk about the ergonomics. While I liked the previous Signature series. I felt that the flexibility of the Ares-S and Cadmus could be improved further. The Eros-S was fine though. Well, looks like EA did read my mind and accordingly improved them. The transparent sheath this time is very pliable and easier to handle, with almost no memory effect. Makes the fit around the ears noticeably more comfortable. Despite the thicker 8 -wire configuration, they are super ergonomic.

The upgraded hardware also looks classier than the previous one. Especially the touch of carbon fiber with matching colour scheme in the splitter elevates the presentation altogether.

Ares-S II​

Prior to this I was using a 7N UPOCC pure copper cable with the TX01. As soon as I swapped the Ares-S II, I noticed an immediate improvement in the spaciousness of the presentation. The whole soundstage got bigger with more space between notes. I also could hear a subtle improvement in the subbass and midbass heft, but no boominess at all. The midrange and treble notes were largely unaffected. The way it added a slight boost in the lower frequency range whereas not touching the rest is commendable indeed.

Cadmus II​

When I replaced the Ares -S II with the Cadmus II, I could feel something changed, but it did not become immediately apparent. I had to swap them back 3-4 times to finally apprehend the difference Cadmus II is making to the sound. Simply put, it slightly attenuated the bass heft that Ares S II introduced, and simultaneously enhanced the presence of the upper frequencies. It made the sound slightly more revealing, and a tiny bit brighter in the process. Now, the TX01 is already a very energetic iem, so this effect does not exactly go well with its sound signature, at least for my taste. But I can guess for smoother or a bit darker iems the Cadmus II will do wonders!

Eros-S II​

I still remember my original impression of the Eros-S. I was a bit puzzled at what it was doing - the note definitions seemed oddly slightly more realistic, nothing seemed overly energised yet the details seemed a bit more prominent. That same effect is present here as well, just more enhanced. It makes the stage bigger, with more separation, and slightly bigger notes, without any over-exaggeration. Very skillfully crafted I must say. Just like it claims, it enhances the overall musicality.

Effect Audio has improved the introductory Signature Series in both the physical presentation and performance to its second generation. Hats off to them for that!

 

[Sonic Sleuth]

Effect Audio Signature Series II cables comparison:

Preface: These cables were sent to me by @Ace Bee.

Disclaimer: All impressions and opinions in this post are my own. I have not been paid or compensated by Effect Audio or any other entity for these impressions. My assessment is based solely on my personal experience with the product.

My thoughts about cable rolling:

Now, I know the whole 'cables make a difference' thing can be a bit controversial. Honestly, I used to be skeptical myself. I mean, it's just a wire, right? But after trying out a few different cables with my own IEMs, I've come to realize that there can be noticeable changes.

It's not always night and day, and it definitely depends on the specific cable and the IEMs you're using. But sometimes, a cable can bring out qualities in your music that you didn't even know were there. Maybe the bass becomes tighter, the vocals smoother, or the soundstage wider. It's subtle, but it's there.

Technically speaking, it makes sense. Cables do have electrical properties like resistance and capacitance that can affect the audio signal. And the quality of the connectors and shielding can play a role too.

But hey, I get it if you're not totally convinced. It's one of those things you kind of have to experience for yourself. If you're curious, I'd encourage you to try out a few different cables and see what you think. You might be surprised!

Sources used:

• iBasso D16
• RME ADI 2 Pro FS-R
• FiiO M17

IEM used:

• Shanling MG800

Why MG800?

• Balanced Sound Signature: The MG800 starts with a relatively neutral and balanced sound. This provides a clean slate, allowing the nuances of different cables to shine through more clearly. If I used an IEM with a very strong bass or treble emphasis, for example, those inherent characteristics might overshadow the subtler changes a cable introduces.
• Detailed and Revealing: The MG800 is quite detailed and resolving. This allows me to pick up on the subtle ways a cable might affect things like soundstage, imaging, and micro-details. If the IEM itself lacked detail, it would be harder to hear the improvements a high-quality cable can bring.
• Good Technical Performance:The MG800 has a decent soundstage and imaging capabilities, This means I can accurately assess how a cable might impact the spatial presentation of the music, something that's harder to do with IEMs that have a very narrow or congested soundstage.

Test Tracks & Methodology

• Hide and Seek by Imogen Heap: This track is a fantastic choice for evaluating soundstage and imaging due to its intricate vocal layering and use of spatial effects. We'll pay close attention to how the cables affect the placement and separation of the vocal layers and the overall sense of space.
• Keith Don't Go by Nils Lofgren: This acoustic guitar piece will be perfect for assessing the impact on timbre and dynamics. We'll listen for how the cables render the nuances of the guitar's tone and how they handle the dynamic shifts between soft fingerpicking and powerful strumming.
• The Night They Made Love by Marvin Gaye: This soulful ballad will help us analyze the cables' effect on vocal delivery and emotional expression. We'll focus on how the cables portray the nuances of Gaye's voice and the overall intimacy of the song.
• The Chain by Fleetwood Mac: This classic rock track will be useful for evaluating the impact on bass response and overall energy. We'll listen for how the cables handle the iconic bassline and how they affect the dynamics and drive of the song.

MG800's Stock Cable:

• Overall: The stock cable provides a solid foundation for the MG800, delivering a balanced and detailed sound.
  • In "Hide and Seek," the soundstage is well-defined, with Imogen Heap's layered vocals clearly separated and positioned accurately. The spatial effects are rendered with a good sense of depth and width.
  • With "Keith Don't Go," the guitar timbre is natural and well-balanced, with a good amount of detail and texture. The dynamics of the performance are captured effectively, from the delicate fingerpicking to the more powerful strumming sections.
  • In "The Night They Made Love," Marvin Gaye's vocals are smooth and expressive, with a good sense of intimacy. The instrumentation is well-balanced, allowing the vocals to take center stage.
  • "The Chain" has a punchy and well-defined bassline that drives the song forward. The vocals are clear and well-separated from the instruments, and the overall energy of the track is well-maintained.

Effect Audio Ares S II:

• In "Hide and Seek," the soundstage feels slightly wider and deeper, with a greater sense of air between the instruments and vocals. The vocals have a richer, more intimate quality, and the spatial effects are rendered with a greater sense of realism.
• With "Keith Don't Go," the guitar takes on a warmer, more full-bodied tone. The notes have a slightly longer decay, adding to the sense of intimacy and emotion. The dynamic shifts are handled with greater finesse, making the performance even more captivating.
• In "The Night They Made Love," the Ares S II truly shines. Gaye's vocals become more captivating, with a greater sense of depth and emotion. The instruments are rendered with a warmer, more organic quality, creating a more intimate and enveloping atmosphere.
• "The Chain" benefits from a slightly more impactful bass response, adding weight and texture to the iconic bassline. The vocals are smoother and more forward in the mix, and the overall presentation is more engaging and musical.

Key Takeaways:

• Bass: The Ares S II adds a touch of warmth and fullness to the bass, making it slightly more impactful without sacrificing control or definition. This is particularly noticeable in tracks like "The Chain," where the bassline has a more prominent presence.
• Midrange: Vocals and instruments in the midrange benefit from a smoother, more liquid presentation with the Ares S II. This adds to the emotional connection with the music, as heard in "The Night They Made Love" and "Keith Don't Go."
• Treble: The treble is slightly smoother and more refined with the Ares S II, reducing any hint of harshness or sibilance that might be present with the stock cable. This contributes to a more relaxed and fatigue-free listening experience.
• Soundstage: The Ares S II seems to expand the soundstage slightly, both in width and depth. This adds to the sense of immersion and realism in tracks like "Hide and Seek."
• Overall Presentation: The Ares S II leans towards a more musical and engaging presentation, emphasizing warmth, smoothness, and emotional impact. The stock cable, while still excellent, is slightly more neutral and analytical in comparison.

Effect Audio Eros S II:

• "Hide and Seek" by Imogen Heap: This track immediately reveals the Eros S II's strengths. The soundstage opens up, not drastically, but noticeably. Imogen Heap's layered vocals have more breathing room, and the spatial effects in the song are rendered with a greater sense of depth and dimension. However, this expansion comes with a slight trade-off. Some of the pinpoint imaging precision of the stock cable seems to soften a touch. It's a subtle difference, and whether it's a positive or negative depends on your priorities.
• "Keith Don't Go" by Nils Lofgren: With this acoustic track, the Eros S II adds a touch of warmth and richness to the guitar's timbre. The notes have a slightly longer decay, which some might find adds to the emotional resonance of the performance. However, others might feel that the stock cable offers a slightly more accurate and neutral presentation of the guitar's natural tone. It's a matter of taste.
• "The Night They Made Love" by Marvin Gaye: This is where the Eros S II truly shines. Gaye's vocals take on a captivating quality, with a greater sense of intimacy and emotional depth. The midrange is smoother and more liquid, adding to the overall sense of warmth and musicality. However, this added warmth might be a bit too much for some, particularly those who prefer a leaner, more analytical presentation.
• "The Chain" by Fleetwood Mac: The Eros S II adds weight and texture to the iconic bassline in this track, giving it a more visceral impact. The overall presentation is more dynamic and engaging. However, this added emphasis on the bass might overshadow some of the finer details in the midrange and treble.

Key Takeaways:

• Bass: The Eros S II consistently adds warmth and fullness to the bass across all tracks. This can be a positive or negative depending on your preferences and the specific IEM you're using.
• Midrange: The Eros S II tends to smooth out the midrange, which can be beneficial for vocals and instruments that sound a bit harsh or edgy with the stock cable. However, this smoothing effect can also reduce some of the detail and transparency.
• Treble: The treble is generally smoother and more refined with the Eros S II, but this can sometimes come at the expense of some sparkle and air.
• Soundstage: The Eros S II often expands the soundstage, but this expansion can sometimes be accompanied by a slight reduction in imaging precision.
• Overall Presentation: The Eros S II leans towards a warmer, smoother, and more musical presentation. The stock cable tends to be more neutral and analytical.

Effect Audio Cadmus II:

• "Hide and Seek" by Imogen Heap: Right away, the Cadmus II reveals its analytical nature. The soundstage feels wider and more spacious compared to the stock cable, with excellent instrument separation. Each layer of Imogen Heap's vocals is distinct and precisely placed. However, this enhanced clarity might make the track feel a tad less intimate. The stock cable, with its slightly warmer presentation, might provide a more emotionally engaging experience for this particular song.
• "Keith Don't Go" by Nils Lofgren: This acoustic piece highlights the Cadmus II's ability to extract detail. The nuances of the guitar strings, the subtle finger movements, and the resonance of the guitar body are all rendered with impressive clarity. However, some might find that the Cadmus II leans towards a slightly drier presentation. The stock cable might offer a touch more warmth and "body" to the guitar's tone, which I prefer.
• "The Night They Made Love" by Marvin Gaye: With this soulful ballad, the Cadmus II presents Gaye's vocals with impressive clarity and detail. You can hear the subtle inflections in his voice and the emotion in his delivery. However, the Cadmus II might not provide the same level of warmth and intimacy as the stock cable. I found that the stock cable better captures the soulfulness and emotional depth of Gaye's performance.
• "The Chain" by Fleetwood Mac: The Cadmus II injects this track with energy and drive. The bassline is tight, controlled, and impactful, providing a solid foundation for the song. The individual instruments are well-defined, and the overall presentation is clear and dynamic. However, the Cadmus II might make the track feel a bit less "smooth" overall. The stock cable might offer a more relaxed and forgiving listen, particularly in the treble region.

Key Takeaways:

• Bass: The Cadmus II tightens and controls the bass, adding impact without sacrificing definition. This can be a significant improvement for those who find the stock cable's bass a bit loose or undefined.
• Midrange: The Cadmus II emphasizes clarity and detail in the midrange, which can be both a positive and a negative. While it enhances the analytical aspect of the listening experience, it might reduce some of the warmth and intimacy.
• Treble: The Cadmus II generally presents a clean and detailed treble, but it can sometimes come across as a bit dry or analytical.
• Soundstage: The Cadmus II often expands the soundstage, providing a greater sense of space and instrument separation.
• Overall Presentation: The Cadmus II leans towards a more analytical and detailed presentation, which can be excellent for critical listening or genres that benefit from a high level of clarity.

Overall Conclusion:

Ares S II:

• Strengths:
  • Adds warmth and richness to the overall sound.
  • Enhances bass impact without muddying the details.
  • Creates a smoother, more forgiving treble presentation.
  • Improves vocal presence and intimacy.
• Weaknesses:
  • Can sound overly warm with already warm-sounding IEMs.
  • May slightly reduce detail and transparency in some setups.
• Best for:
  • Bright or analytical IEMs that could benefit from added warmth and smoothness.
  • IEMs with a thin or recessed midrange that need a boost in vocal presence.

Eros S II:

• Strengths:
  • Provides a balanced enhancement with a touch of warmth and smoothness.
  • Improves detail and resolution without sacrificing musicality.
  • Expands the soundstage slightly, adding a sense of space.
• Weaknesses:
  • Changes can be subtle and might not be noticeable with all IEMs.
  • May not be the best choice for those seeking a drastic change in sound signature.
• Best for:
  • IEMs that already have a good balance but could benefit from some refinement and added musicality.
  • IEMs with a slightly harsh or sibilant treble that could use some smoothing.

Cadmus II:

• Strengths:
  • Enhances clarity and detail retrieval across the frequency spectrum.
  • Tightens and controls the bass, improving definition and impact.
  • Expands the soundstage, creating a more spacious presentation.
• Weaknesses:
  • Can sound dry or analytical with some IEMs, particularly those that are already lean.
  • May not be the best choice for those who prioritize warmth and musicality.
• Best for:
  • Warm or thick-sounding IEMs that lack clarity and definition.
  • IEMs with a rolled-off treble that could benefit from some added sparkle.

 

[ywheng89]

Sharing some impressions of Pilgrim Noir paired with Signature Series II Cables (Ares II, Cadmus II, Eros S II) Personal fav being Eros S II

Source
Aune S9c
iBasso DX180
*Please take into consideration that my source and eartips as well as my ears anatomy might affect the overall impression. Happy listening!

Pilgrim Noir with Final Type E eartips
Stock Cable
Bass

• Sub bass rumble is there when the track calls for it, extension is quite good but not something for the bassheads
• Mid bass is slightly more prominent compared to Sub bass, punchy,tight and clean, never bloated, having sufficient quantity as well as quality
• Quite speedy
• It does have some sort of atmospheric/resonance effect

Mids

• Slightly forward, vocal position is just neither too forward nor recessed
• Good texture for both male and female vocals, doesn’t sound thin at all
• Upper mids are generally non offensive

Treble

• Good amount of details in this range but never harsh or sibilant even when you crank the volume
• Average air and presence

Soundstage/Imaging

• Just slightly out of head soundstage perception, good depth but slightly lacking when it comes to the width and height perception
• Separation and imaging is good even for complex track

Ares II
Bass

• The atmospheric/resonance effect seems bigger sounding compared to the stock cable
• Sub bass has slightly better extension to my ears, mid bass decay seems faster

Mids and treble performance are quite similar compared to the stock cable

Soundstage/Imaging

• Slightly bigger perception of the soundstage and better separation
• Imaging is more or less similar with the stock cable, the difference is very minute

Cadmus II
With the Cadmus II, the Noir becomes quite relaxed sounding compared to stock cable
Bass

• Both the sub bass and mid bass sounds a little bit boosted while retaining the tightness and control as well as the speed
• Textures are similar across the stock, Ares II that i compared with

Mids

• Slightly pushed back but not overly recessed, i would say it is a more relaxed sounding compared to Ares II and the stock cable
• Both male and female’s vocal texture are similar
• Upper mids are non offensive as well, it is just smooth

Treble

• Somehow the treble sounds very relaxed and non offensive at all
• Detail retrieval somehow is not as good as Ares II and stock cable

Soundstage/Imaging

• Soundstage is slightly wider sounding with more or less similar depth perception but lacking in terms of height
• Imaging is slightly lacking compared to Ares II and stock cable, not that it is bad, its just you need a little bit more effort to pin point the instruments

Eros S II
Personally, this is my favourite pairing, and a definite upgrade over the stock Eros S Noir in almost every aspect in terms of sonic performance, or the most musical sounding combination based on my experience
Bass

• Better sub bass extension and the slightly punchier mid bass, and it also has that atmospheric effect that the Ares II offers
• Controlled and speedy and the texture seems to be slightly better compared to the other 3 (Ares II, Cadmus II, Eros S Noir)
• Fullest sounding among the rest

Mids

• The mids takes the centre stage but it does become overly stand out that it disrupts the bass and treble
• Very good details in the mids coupled with good vocal reproduction (textures for both male and female as well as positioning (not overly forward, just slightly in front of the face))

Treble

• Good amount of energy, air and presence without any hint of sibilance and harshness
• Good detail retrievals

Soundstage/Imaging

• The best soundstage performance among ( Ares II, Cadmus II, Eros S Noir ), very good perception of height, width, as well as depth
• Very good imaging, pin point accuracy as well as separation

 

[suman134]

Here is my Indepth comparison of the signature series II cables!!