[Deezel177]

@Deezel177 PlusSound which series should I go for? To be paired with Andromeda. For now with the stock copper cable, the guitars and the drums are smooth, clear and sharp even boosting up 4k-16k frequencies - which I like. But the vocals are taking hiss at high volume.
@PinkyPowers Thanks a lot for elaboration.

If you’re looking to add body and smoothness to the vocals, I’d probably recommend the Tri-Copper from PlusSound’s range. If you want to keep the clear tone whilst giving vocals more body, the Effect Audio Thor Silver II is a great choice as well.

 

[Erfan Elahi]

If you’re looking to add body and smoothness to the vocals, I’d probably recommend the Tri-Copper from PlusSound’s range. If you want to keep the clear tone whilst giving vocals more body, the Effect Audio Thor Silver II is a great choice as well.

Noted with thanks

 

[PinkyPowers]

If you’re looking to add body and smoothness to the vocals, I’d probably recommend the Tri-Copper from PlusSound’s range. If you want to keep the clear tone whilst giving vocals more body, the Effect Audio Thor Silver II is a great choice as well.

I concur on both counts.

 

[491326]

I feel like few people get the PS gph. I got one (partially for bling) but it sounds great so far.

 

[ctaxxxx]

Got a used, limited edition Effect Audio Eos from the Head-Fi listings. This cable is amazing considering the price! Compared to the Ares II+, the treble is better extended, more detailed, and even smoother! There's no harshness in the vocals, which sound fairly neutral and airy. With the tighter bass, this really sounds like a silver cable.

I planned to use this with the Oriolus, due to its bloomy bass and warmth, but it works surprisingly well with the Hyla CE-5 too. The Ares was too much lower-treble and upper-mid energy with the Hyla. The Eos has brighter upper-treble, but I like that sparkle. The PW No.5 is too smooth now with the new AMP8 module for the DX200. Trying to move away from that smooth copper sound.

It's going to be hard trying not to compare this with whatever silver cable I decide next. I've been stuck between the Norne Silvergarde, PS Silver + Gold, and PW Loki. What has the same extension and sparkle as the Eos, with neutral to warm upper mids?

Edit: Read a couple posts back. Replaced EA Thor II with PS Silver + Gold.

Edit 2: I'm not sure anymore. I may prefer these on the Hyla. I miss the intimate vocals on the copper for the Oriolus. Might look into the EA Thor II again...

 

[bahamot]

Just FYI, PWAudio current working URL is https://www.pwaudio.com.hk/ @flinkenick

 

[bahamot]

Hey guys, I just posted my CanJam SG 2018 article on TheHeadphoneList.com, which you can check out HERE. Below are excerpts from the article detailing PWAudio's latest series of cables, including their co-flagship 1950s. I also wrote impressions of Effect Audio's two Janus cables, which you can check out on their official thread soon. Cheers!

PWAudio

PWAudio – in a sort of roundabout way – takes us back to Music Sanctuary’s humble six-booth-and-eight-table-wide abode, where Peter Wong himself unveiled an entirely new line-up of cables to complement his already-impressive repertoire. Along with the default 4-wire Saladin, Loki and Xerxes were 8-wire variants denoted by a “+” at the end of their respective names. I only auditioned the Saladin+, but I assume the differences between it and the Saladin can be loosely applied to the two other cables as well. Finally, I also got to audition Peter’s new co-flagship cable – the 1950s. Although the ergonomics and aesthetics of the insulation were yet to be finalised, the sonics were definitely production standard. Only available in its 4-wire (8-core) variant and priced just a hair above the 4-wire 1960s, the 1950s is a luxury item through and through.

​

PWAudio Saladin: The Saladin is what looks like a copper-silver hybrid within cable’s individual cores. Sonically though, it assumes the spiritual successor to Peter Wong’s highly-acclaimed No. 5 cable. Like the No. 5, the Saladin excels at organicity because of its natural timbre. The Saladin’s richness stems from its elevated low-end. Although its impact is more natural than it is basshead-inclined, the Saladin’s bass is warm, bloomy and buttery in texture. A calmed treble response allows this richness to fill the stage, infusing midrange notes with proper body as well as an exquisite tone. The Saladin presents vocals and instruments alike with great intimacy and forwardness.

Due to an accentuated lower-midrange, the Saladin is chestier than it is articulative or sparkly. But, energy in the lower-treble aids clarity, imbuing the Saladin with proper technical performance beyond just sheer musicality. Top-end extension is where the Saladin falters a tad. Although its upper-treble roll-off is crucial in determining its tone, I can’t help but hear a lack of finesse in separation and organisation. The Saladin’s presentation isn’t the neatest, but it wins bigin naturalness, engagement and tone. It’s an incredibly admirable effort as far as entry-level cables are concerned, and its signature alone will find tons of admiration across the globe.

PWAudio Saladin+: Where the Saladin wavers, the Saladin+ absolutely shines. The 8-wire variant of the cable retains its inherent signature: Warm, rich and tonally accurate with a mid-bass bias. But, where the Saladin+ truly improves is – crucially – treble extension. Generously infusing the stage with headroom, the Saladin+ performs excellently in stage stability, openness and left-right separation whilst maintaining a gorgeous, warm timbre. Mid-bass jabs are now paired with airy and spacious undertones – serving up a baby version of the clear and layered low-end response present in the flagship 1950s. Midrange notes no longer feel too full, as the stage around them expands decently in all directions. Fortunately, vocals and instruments alike still maintain the same sense of density and richness. The treble – again – gains in extension to produce more articulate, refined and transparent notes. Linearity is maintained as to not mess with timbre – concluding the Saladin+ as an admirable performer in both timbre and technicality.

​

PWAudio Loki: Externally, the Loki looks like a pure silver cable. But, the documentation I was shown suggests some amount of copper in there as well. Some form of miscommunication might have occurred, but nevertheless, the Loki is a definite sonic departure from Peter Wong’s single-crystal silver cable. While the latter was particularly renowned for its mellowness and warmth, the Loki’s sonic palate resembles the more stereotypical silver sound: Bright, fast and clear. But, that doesn’t mean it’s not a signature done well. The Loki is a stellar choice for listeners looking for vocal clarity.

A lift in the presence region and the upper-treble boosts clarity, articulation, openness and air. The Loki is the brightest in tone out of all four PWAudio cables, but a skilfully controlled lower-treble prevents any form of sibilance whatsoever. The Loki’s low-end is controlled – especially in the mid-bass and sub-bass. A decent amount of warmth present in the upper-bass is crucial in making sure the signature never comes across as sterile or clinical. Low-end extension is decent, but the Loki certainly relies on heavier-and-denser-sounding transducers to truly shine. Nevertheless, it’s another brilliant effort from Peter Wong that finally gives PWAudio a winning entry in the speedy, clarity-focused space.

PWAudio Xerxes: The Xerxes is a triple-metal hybrid consisting of silver, copper and gold in varying quantities. But, sonically, it’s a bit of a chimera in performance as well. Although it has its own set flavour, the Xerxes is a cable that juggles multiple elements in the hopes of executing them all with minimal compromise. The first of which is vocal density and clarity. By attenuating the warmth of the bass and accentuating lower-midrange body, the Xerxes boosts vocal presence whilst instilling a brighter tone. But, richness and body – its second aspect – are maintained through excellent top-end control. Linear and well-extended, the Xerxes adds just enough sparkle for clarity’s sake, but remains smooth at all times. Finally, stage transparency benefits from the leaner presentation. At the end of the day, the Xerxes is a cable you won’t necessarily enjoy if you’re looking for a full and thump-y low-end. But, if you’re looking for a balance between butteriness, finesse and headroom, then the Xerxes will serve you well.

​

PWAudio 1950s: The 1950s was – without a doubt – Peter Wong’s showstopper. Designed in an effort to star with the 1960s as the brand’s co-flagship, it represents PWAudio’s alternative approach towards transparency. While the previous singular flagship was defined by a well-extended-and-accentuated top-end, growly, well-textured lows and a spacious, voluminous stage, the 1950s offers a natural signature more colourless – or neutral – in tone. Let’s start with what I consider to be the 1950s’ strongest element: Bass response. The 1950s presents its low-end with an unprecedented balance between resolution, air and tone. Low-end slams are physical, visceral and organically warm, but excellent treble extension surrounds each punch with an open layer of air. As a result, every time the bass hits, powerful impact comes equipped with strong definition and smooth clarity; a dynamic-yet-mature presentation in every respect.

Like the 1960s, the 1950s has a lower-midrange-focused instrumental response. Vocals gain bodily texture as a result, along with richness stemming from the upper-bass. Though, the 1950s’ lower-midrange emphasis isn’t as strong as the one found on the 1960s, resulting in instruments that sound complete and well-resolved without the risk of sounding nasal-y on specific tracks. A light rise in the lower-treble aids articulation and clarity, but again, this aberration isn’t as apparent as the one on the 1960s. As I said previously, a neutral-natural response with minimal colour is the goal here. The treble region is as technically impressive as it is engagingly smooth. Fantastic extension and admirable linearity reprise the 1960s’ surround stage. The former PWAudio flagship sounds airier because of an upper-treble lift, while the 1950s maintains a blacker background and a more engaging soundscape. Headroom is as plentiful as always to allow for smooth and easy listening, whilst simultaneously allowing the low-end to perform as beautifully as it does.

Your PWAudio Xerxes description makes me want to buy it.. But priced almost the same as my IT04. Let the brain VS heart fight begins. Lol.

 

[bvng3540]

Ea ares II+ 8 wires or pw audio no.5 8 wires, which one best fit for EE phantom? Thanks

 

[kubig123]

Ea ares II+ 8 wires or pw audio no.5 8 wires, which one best fit for EE phantom? Thanks

The ares, the no.5 is too warm for the phantom that has already a warm signature.

 

[bvng3540]

The ares, the no.5 is too warm for the phantom that has already a warm signature.

Ok thanks, how about 1960s, how much of an improvement from 2 to 4 wires

 

[ctaxxxx]

There's no hard and fast rule about how a cable will sound based solely on the conductor used. For instance, two copper cables from two different manufacturers might have little in common, wide-wise.

However... there are some clichés to give you a starting point as to what to expect:

Copper is known for a warmer tone. More bass, less treble.
Silver-Plated Copper is v-shaped. Bass, but now more treble also.
Silver is known for purity of sound. Colorless, and sometimes even bright.
Silver + Gold, often with a very small percent of gold mix into the alloy, helps to warm up that pure silver sound, making it less bright.

Why this information is not too helpful if because some cables, like Thor Silver II, is a very abnormal creature, and is warmer and less bright than you might expect. Likewise, Ares II has more treble than many simple coppers.

Try reading as many reviews as you can on the cables you're interested in. And of course, if you get the chance, hear them for yourself.

How warm is the Thor II? Is it warmer than the Ares, but not as warm as the No.5? Or you mean warm for a silver cable?

I've grown to liking the Eos cable with the Hyla CE-5, despite its brighter tone. I actually missed the slight vocal warmth of my Ares II+ with the Oriolus though. I find the No.5 too warm in comparison.

 

[SeeSax]

How warm is the Thor II? Is it warmer than the Ares, but not as warm as the No.5? Or you mean warm for a silver cable?

I've grown to liking the Eos cable with the Hyla CE-5, despite its brighter tone. I actually missed the slight vocal warmth of my Ares II+ with the Oriolus though. I find the No.5 too warm for in comparison.

I've been on a similar journey as you have, my friend. I also have the Oriolus and the CE-5 and I keep swapping around and landing back to where I started. When I began cable rolling on the Oriolus, I thought I'd better slap a more neutral silver cable on it since it has an overall warm tone, but then I sort of lost the magic that made the Oriolus special. Right now I have a Triton8 hybrid silver/copper on and it does really well. Keeps the fun nature of the IEM, but also increases resolution and sparkle a bit. Subtly, of course.

For the CE-5, I'm just starting out and trying to figure out what can thicken up the mids. I LOVE the sound signature of this unique IEM, but the reviews are accurate when they say the mids and vocals can sound a little thin (especially with more modern pop music). I'm going to try pairing these with my Rhapsodio Copper Wizard when it arrives. My goal is to keep all of what makes the CE-5 technically excellent and just elevate the mid-bass and mid-range a touch. The treble sparkle and slamming sub-bass are amazing with pretty much any cable, though.

I also have the DX200 with Amp8, by the way, and yeah I think PW Audio no5 is a tad too warm and relaxed for that setup - plus, mine is 3.5mm...4.4mm and never looking back

-Collin-

 

[Deezel177]

How warm is the Thor II? Is it warmer than the Ares, but not as warm as the No.5? Or you mean warm for a silver cable?

I've grown to liking the Eos cable with the Hyla CE-5, despite its brighter tone. I actually missed the slight vocal warmth of my Ares II+ with the Oriolus though. I find the No.5 too warm in comparison.

In tone, the Thor II is actually clearer than the Ares II, because of a slight rise in the overall treble region. But it gains body, warmth and euphony from an elevated mid-bass. The Ares II has a warmer timbre, but a lower-treble peak gives it an articulation that you'd rarely find in copper cables like the No. 5. If you're looking for a rich and bodied presentation with a clear tone (or more light in the stage), the Thor II would be more suitable. On the other hand, if you want a warmer tinge to instruments paired with more bite, then the Ares II is the one to get.

 

[ctaxxxx]

In tone, the Thor II is actually clearer than the Ares II, because of a slight rise in the overall treble region. But it gains body, warmth and euphony from an elevated mid-bass. The Ares II has a warmer timbre, but a lower-treble peak gives it an articulation that you'd rarely find in copper cables like the No. 5. If you're looking for a rich and bodied presentation with a clear tone (or more light in the stage), the Thor II would be more suitable. On the other hand, if you want a warmer tinge to instruments paired with more bite, then the Ares II is the one to get.

Thanks. Ended up placing an order for Thor II.

I've been on a similar journey as you have, my friend. I also have the Oriolus and the CE-5 and I keep swapping around and landing back to where I started. When I began cable rolling on the Oriolus, I thought I'd better slap a more neutral silver cable on it since it has an overall warm tone, but then I sort of lost the magic that made the Oriolus special. Right now I have a Triton8 hybrid silver/copper on and it does really well. Keeps the fun nature of the IEM, but also increases resolution and sparkle a bit. Subtly, of course.

For the CE-5, I'm just starting out and trying to figure out what can thicken up the mids. I LOVE the sound signature of this unique IEM, but the reviews are accurate when they say the mids and vocals can sound a little thin (especially with more modern pop music). I'm going to try pairing these with my Rhapsodio Copper Wizard when it arrives. My goal is to keep all of what makes the CE-5 technically excellent and just elevate the mid-bass and mid-range a touch. The treble sparkle and slamming sub-bass are amazing with pretty much any cable, though.

I also have the DX200 with Amp8, by the way, and yeah I think PW Audio no5 is a tad too warm and relaxed for that setup - plus, mine is 3.5mm...4.4mm and never looking back

-Collin-

I've come to realize that I prefer a cable that helps an IEM shows it's strength, rather than hide it's faults. With Oriolus+Ares and Hyla+No.5 pairings, it just pushed them towards neutral and made them sound more similar with no exceeding qualities. No longer felt like IEMs that complemented each other.

When I tried the Eos with the Oriolus, it lost a lot of it's character that I liked. Became a bit of a boring all-rounder and had no more emotion in it's vocals. The Eos with the Hyla really shows what the IEM is capable of, and that's it's bass and treble. Even though it's mids thin out, which is not that bad really, it sounds a lot more dynamic with electronic and other bass-centric music. Almost sounds like a TH-900 now, which is really saying something. I bet if I got an 8-wire cable similar to the Eos, it would get closer to it's massive soundstage too. It would probably cost as much as the IEM too lol.

 

[kidd6454]

Wondering if anyone here has a recommendation for a perfect cable for their Noble K10 that improves it's airiness/imaging/depth without adding to the bass?