Vortex Cables Impressions & Discussions Thread

[Sonic Sleuth]

I had the opportunity to test various audio cables from several brands, including the Vortex line, which I received as part of a review tour organized by @gadgetgod. I was thoroughly impressed with the quality of these cables and wanted to share my impressions. However, I couldn't find an existing thread dedicated to Vortex cables. Knowing that others have also tried these cables and would likely be interested in discussing and sharing their opinions, I decided to create this thread. Please note, I am not affiliated with Vortex in any way.

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Introducing Vortex Cables​

Established in 2018 and based in Hong Kong, Vortex Cables epitomizes "affordable luxury" in the world of audio accessories. Dedicated to superior tonal quality and meticulous craftsmanship, Vortex has quickly become a trusted name among audiophiles. Their commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of their product line, from the high-quality materials and innovative cable structures to the thoughtfully designed packaging.

Vortex’s partnership with Effect Audio-ConX marks a significant milestone, allowing them to integrate renowned connectors into their cables. Each product reflects Vortex’s principles of perseverance, enthusiasm, and sincerity, ensuring a premium experience without compromising affordability.

Explore the Vortex range and discover the perfect companion for your audio journey at Vortex Cables.

The following excerpt is from their website https://vortex-cables.com/


Perseverance, Enthusiasm, and Sincerity
With our unwavering dedication to tonal quality, our intuitive sense of accessory design, and our
pursuit of cable structure, Vortex was finally established in 2018 after a year of meticulous planning.
Our passion for pursuing tonal quality, pushing our own boundaries, and sharing our experiences with
fellow music enthusiasts has been at the heart of everything we do. Our principles of perseverance,
enthusiasm, and sincerity are not only the foundation of our brand, but also the reason we chose a
triangle as our logo. Let us be your trusted companion on your journey, walking alongside you every
step of the way.

Product Lineup​

Minerva​

Minerva is a stunning addition to the Vortex C.F.S. series, designed to deliver an immersive audio experience. With its vibrant and eye-catching appearance, Minerva is not just a cable but a statement piece, perfect for concluding the year with style and superior sound quality.

• Structure: Multi Strands Litz with Coaxial Shielding
• Material: 4N OCC Silver and Silver Plated 5N LC-OFC
• AWG: 22.7 AWG
• Connectors: Standard ConX Basic.
• Price: USD 459

​

Seraphina​

Seraphina is a masterpiece that balances heritage and innovation. It inherits the Shielded Twins Pair structure from Lavinia and incorporates the S-Z Multi Strand structure, ensuring superior signal transmission and stability. This cable is a testament to Vortex's commitment to delivering high-quality sound with a fashionable touch.

• Structure: Shielded Twisted Pair & S-Z Multi Strands with Shielded Twins Pair
• Material:
  • Shielding: Silver Plated OFC Copper
  • Core: Silver Plated 6N OCC Copper
• Gauge Size: 21.3 AWG
• Connectors: Standard ConX Basic.
• Price: USD 439

​

Lavinia​

Lavinia stands as the pinnacle of the C.F.S. series, showcasing Vortex's expertise in combining multiple materials for unparalleled sound quality. With its innovative Shielded Twisted Pair structure and the use of premium metals, Lavinia offers a rich and clear audio performance that sets it apart from other models.

• Structure: Shielded Twisted Pair & S-Z Strands
• Material:
  • Shielding: Silver Plated 5N OFC
  • Core: 4N Pure Silver, Gold Plated OCC Copper, Gold Plated 4N Silver, Palladium Plated 4N Silver
• Origin of Materials: Taiwan
• Gauge Size: 20.4 AWG
• Connectors: Standard ConX Basic.
• Price: USD 759

Elsa​

In 2023, the Vortex Mountain Series introduces Elsa, a regional limited edition cable that blends high color accuracy with new technologies like Ultra Twins Pair and Furukawa's silver-copper alloy for superior sound quality. Elsa incorporates Lavinia's Shielded Twins Pair and Tiana's S-Z Multi Strand structures, reducing EMI and enhancing signal clarity. With advanced Japanese NUC "air-injection" technology and a composite insulation damping layer, Elsa delivers an exceptional listening experience, setting a new standard in high-end audio cables.

• Structure: Shielded Twisted Pair & S-Z Multi Strands with Shielded Twins Pair
• Materials:
  • Shielding: Silver-plated OFC Copper
  • Core: Silver-Plated Furukawa Silver-Copper Alloy
• Gauge Size: 21.3 AWG
• Connectors: Standard ConX Basic.
• Price: USD 439

Alida

Reborn from the flames, Vortex redefines excellence with 'Alida'

In 2019, Vortex introduced the revolutionary 'Alida' cable for the 4.4mm TRRRS balanced interface. This innovative design mimicked an entire audio system, setting a new standard in the high-end cable market. After meticulous planning and development starting in 2018, 'Alida' featured cutting-edge stranding techniques and premium materials, including pure silver conductors with gold plating for perfectly balanced sound.

Following its success, Vortex launched the C.F.S. series in 2021, combining style, lightweight design, and superior shielding. Now, 'Alida' is being integrated into the C.F.S. series, ensuring its legacy as a classic in the Vortex brand.

• Structure : Double Shielded with Coaxial
• Materials: Pure silver conductor with gold plating, spiral and braided shields.
• Gauge Size: 20.5 AWG.
• Connectors: Standard ConX Basic.
• Price: $509 USD.

Eddie Squared​

In 2024, Vortex and Eddie present Eddie Squared, an entry-level upgrade cable that redefines standards with its high specification structure at an affordable price. Utilizing OCC copper and inspired by the flagship Lavinia cable, Eddie Squared features a Golden Ratio core structure for exceptional analytical power and charm.

The cable showcases a black and deep purple design, embodying Eddie's discreet yet renowned personality. Enhanced with a newly designed joint splitter and recognizable brand patterns, it exudes understated elegance.

A complete set of metal accessories, bearing Vortex’s distinctive logo and style, complements the cable. Opting for sleek, minimalist packaging, Eddie Squared includes a mysterious gift for purchasers, ensuring both value and sophistication.

Eddie Squared stands as a testament to the shared vision of Vortex and Eddie: delivering high-quality, cost-effective audio solutions to enthusiasts everywhere.

• Structure: Golden Ratio Strands with Shielded Twisted Pair
• Material:
  • Shielding : Silver plated 5N LC-OFC Copper
  • Core : High Purity OCC Copper
• Gauge Size: 21 AWG
• Connectors: Standard ConX Basic.
• Price: USD 299

The First HK Brand to Join the Strategic Alliance with Effect Audio ConX

In 2021, Vortex focused on developing premium cables, accessories, and packaging. Among the accessories, the connector from the renowned Singaporean brand Effect Audio, known as ConX, was highly coveted. After extensive efforts, they are proud to announce that Vortex has been granted authorization by Effect Audio, making them the first Hong Kong brand to form a strategic alliance with them. They are now directly authorized to use the ConX product on Vortex cables for sale.

 

[gadgetgod]

Thank you for making this thread bro. So which one is your favourite out of all these? So far I have noticed that they are highly dependent on pairing. Eddie Squared has been a solid one for my Madoo Type 512, and then Lavinia with Ruby, Flipears Artha. Minerva with Flipears Aurora. Alida has a fantastic combination with Singularity.

 

[Sonic Sleuth]

Thank you for making this thread bro. So which one is your favourite out of all these? So far I have noticed that they are highly dependent on pairing. Eddie Squared has been a solid one for my Madoo Type 512, and then Lavinia with Ruby, Flipears Artha. Minerva with Flipears Aurora. Alida has a fantastic combination with Singularity.

I am yet to try the Lavinia and Elsa but so far the Eddie Squared is the one to beat for price to performance ratio.

 

[Sonic Sleuth]

Picked I/O Volare to cable roll and test Seraphina, Minerva and Elsa.

 

[gadgetgod]

Picked I/O Volare to cable roll and test Seraphina, Minerva and Elsa.

So which of these are a good combination for the Volare??

 

[Sonic Sleuth]

So which of these are a good combination for the Volare??

Minerva paired the best with Volare. I have an Alpha Omega RA coming from a friend for audition. It would be interesting to see how these cables do with RA.

 

[gadgetgod]

Minerva paired the best with Volare. I have an Alpha Omega RA coming from a friend for audition. It would be interesting to see how these cables do with RA.

Oh nice nice, I also got the shipment of Ra today. It is a review tour sample i am supposed to be with for the next few days.

 

[Sonic Sleuth]

Ruby + Lavinia.

The Lavinia seemed to provide a tighter response in the mid-bass region. Additionally, there was a slight separation between the lower midrange and mid-bass, making micro details in male vocals more noticeable.

String-based instruments in the bass frequencies had a fuller body and a slightly slower decay, making them more pronounced in the mix.

I did not notice any changes in the sub-bass region.

The upper midrange appeared more defined. While female vocals remained largely unaffected, instruments such as the flute and violin gained a touch more prominence, adding a subtle emotional depth.

I couldn't discern any other changes in treble or soundstage.

I should note that these observations came after exhaustive A/B testing, and some might be influenced by placebo

Nonetheless, the Lavinia cable appeared to complement the Ruby, enhancing certain areas without detracting from its core sound.

 

[Sonic Sleuth]

Impressions of Vortex Eddie Squared:

IEMs tested with the cable:
- Madoo 512 (Pentaconn)
- Xelento remote 2nd gen (MMCX)
- Supernova (2-pin)

Sound impressions:
- Slightly increased mid-bass
- Improved control and depth in sub-bass
- Enhanced detail retrieval
- Maintains neutrality without skewing towards warmth or brightness
- Noticeable widening of soundstage while preserving mids

Madoo Type 512:
- Stock cable produced blunt bass and muddy sound
- Vortex cable provides cleaner sound with better bass control and spaciousness

Xelento 2nd gen:
- Xelento’s Stock cable lacks confidence in build quality which Eddie squared addresses.
- Vortex cable enhances transparency and detail without compromising sub bass rumble
- Tightens bass while adding brightness, improving overall detail retrieval.

Supernova:

- this IEM is near-perfect alignment with personal sound preferences
- Eddie Squared widens stage without affecting mids
- No significant change in bass frequencies, unlike with Madoo and Xelento.

 

[Sonic Sleuth]

Minerva Overall Sound Impressions:

• Enhanced clarity and detail retrieval: Across both IEMs, the Minerva brought out subtle nuances in the music that were previously less noticeable.
• Improved soundstage: The soundstage expanded, offering a more immersive and three-dimensional listening experience.
• Refined treble response: The Minerva helped to smooth out any harshness in the treble, particularly with the Elysian Pilgrim.
• Tighter bass control: Bass frequencies became more controlled and defined, adding to the overall clarity of the sound.
• Blacker background: The noise floor seemed to drop, allowing for a greater dynamic range and a more engaging listening experience.
• More cohesive presentation: The Minerva seemed to integrate the different frequency ranges more effectively, creating a more balanced and harmonious sound signature.
• Overall Potential Negatives:
  • While not a major issue, the slight reduction in warmth might not be preferred by those who prioritize a very warm and lush sound.
  • The increased clarity could make imperfections in poorly mastered tracks more apparent.

I/O Volare

• Increased clarity and detail retrieval: The Minerva brought out nuances in the music that I hadn't noticed before, especially in the midrange. Vocals and instruments sounded more distinct and layered.
• Wider and deeper soundstage: The soundstage felt noticeably more spacious, giving the music a more "live" and immersive feel.
• Tighter bass response: While the Volare already has great bass, the Minerva seemed to add a touch more control and definition, especially in complex tracks.
• Blacker background: With the Minerva, the background seemed quieter, allowing the music to shine through with less noise and a greater sense of dynamics.
• Potential Negative: I did notice a very slight decrease in warmth, but the overall gain in clarity and detail more than made up for it.

Elysian Pilgrim

• Smoother and more refined treble: The Pilgrim can be a bit hot in the treble with the stock cable, but the Minerva tamed that slightly, making for a more comfortable listening experience.
• Improved imaging: Instrument placement felt more precise and holographic with the Minerva.
• Enhanced midrange presence: Vocals and instruments in the midrange had a more natural and engaging tonality.
• Overall more cohesive presentation: The Minerva seemed to tie the different frequency ranges together more seamlessly, resulting in a more harmonious and enjoyable listening experience.
• Potential Negative: With some poorly mastered tracks, I felt the extra clarity exposed some imperfections in the recording.

 

[Sonic Sleuth]

Seraphina Impressions:

Overall Sound Impressions:

• Improvements:
  • Increased clarity and detail retrieval.
  • Wider soundstage.
  • Better instrument separation and definition.
• Negatives:
  • Stiffer cable.

I/O Volare (compared to stock cable):

• Improvements:
  • Added warmth to the overall sound.
  • More weight and impact to the bass.
  • Smoother and more nuanced vocals.
• Negatives:
  • Subtle difference compared to the stock cable.
  • Added warmth might not be preferred by everyone.

Elysian Pilgrim (compared to stock cable):

• Improvements:
  • Significant improvement in clarity and detail.
  • More holographic soundstage.
  • Enhanced overall resolution.
• Negatives:
  • Slightly emphasized treble, which might be fatiguing for some.

 

[Sonic Sleuth]

Elsa Impressions:

Overall Sound Impressions:

• Improvements:
  • Added sense of refinement and musicality.
  • Improved dynamics, with a more engaging and lively presentation.
  • Slightly smoother treble response.
• Negatives:
  • Improvements might be considered subtle by some.
  • Can slightly reduce bass impact (more noticeable with the Volare).
  • Might be a bit too warm for those who prefer a brighter sound (more noticeable with the Pilgrim).

I/O Volare (compared to stock cable):

• Improvements:
  • Enhanced sense of space and airiness.
  • Vocals sound more natural and emotive.
  • Improved separation between instruments.
• Negatives:
  • Difference might not be substantial due to the excellent stock cable.

Elysian Pilgrim (compared to stock cable):

• Improvements:
  • Tamed the Pilgrim's treble peak.
  • Improved overall coherence and musicality.
  • Enhanced the sense of depth in the soundstage.
• Negatives:
  • Some might find the smoother presentation takes away some excitement.

 

[Sonic Sleuth]

Alida Impressions:

Overall Sound Impressions:

• Improvements:
  • Alida brought a noticeable improvement in resolution and detail retrieval with both IEMs.
  • Soundstage widened, giving music a more spacious presentation.
  • Improved dynamics, particularly in the midrange, leading to a more engaging listen.
• Negatives:
  • The cable is quite thick and a bit stiff, which can affect its ergonomics.
  • Can slightly emphasize the upper midrange, which might make some vocals sound a bit forward.

I/O Volare (compared to stock cable):

• Improvements:
  • Added a sense of clarity and airiness to the Volare's sound.
  • Instruments are better separated and defined.
  • Improved transient response, making the music sound more lively.
• Negatives:
  • The difference compared to the stock cable might not be huge, as the Volare already has a great cable.
  • The slight upper midrange emphasis might make the Volare sound a touch less smooth.

Alpha Omega RA (compared to stock cable):

• Improvements:
  • Significantly improved detail retrieval and resolution.
  • Enhanced soundstage depth and imaging.
  • Brought out the nuances in the RA's bass response, making it more textured and defined.
• Negatives:
  • The upper midrange emphasis is more noticeable with the RA, which can make it sound a bit shouty with some tracks.
  • The cable's thickness might be cumbersome for users who prefer lighter cables.

 

[Hanesu]

Just received my Eddie Squared and luv it!