Effect Audio Axiom: First Impressions
Hits:
- Premium Build
- Extension on both ends
- Treble Resolution
- Balanced Tuning
Misses:
- Fit and Shell Ergonomics
- Lack of Acessories
- Upper Midrange
Disclaimer:
The Effect Audio Axiom, and a bundled Effect Audio Maestro were sent to me as part of Effect Audio’s “World Tour”. These are here for 14 days, and I will have to pass them on to the next person in the tour afterwards, I receive no incentive for making these impressions and the following review, rest assured that I will do my best to stay as “The Dependable Audiophile”.
Introduction:
The Axiom are Effect Audio’s first IEM and a standard bearer for their new push on “Sustainability, Versatility and Experience”. In light of this, the Axioms do not come with a stock cable included in the box, perhaps a head-scratching decision at first, especially from a cable company. However, I do accept their reasoning as quite valid myself. If you’re spending 1500 USD on an IEM, more likely than not, you likely have a few IEM cables lying around or perhaps even an Effect Audio or some other premium cable, meaning that a stock cable would indeed just collect dust. The Axiom also has a modular design that allows for both 2-pin and MMCX cables to be used, further affording owners with versatility down the line.
Unboxing:
The Axiom’s came in a generic recycled cardboard outer box for protection, and the main internal box is a rather small square of carboard. The packaging seems to mostly be made of recycled cardboard, which is definitely in line with their message of “Sustainability”, although this does make me question why the outer sleeve had to be torn open instead of being reusable. The included documentation is minimal, and the owner’s manual and details on the background of the Axiom are given as scannable QR codes instead of as physical copies, which I think is a nice touch.
No foam seems to have been used in the entirety of the package, which I feel is quite a good environmental choice but the stacked carboard layers that the IEMs and tips are nestled in doesn’t feel the best. Still, a worthy trade off in my opinion. Also, underneath everything is a nice bag of what seems to be tea leaves, which do indeed smell quite nice, which was a pleasant departure from the usual smell of industrial plastic I’ve come to expect from Chi-Fi packaging.
I can’t help but feel conflicted on the packaging. If I’m spending 1500 USD on an IEM I would prefer to have a nice box indeed, but I do understand this path. If I may propose an alternative though, a high-quality plastic box that doubles as a transport/carrying case might be another option, adhering to reuse instead of recycle on the 3 R’s scale.
Build and Design:
The Axioms have an un-molded UIEM style shell that’s quite unique. The majority of the shell Is crafted out of metal, with a swappable module for the female MMCX or 2-pin connectors. For aesthetics, the faceplate features a decorative hetian jade piece inlaid on a polished metal rim. The swappable faceplate systems are removed by unscrewing using the included screwdriver and pulling on a specific seam, in practice though, thanks to the tolerances on this IEM there is basically no seam. People without fingernails might find this task rather difficult. Overall, design is quite alright, build is great and the aesthetics are an acquired taste.
Fit:
(As always, your mileage will vary, no-one has the exact same ears)
The Axioms come packaged with 3 wide-bore silicone eartips from ePro in the usual S/M/L sizes. I found these tips to mount quite deeply on the rather large-bored nozzle on the Axiom which when combined with the un-molded (no concha fin) design of the shells led to a rather shallow and somewhat insecure fit in my ears. This is perhaps exacerbated the weight of the metal shells. I would have preferred a second set of longer nozzled tips in this case, but again YMMV.
Quick Sound Impressions: (Only an hour or so worth of listening, take with salt)
-Balanced Neutral Signature
Bass on the Axioms is thick, punchy and decently extended. It’s tonally somewhat forward in the mix but quantity is tastefully done. Slam quality is quite good, low frequency rumble is there if somewhat tapered off and I wish for a little more textural separation overall as it could get somewhat congested in metal tracks.
Midrange on the Axiom is somewhat recessed in the upper register, there is a slight tilt towards the lower midrange over the upper midrange. Female vocals are detailed and resolved decently but they do seem to have somewhat of a veil. Male vocals do better with a thicker, warmer tone to them and plenty of body. Instruments are just ok, note weight is good. Overall, better for male vocals than female, upper midrange requires some transparency.
Treble on the Axiom is well done, quite neutral and well extended. Highs are clear and present but there does seem to be some extra high treble energy although the Knowles BA drivers that I assume are handling the high end do a good job of keeping the treble focused enough to avoid sibilance and at the same time resolving detail and providing extension.
Technical Performance:
Soundstage on the Axiom is rather wide and has good depth if the usual scoop on front and back stage, Extension has been noted to be quite good. Driver Control is reined in but a slight hint of BA metal is still present. Imaging is quite decent, and fairly precise. Instrument separation and layering is decent. Detail retrieval is good.
Off the Top Conclusions:
Still torn on the inclusion of only 1 set of tips and still quite annoyed at the fit. Will attempt to tip-roll later on. I enjoy the sound signature but I am missing my female vocals a bit as well. Overall, I’m not sure what direction to take my full review towards. We’ll see.
