The PENON official thread

[Surf Monkey]

Oh yes I fully agree. Adding a sound expanding cable on a full board sounding IEM sometimes do make it sound muddy.

And here is where having a good variety of different types of cables matter. Especially if you are an eclectic listener and own a boat load of IEMs.

My general rule of thumb for best cable pairings has to do with the opposites. You want to stick with cables that do the opposite of what the actual sound is doing. Too much detail can fatigue so you get a warm full bodied cable to counter all that detail. An IEM with a lack of detail clearly needs a highly transparent cable to bring out some better detail elements.

Or sometimes you want a cable to not change anything about a sound but bring a greater stage. That would be the OS133 and Space cable.

You guys know why Fiio introduced a pro version of the FH5S IEM? And all it was, was a new copper based cable they introduced with the newer FH5S with and just called it a pro. Reason why they did that is because I was an early reviewer for that IEM and I pointed out just how much the included silver plated monocrystalline cable accentuated the treble notes of their IEMS. Which the FH5S out of the box did no favors for. I noticed with a cable change it sounded so much better balanced. The IEM already had ample trebles but they included a cable that accentuated the treble notes. Which is like throwing water on top of ice! Lol.

In any case cable syngery matters for best sonics. I totally agree, too much of a good thing on an IEM that is already highly technical is not actually ideal at times.

Heavy note weight example: the 7hz Legato. Dual dynamic drivers. A 12mm for bass and lower mids and a 6mm for upper mids and treble. They THUMP. Across the whole range they have a heavy sound. The notes hit hard, even at lower volumes.

Light note weight example: the Truthear Hexa hybrid BA/dynamic (or the Moondrop Aria single dynamic.) Skews closer to reference/bright. They have relatively light/thin note weight, require volume to get any kind of thump and you have to deal with high treble amounts. At lower volumes the “weight” of the lower notes basically disappears.

 

[Redcarmoose]

New review!
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/penon-asos-x.27372/reviews#review-35053

 

[DrewVz]

I like the spirit of the review, but why compare only ~$300 IEMs with a $300 cable? Seems strange. How does the $1200 Voltage sound with the Asos+X? Or another $1k+ IEM?

How does the Asos+X compare with other $300 cables? That would help add some context.

Regarding bulk/weight, Voltage+Pyramid weighs only 62 grams in total. EST50+GS849 weighs only 56 grams total.

Asos+X alone at 69 grams is pretty heavy by comparison. Just sayin.

 

[Redcarmoose]

I like the spirit of the review, but why compare only ~$300 IEMs with a $300 cable? Seems strange. How does the $1200 Voltage sound with the Asos+X? Or another $1k+ IEM?

How does the Asos+X compare with other $300 cables? That would help add some context.

Regarding bulk/weight, Voltage+Pyramid weighs only 62 grams in total. EST50+GS849 weighs only 56 grams total.

Asos+X alone at 69 grams is pretty heavy by comparison. Just sayin.

Thank-you.
The Voltage is in the next review below by Dsnuts.

To where the ASOS+X is slightly airer which I explain in the very first disclaimer, in relation to the Penon Pyramid and Renata.......so it's different. I could have used the IER-Z1R but I'm using 2Pin adaptors to join 2Pin to MMCX, and I'm not so sure many are going to want that set up, though it works. The ASOS+X does not come in MMCX. Other than the Encore (and the Encore was itself which meant very bright). I don't own many $1000.00 or over IEMs.......they don't grow on trees.........lol, I did use the $799.00 Penon Volt?

The short answer to your question is the ASOS+X beats all of the other $300.00 cables in my eyes. I thought I made that clear in the review? At least all the $300.00 cables I've tried, but a lot depends on if you want a slight modification output or not. Like the Renata is smoother and warmer and puts out fires with brighter IEMs, the ASOS+X does not, it leaves the color and tone the same and improves due to technicalities like stage, clarity and imaging.

"Regarding bulk/weight, Voltage+Pyramid weighs only 62 grams in total. EST50+GS849 weighs only 56 grams total."
Yes, the Voltage and Pyramid weighs only 62 grams but the ASOS+X by itself is 69 grams.......still the Pyramid is way smaller and lighter, which is its selling point. But remember even though the Pyramid is slightly more expensive than the ASOS+X, I still like the ASOS+X generally more, due to slightly less color. Remember this cable business is about mixing and matching........there is not one single cable for all IEMs probably to your ears? So if you read my first disclaimer the Renata, and Pyramid, the T-OCC and OCC849 and Penon Bass are all alloy cables that own a very slight sound or tone. There is nothing wrong with that, except it is fundamentally different than the ASOS+X. It's like the ASOS+X is the Fender Strat and the rest are the Gibson Les Paul. Neither are wrong, it is just a different tone.

Still the very best thing to do is not get hung-up on this weight thing. I mean I addressed it in the review, as how could you not? But don't worry about a thing, the ASOS+X is totally ergonomic and not heavy...........don't let fear get in the way of your personal happiness.


The ASOS+X is my most favorite cable ever.......one I never expected and never would have guessed could exist.

Pros: Same ideas as the original ASOS, only a Palladium “Purple” Plug and “Purple” 2Pins, plus 4 more cable strands of wire
Denser note-weight with added separation into
imaging, as opposed to the original ASOS
Relatively neutral, avoiding all ways to color the tonal response
Enhanced soundstage and midrange girth on every IEM tested
Increased imaging size and perceived resolution
Slightly warmer than original ASOS, due to use of Palladium Plug and 2Pins
Not the same as just putting a 3-in-1 modular Purple Plug on the original ASOS
Incredibly well rounded performer, going with all IEMs and all DAPs
Gains timbre improvements with Hybrids from the original ASOS
Permanent non-removable 4.4mm plug
Supple though larger size, at 69 grams total in weight
Reduced Microphonics, and minimal cable noise, even if you knock it against stuff
Can come with or with-out ear-hooks
Adds extra detail ornamentation from the cable your IEM came with

Cons: Expensive at $319.00, yet it may be all the cable you ever need?
Totally noticeable when out and about, with you looking like a Head-Fi Gangster, for real

Spoiler: Disclaimer from review

I want you the reader to understand one very important feature about this cable. While still using silver plated copper alloys, the ASOS+X is fundamentally different from the run of recent Penon/ISN cables to me. Now this is not a question about which is better or not. It is obviously a question of cable personality in the end. It has to do with what tone you are after, as each and every Penon/ISN cable ends-up subtly different from one another. But to clarify these differences, the Penon Pyramid is more the Gibson Les Paul sounding guitar and this ASOS+X is the Fender Strat. Both play wonderful music, but they have slightly different jobs to do. To where really I put the Penon OCC849 as well as the Penon Renata, the ISN T-OCC and even the Penon Bass Cable into their own separate category, and this ASOS line apart from that in how the ASOS, ASOS+ and ASOS+X handle and work with their intrinsic sonic airiness.

 

[emdeevee]

I like the spirit of the review, but why compare only ~$300 IEMs with a $300 cable? Seems strange. How does the $1200 Voltage sound with the Asos+X? Or another $1k+ IEM?

How does the Asos+X compare with other $300 cables? That would help add some context.

Regarding bulk/weight, Voltage+Pyramid weighs only 62 grams in total. EST50+GS849 weighs only 56 grams total.

Asos+X alone at 69 grams is pretty heavy by comparison. Just sayin.

Ever since I got this cable, it has been attached to my Voltage, which prior had Pyramid, and then EA Code 24c. I only just took it off to test with Fan 3. It's a perfect match to Voltage imho, doing pretty much exactly what @Redcarmoose said. Namely, not coloring the presentation, but expanding the stage and perceived air and separation. He's right that it's a neutral cable, and he's right that it will transparently refine, bulk up, and widen the sound. It does that to Voltage.

 

[Redcarmoose]

Ever since I got this cable, it has been attached to my Voltage, which prior had Pyramid, and then EA Code 24c. I only just took it off to test with Fan 3. It's a perfect match to Voltage imho, doing pretty much exactly what @Redcarmoose said. Namely, not coloring the presentation, but expanding the stage and perceived air and separation. He's right that it's a neutral cable, and he's right that it will transparently refine, bulk up, and widen the sound. It does that to Voltage.

Thank-you, thank-you.

This cable stuff can be a little confusing and convoluted at the same time. I simply try and call it as I see it. Both the Penon Pyramid and ASOS+X are both great and there are reports of members getting great results from the Pyramid cable. It's just there is minimal correction properties to the ASOS+X.......it lets the true soul of the IEM come out and play.

With the Noble Audio K-10 Encore I would choose the Renata over the ASOS+X due to how it subdues tone and slightly colors the sound. There is nothing wrong with that color, in fact it is just what the Dr. ordered with the Encore! Cheers!

 

[DrewVz]

To me, weight is a very real consideration. A lightweight cable has a meaningful effect on effective soundstage and a sense of realism. Even cables that aren't even as good sounding as the heavier cables can be preferred because you can get lost in the sound with the lighter offering. There is definitely a limit, I think everyone can agree on that. But is it 69 grams? 59? 49? Or more? 79? 89? Who knows, but all I know is that lighter is better.

Many variables for sure. But I'm just saying that weight can be a big one. I may try an Asos+X just because I love experimenting with gear. But I do so knowing up front that there are some drawbacks.

 

[Redcarmoose]

To me, weight is a very real consideration. A lightweight cable has a meaningful effect on effective soundstage and a sense of realism. Even cables that aren't even as good sounding as the heavier cables can be preferred because you can get lost in the sound with the lighter offering. There is definitely a limit, I think everyone can agree on that. But is it 69 grams? 59? 49? Or more? 79? 89? Who knows, but all I know is that lighter is better.

Many variables for sure. But I'm just saying that weight can be a big one. I may try an Asos+X just because I love experimenting with gear. But I do so knowing up front that there are some drawbacks.

If you look at my reviews I do have many cables of many sizes, and yes super thin cables can be nice, but also those hair thin ones I'm more careful with. To where in the end I look at each cable as its own thing. Some may gain this extra thickness in stage from added material. Remember Penon never planned to make this cable, member Bosk only suggested it as a reality. But the sound is from the amount of strands, does the extra 4 strands (to make a total of 12) make a noticeable difference? Sure. Would many be happy with the 8 strand ASOS+, absolutely. Could a person still buy the original 8 strand ASOS and fall in love........of course. You see there is a special demeanor that the ASOS line holds, presenting an honesty that is true to the IEM. The ASOS+ was invented to address maybe a way to gain extra density and realism, but if it never existed you would be fine still in just using the regular ASOS. It's just that this added thickness from the ASOS+ and ASOS+X is real and conforms to the lust for more sound. The crazy part is this cable is color free, though if you have an IEM that responds too dark or too bright for your uses, another cable choice could be better?

 

[Bosk]

To me, weight is a very real consideration. A lightweight cable has a meaningful effect on effective soundstage and a sense of realism. Even cables that aren't even as good sounding as the heavier cables can be preferred because you can get lost in the sound with the lighter offering. There is definitely a limit, I think everyone can agree on that. But is it 69 grams? 59? 49? Or more? 79? 89? Who knows, but all I know is that lighter is better.

Many variables for sure. But I'm just saying that weight can be a big one. I may try an Asos+X just because I love experimenting with gear. But I do so knowing up front that there are some drawbacks.

ASOS+X is heavy, but extremely flexible. In my experience flexibility is a far bigger factor for cable comfort, a key reason being when you listen at a desk or lying down the majority of a cable's weight is borne by the desk, couch or bed so you stop noticing it, whereas a stiff cable that's unwieldy can be aggravating whenever you turn your head regardless of whether you're sitting down or not.

That's not to say ASOS+X's weight isn't a factor. Yes its noticeable, and only by trying it (or a cable of similar weight) will you know if that bothers you.

On purely ergonomic grounds I would choose ASOS+X over a cable like EA's Code 24, or even Penon's Renata. Those stiffer 2 wire cables may be lighter than ASOS+X, but an increase in stiffness impacts my feeling of comfort much more than an extra 20 or so grams.

I understand ASOS+X cables are in high demand right now, so if you purchase one & don't like it you'd probably take a minimal hit putting it up for sale. Of all the cables I've tried over the past few years (with prices ranging from USD $10 - $4,000+) ASOS+X is hands down the one I'd most encourage folks with minimal cable experience to try.

 

[Redcarmoose]

I went and edited the review to included a header for the IEM test section. Thank-you for the input.

"Today I will test the $799.00 Penon Volt, the $499.00 Penon 10th Anniversary and the $349.00 ISN H60 IEMs with the ASOS+X."

I like the spirit of the review, but why compare only ~$300 IEMs with a $300 cable? Seems strange. How does the $1200 Voltage sound with the Asos+X? Or another $1k+ IEM?

How does the Asos+X compare with other $300 cables? That would help add some context.

Regarding bulk/weight, Voltage+Pyramid weighs only 62 grams in total. EST50+GS849 weighs only 56 grams total.

Asos+X alone at 69 grams is pretty heavy by comparison. Just sayin.

 

[Redcarmoose]

ASOS+X is heavy, but extremely flexible. In my experience flexibility is a far bigger factor for cable comfort, a key reason being when you listen at a desk or lying down the majority of a cable's weight is borne by the desk, couch or bed so you stop noticing it, whereas a stiff cable that's unwieldy can be aggravating whenever you turn your head regardless of whether you're sitting down or not.

That's not to say ASOS+X's weight isn't a factor. Yes its noticeable, and only by trying it (or a cable of similar weight) will you know if that bothers you.

On purely ergonomic grounds I would choose ASOS+X over a cable like EA's Code 24, or even Penon's Renata. Those stiffer 2 wire cables may be lighter than ASOS+X, but an increase in stiffness impacts my feeling of comfort much more than an extra 20 or so grams.

I understand ASOS+X cables are in high demand right now, so if you purchase one & don't like it you'd probably take a minimal hit putting it up for sale. Of all the cables I've tried over the past few years (with prices ranging from USD $10 - $4,000+) ASOS+X is hands down the one I'd most encourage folks with minimal cable experience to try.

Lol......ASOS+X is not stiff. I was going to included a photograph of the strange phenomena of the ASOS+X bending, falling off the top of my DAP when in the holder, the ASOS+X can bend like water, it is really a confusing thing to look at the pictures and come to the realization of just how flexible this cable is!

 

[Redcarmoose]

Lol......ASOS+X is not stiff. I was going to included a photograph of the strange phenomena of the ASOS+X bending, falling off the top of my DAP when in the holder, the ASOS+X can bend like water, it is really a confusing thing to look at the pictures and come to the realization of just how flexible this cable is!

For real........here is the bend while in a DAP in a holder with the 10th Anniversary IEM hooked-up siting on a table below.

 

[Redcarmoose]

Now I'm starting on my next review of the Paiaudio PDM4 and the crazy part is it is totally 100% different from the first impressions I did. The difference you ask, I can only guess it is from 7 full days of burn-in. To where the PDM4 was a little on the foggy side and held a stage that wasn't totally separated, but still nice. At only $109.00 you take the reality of what is provided and work with it. But then the un-imaginable happened. Yep, the PDM4 came alive. What was slightly sleepy became an expansion of treble detail and clarity. Now my issue is the included cable worked OK before burn-in, but now the sound was almost too contrasty and was even more alive than the previous PDM7 I just reviewed. Now the funny part was the PDM4 and PDM7 both come with the same cable, it looks like? Yet I got a wild idea to test how the ASOS+X worked..................the results?

Here the smoothing and imaging factors of the ASOS+X came into action to actually quiet down and bring the treble out into better clarity. Normally we think of cable that adds clarity as adding brightness, but this is not the case with the ASOS+X. In fact it was incredible just how expensive this little $109.00 IEM sounded with the ASOS+X. Do I recommend the union? Well it's not practical, but if you already had the ASOS+X laying around and came in contact with the PDM4, you would be knocked off your chair by the results.

The included cable was just so much brighter to the point that it was still OK for listening if that was all you had, except the proof into which the ASOS+X is.........was almost never so valid and true. At times we maybe need lesser priced IEMs to fully realize what an aftermarket cable is capable of!

Paiaudio PDM4 3BA + 1 Dynamic Driver Hybrid 2Pin 0.78mm HiFi In-ear Earphone IEMs
Specification
Brand: Paiaudio
Model: PDM4
Driver: 3 Balanced Armature +1 Dynamic Driver
Impedance:22Ω±1%
Sensitivity: 110±1dB
Frequency range: 20-20kHz
Connector: 0.78 2pin
Jack:3.5mm audio/4.4mm balanced
Cable: Silver-plated Single crystal copper
Cable Length:1.3m
Earphone plug type: Line Tpye
Package
Paiaudio PDM4

 

[Redcarmoose]

The incredible size difference between the ASOS+ and the ASOS+X, the change from 8 stands to 12 seems like more?

ASOS+ top
ASOS+X bottom

 

[emdeevee]

ASOS+X is heavy, but extremely flexible. In my experience flexibility is a far bigger factor for cable comfort, a key reason being when you listen at a desk or lying down the majority of a cable's weight is borne by the desk, couch or bed so you stop noticing it, whereas a stiff cable that's unwieldy can be aggravating whenever you turn your head regardless of whether you're sitting down or not.

That's not to say ASOS+X's weight isn't a factor. Yes its noticeable, and only by trying it (or a cable of similar weight) will you know if that bothers you.

On purely ergonomic grounds I would choose ASOS+X over a cable like EA's Code 24, or even Penon's Renata. Those stiffer 2 wire cables may be lighter than ASOS+X, but an increase in stiffness impacts my feeling of comfort much more than an extra 20 or so grams.

I understand ASOS+X cables are in high demand right now, so if you purchase one & don't like it you'd probably take a minimal hit putting it up for sale. Of all the cables I've tried over the past few years (with prices ranging from USD $10 - $4,000+) ASOS+X is hands down the one I'd most encourage folks with minimal cable experience to try.

Thank you, thank you, thank you, for suggesting they do this! The cable of the year under $1000 for certain!