Lovely review. Just received the Eros S to use with my Jomo Spyders and am so blown away with the instrument separation and depth of sound = couldn’t be happier. Thank you for making it all make sense.
Just received the ares s for my ie 600 I could hear the difference, The treble feels neutral & could hear more punch in the low end, I’m totally loving this cable, goes well with ie 600
I always thought all audiophile or iem cables were audiophile snake oil but now i realize that not every cable is audiophile snake oil so thanks for opening my eyes lachlan.
Glad I could help, Erick. Some will always want to maintain the view that cables can't make a difference, but I've tried so many now that there's no doubt in my mind. Of course, not every "upgrade" cable is necessarily better, but they all have the potential to impart subtle (but noticeable) changes
@@PassionforSound Music is for listening enjoyment so I don't really get caught up with the gear, I'm not a audiophile but I do enjoy music represented the way its intended to be heard, Lachlan you should post short form videos on tiktok I think tiktok is the place to go when you're trying to expand your audience, I really like your channel and I have a feeling others will as well.
Hello :) and what about the clarity, any real differnce between the eros S and the Ares S, or maybe just a perception of a better clarity by a brighter sound?
Yes. No difference in clarity, just perception of clarity with the character of the sound changing (with the Eros perhaps coming across with a touch more sense of clarity)
Awesome and detailed review on these 2 cables. Recently I’m looking for a cable to pair with my Monarch MK3, considering the EA signature series. Which one do you think pairs better ?
I've been considering getting the Ares S cable for some time now. I remember you reviewed that OEAudio Copper Cable, the build quality is not that impressive with OEAudio Cable but is it comparable to Ares S in sound quality?
As a sound engineer, the ONLY differences that cables carrying an audio signal can make are a marginal deviation in the Sound Pressure Level depending on the inductance and resistance levels of the specific cable. No cable manufacturer has ever published research and verifiable measurements to support their marketing declarations that cables make significant differences in the frequency response.
Unfortunately, a lack of evidence doesn't equate to proof. Until someone provides specific evidence in one direction or the other, those of us that hear specific differences between cables will continue to challenge this viewpoint. Also, you might want to check out some of the technical discussions in this video before you debate this topic too hard: th-cam.com/video/v3nZM2BP9Ew/w-d-xo.htmlsi=8AzrToLKT6e72u5B
Last statement is just false. For ultra low impedance headphones (close to 0 ohm) there have been measurements that show clear change in the FR with different cables. Those are extreme cases but still.
I'd take the pure copper Ares because I don't feel like the IE900 needs any additional brightness. Just be sure you can get the right connectors because the IE900 use a non-standard MMCX
While I do hear sonic differences among different cables, I don’t think it’s necessary to pay Effect Audio prices to achieve those differences. They can be had at cheaper pricing.
I agree that cheaper cables can often get very close if not the same result. Sometimes it's also about the fit and finish of the cables though (i.e. if people care about that). The Effect Audio cables have a lovely feel of quality to them that I think justifies their price alongside their performance.
I did not believe in cables at first so I bought the kinera leyding for my u12t, I noticed right away that the music did not sound as wide as the stock cable, keep in my mind that all of this was using the MX module with should be the most open sounding. I later gave the eros a try since it was 200 USD cheaper than the 64 audio premium silver cable. I enjoy the Eros S with my U12t it does give it space, at least as much as I needed; now I can use the M20 module(apex module with the most isolation) and with the Eros S, it honestly feels like using the MX module but with the added benefits of a bit more bass and noise Isolation. I did not feel much of a difference with the ie300(you can swap the connection of the effect audio cable to mmcx) nor the blon 3.
I agree that the modular terminations are great, but I don't think it's a huge issue. Buying a 4.4mm terminated cable and then a couple of adapters sets you up for all sorts of situations because the adapters will work across other IEMs and headphones too, but the modular cable is only helpful for the one IEM.
Cables certainly affect earphone sound either for better or worse,we just don't understand the science behind what cable would suit certain earphone better.Buying cable for one earphone does not guarantee improved sound quality due to both impedence and decibels differences. Infact a cable would most likely change the sound of a least expected earphone due to impedence and decibel, resistance matching and not the earphone that's intended for.
Basically it has to do with the internal resistance of the cable depending on what material is used. A pure coppar cable will sound a bit fuller and a pure silver cable will sound a bit thinner in gerneral. Also the thickness of the cable plays a part.
Good point, Suntan. I find that different cables I own suit certain IEMs in my collection so it's about pairing them effectively. As you said, Andreas, resistance plays a part, but also structure (stranded vs litz), plating thickness and how that influences the skin effect for the wire, etc. There are SO many variables. 🙂
We understand the individual principles. The challenge is that even scientists using advanced modelling can't accurately predict the influence of those factors on the resulting sound.
That's the reason I don't prefer mixing metals in cables especially silver plated copper making the sound shrill, shouty and unnatural.... Also I once tried the double strand Ares (8 cores) it was a bass canon
I definitely agree about most SPC cables (the Meze SPC cables for Empyrean and Elite somehow defy that trend, but they're the only one I've found). The hybrid Eros cable was a pleasant surprise though.
Silver cable is too expensive for its benefits (if any), and even ruin the idea of good cable and good pricing. Too much treble and too little ompffh/weight. Interesting that you think it’s the bass that’s suppressed.
I might have phrased it in a way that was misleading. I feel that the bass is reduced perceptually, but that could be a result of increased treble emphasis. 🙂
Many reviewers are in believe of reviewing the iem but 40 percent of the sound of the iem comes from the cable 😅😂😂 just try yourself and hear the truth.
Hi I really enjoy your content and suggestions. Whenever I see a reviewer saying they can hear a difference between cables, I start doubting their overall credibility . I am on the fence with the idea of changing cables to vary sound quality. I have 20+ iems and variety of medium priced cables. Never head a difference so never bothered going high end. Can you please do a test where you pick a very good iem and a very good source and test 5 cables with varying materials(and claims) and plot the frequency response using a scientific method? If you see a variation, it'll will once and for all settle this subject for me especially if coming from you. Thanks
Hi Inter Stellar and thanks for approaching this respectfully! I can completely understand where you're coming from and unfortunately the cables don't alter the frequency response graph, but that's not to say they have no impact on sound. There are multiple, scientifically proven and predictable influences that wire types (metals, geometries, insulation materials, etc.) can have on the signal passing through it. Every cable no matter how simple or expensive and complex acts as an electrical filter on the signal passing through it due to the combination of resistance, inductance and capacitance. All of this is understood by physicists - there's nothing mysterious or magical here. Where things do get tricky though is in finding a measurement that captures the end result on the listening experience, especially for a hobbyist/enthusiast like me who doesn't have 10,000s of dollars to spend on specific cable analysis equipment. What I would recommend is watching at least some of this video: th-cam.com/video/v3nZM2BP9Ew/w-d-xo.html This is the designer of cables for the brand, Iconoclast. I haven't heard the cables and am not recommending them, but he explains very clearly all of the scientific principles and measurements that alter what we hear at the other end. The other points worth mentioning in relation to you not hearing a difference between cables are that: 1) you might be better off that way and 2) there's a significant body of research covering the fact that we can train our brains to hear more acutely. It's not a case of some being born with "golden ears" so much as just using listening skills causes the brain to develop additional pathways and strengths. For example, musicians (and not only good ones) will naturally develop more refined abilities within their auditory brain just by focusing their attention on the practice of music. The book, "Of Sound Mind" by Nina Kraus presents the topic really well. I hope this helps and sorry I can't directly provide the measurements you're looking for
@@PassionforSound that's a great answer! When I started this hobby, I wasn't able to even hear the noise from my Bluetooth in ears or bass bleed. I wasn't able to even hear a difference between wired and wireless earphones. And after thousands of listening hours the brain and perception is to a point where I never thought it could be 🙏. Now it's easy to find differences in every cable comparing side by side, but as I said it's bad for the wallet 😁
@@PassionforSound Firstly let's get this out of the way, cables can and do alter the frequency response in the context of high power, low and variable impedance speakers. That is in fact the entire point of the Iconoclast video you linked. He gives an example of a speaker with impedance varying wildly from 4 to 17 ohms. So with a speaker cable that's, say dozens of meters long, it's possible to get a cable impedance about the same as the speaker's impedance. This is the point where the cable + speaker circuit acts the most like a voltage divider and hence changes the voltage drop across the speaker at different frequencies, thus altering the frequency response (have a look at the calcs he does at 1:25:18, it explains why a highly variable load impedance together with a high enough cable impedance changes frequency response). I highly doubt some 2 meter headphone cables are going to have a high enough impedance to do much compared to a headphone's impedance (10 ohms at least?), unless I see some pretty convincing data. Now, that video does explain the effect of impedance rising significantly at low frequencies due to capacitance (1:38:41) and it is a valid consideration for speakers. But again, with headphones, even if the cable impedance went up by, say 10x from 0.1 to 1 ohm depending on frequency, that's still nothing compared to most headphones.
Lovely review. Just received the Eros S to use with my Jomo Spyders and am so blown away with the instrument separation and depth of sound = couldn’t be happier. Thank you for making it all make sense.
That's great news, Ann! Thanks for sharing your experience.
Just received the ares s for my ie 600
I could hear the difference, The treble feels neutral & could hear more punch in the low end, I’m totally loving this cable, goes well with ie 600
That's great news! Thanks for sharing your experiences!!
I always thought all audiophile or iem cables were audiophile snake oil but now i realize that not every cable is audiophile snake oil so thanks for opening my eyes lachlan.
@@susokraut3169 I'm assuming that's a good thing
Glad I could help, Erick. Some will always want to maintain the view that cables can't make a difference, but I've tried so many now that there's no doubt in my mind. Of course, not every "upgrade" cable is necessarily better, but they all have the potential to impart subtle (but noticeable) changes
@@PassionforSound Music is for listening enjoyment so I don't really get caught up with the gear, I'm not a audiophile but I do enjoy music represented the way its intended to be heard, Lachlan you should post short form videos on tiktok I think tiktok is the place to go when you're trying to expand your audience, I really like your channel and I have a feeling others will as well.
I picked up the Norne Drausk for my hd800S and it's a phenomenal product.
Glad you're enjoying the cable, Ace. Norne make some great options.
Eros price is a killer :) Ares on the other hand looks like a solid option, not cheap ofc but have some nice accessory
Both cables are excellent for the price IMO
I think its stupid price
Fair enough
@@margaperex7059 stupid for some low budget guys..
@@margaperex7059stupid for those who do not have cash to buy one
Hello :) and what about the clarity, any real differnce between the eros S and the Ares S, or maybe just a perception of a better clarity by a brighter sound?
Yes. No difference in clarity, just perception of clarity with the character of the sound changing (with the Eros perhaps coming across with a touch more sense of clarity)
Awesome and detailed review on these 2 cables. Recently I’m looking for a cable to pair with my Monarch MK3, considering the EA signature series. Which one do you think pairs better ?
I'd personally put the Ares S with the Monarch to bring a little more weight to the mids.
@@PassionforSound got it thank you
Thank you for great review. Which of these cables would you recommend for vision ears VE8?
Glad you liked the review! Unfortunately I haven't tried the VE8 to comment - sorry!
I've been considering getting the Ares S cable for some time now. I remember you reviewed that OEAudio Copper Cable, the build quality is not that impressive with OEAudio Cable but is it comparable to Ares S in sound quality?
No, the Ares S is a clearly better cable in build and sound quality. The OE is nice if you want super light, but otherwise go the Ares S
As a sound engineer, the ONLY differences that cables carrying an audio signal can make are a marginal deviation in the Sound Pressure Level depending on the inductance and resistance levels of the specific cable. No cable manufacturer has ever published research and verifiable measurements to support their marketing declarations that cables make significant differences in the frequency response.
Unfortunately, a lack of evidence doesn't equate to proof. Until someone provides specific evidence in one direction or the other, those of us that hear specific differences between cables will continue to challenge this viewpoint.
Also, you might want to check out some of the technical discussions in this video before you debate this topic too hard: th-cam.com/video/v3nZM2BP9Ew/w-d-xo.htmlsi=8AzrToLKT6e72u5B
That's not right at all, been playing guitar a long time. Cables matter. Period.
Last statement is just false. For ultra low impedance headphones (close to 0 ohm) there have been measurements that show clear change in the FR with different cables. Those are extreme cases but still.
@@KanyeWestFan69 - the magnitude of stupidity of your response and lack of understanding does not even warrant a response.
which of these 2 cables will be a better match for the Sennheiser ie900?
I'd take the pure copper Ares because I don't feel like the IE900 needs any additional brightness. Just be sure you can get the right connectors because the IE900 use a non-standard MMCX
@@PassionforSound thanks the effect audio cables fit the ie900. I demoed them in an audio store today. Thanks for the reply
While I do hear sonic differences among different cables, I don’t think it’s necessary to pay Effect Audio prices to achieve those differences. They can be had at cheaper pricing.
I agree that cheaper cables can often get very close if not the same result. Sometimes it's also about the fit and finish of the cables though (i.e. if people care about that). The Effect Audio cables have a lovely feel of quality to them that I think justifies their price alongside their performance.
I did not believe in cables at first so I bought the kinera leyding for my u12t, I noticed right away that the music did not sound as wide as the stock cable, keep in my mind that all of this was using the MX module with should be the most open sounding. I later gave the eros a try since it was 200 USD cheaper than the 64 audio premium silver cable. I enjoy the Eros S with my U12t it does give it space, at least as much as I needed; now I can use the M20 module(apex module with the most isolation) and with the Eros S, it honestly feels like using the MX module but with the added benefits of a bit more bass and noise Isolation. I did not feel much of a difference with the ie300(you can swap the connection of the effect audio cable to mmcx) nor the blon 3.
So glad you had a chance to try for yourself! Thanks for sharing your experiences
@@PassionforSound Of course! love the content. I hope to see more!
Imagine releasing a premium cable with fixed termination in this day and age when even budget cables tend to be modular more and more.
I agree that the modular terminations are great, but I don't think it's a huge issue. Buying a 4.4mm terminated cable and then a couple of adapters sets you up for all sorts of situations because the adapters will work across other IEMs and headphones too, but the modular cable is only helpful for the one IEM.
Wow I can hear the difference 😁
Cables certainly affect earphone sound either for better or worse,we just don't understand the science behind what cable would suit certain earphone better.Buying cable for one earphone does not guarantee improved sound quality due to both impedence and decibels differences. Infact a cable would most likely change the sound of a least expected earphone due to impedence and decibel, resistance matching and not the earphone that's intended for.
Basically it has to do with the internal resistance of the cable depending on what material is used. A pure coppar cable will sound a bit fuller and a pure silver cable will sound a bit thinner in gerneral. Also the thickness of the cable plays a part.
Good point, Suntan. I find that different cables I own suit certain IEMs in my collection so it's about pairing them effectively.
As you said, Andreas, resistance plays a part, but also structure (stranded vs litz), plating thickness and how that influences the skin effect for the wire, etc. There are SO many variables. 🙂
How can you dont? Do you learn physics in a high school? Ever you learn about conductor, isolator and something like that?
We understand the individual principles. The challenge is that even scientists using advanced modelling can't accurately predict the influence of those factors on the resulting sound.
That's the reason I don't prefer mixing metals in cables especially silver plated copper making the sound shrill, shouty and unnatural....
Also I once tried the double strand Ares (8 cores) it was a bass canon
I definitely agree about most SPC cables (the Meze SPC cables for Empyrean and Elite somehow defy that trend, but they're the only one I've found). The hybrid Eros cable was a pleasant surprise though.
@@PassionforSound btw looking forward to test the Caldera?
Silver cable is too expensive for its benefits (if any), and even ruin the idea of good cable and good pricing.
Too much treble and too little ompffh/weight. Interesting that you think it’s the bass that’s suppressed.
I might have phrased it in a way that was misleading. I feel that the bass is reduced perceptually, but that could be a result of increased treble emphasis. 🙂
Many reviewers are in believe of reviewing the iem but 40 percent of the sound of the iem comes from the cable 😅😂😂 just try yourself and hear the truth.
But what if it's a wireless iem ?
Hi I really enjoy your content and suggestions. Whenever I see a reviewer saying they can hear a difference between cables, I start doubting their overall credibility . I am on the fence with the idea of changing cables to vary sound quality. I have 20+ iems and variety of medium priced cables. Never head a difference so never bothered going high end. Can you please do a test where you pick a very good iem and a very good source and test 5 cables with varying materials(and claims) and plot the frequency response using a scientific method? If you see a variation, it'll will once and for all settle this subject for me especially if coming from you. Thanks
Good for your wallet if you don't hear a difference be very happy with that 👌
Hi Inter Stellar and thanks for approaching this respectfully! I can completely understand where you're coming from and unfortunately the cables don't alter the frequency response graph, but that's not to say they have no impact on sound.
There are multiple, scientifically proven and predictable influences that wire types (metals, geometries, insulation materials, etc.) can have on the signal passing through it. Every cable no matter how simple or expensive and complex acts as an electrical filter on the signal passing through it due to the combination of resistance, inductance and capacitance. All of this is understood by physicists - there's nothing mysterious or magical here.
Where things do get tricky though is in finding a measurement that captures the end result on the listening experience, especially for a hobbyist/enthusiast like me who doesn't have 10,000s of dollars to spend on specific cable analysis equipment.
What I would recommend is watching at least some of this video: th-cam.com/video/v3nZM2BP9Ew/w-d-xo.html
This is the designer of cables for the brand, Iconoclast. I haven't heard the cables and am not recommending them, but he explains very clearly all of the scientific principles and measurements that alter what we hear at the other end.
The other points worth mentioning in relation to you not hearing a difference between cables are that: 1) you might be better off that way and 2) there's a significant body of research covering the fact that we can train our brains to hear more acutely. It's not a case of some being born with "golden ears" so much as just using listening skills causes the brain to develop additional pathways and strengths. For example, musicians (and not only good ones) will naturally develop more refined abilities within their auditory brain just by focusing their attention on the practice of music. The book, "Of Sound Mind" by Nina Kraus presents the topic really well.
I hope this helps and sorry I can't directly provide the measurements you're looking for
@@PassionforSound that's a great answer! When I started this hobby, I wasn't able to even hear the noise from my Bluetooth in ears or bass bleed. I wasn't able to even hear a difference between wired and wireless earphones. And after thousands of listening hours the brain and perception is to a point where I never thought it could be 🙏.
Now it's easy to find differences in every cable comparing side by side, but as I said it's bad for the wallet 😁
@@PassionforSound Thanks for the very detailed response. Will certainly explore this further.
@@PassionforSound Firstly let's get this out of the way, cables can and do alter the frequency response in the context of high power, low and variable impedance speakers. That is in fact the entire point of the Iconoclast video you linked. He gives an example of a speaker with impedance varying wildly from 4 to 17 ohms. So with a speaker cable that's, say dozens of meters long, it's possible to get a cable impedance about the same as the speaker's impedance. This is the point where the cable + speaker circuit acts the most like a voltage divider and hence changes the voltage drop across the speaker at different frequencies, thus altering the frequency response (have a look at the calcs he does at 1:25:18, it explains why a highly variable load impedance together with a high enough cable impedance changes frequency response). I highly doubt some 2 meter headphone cables are going to have a high enough impedance to do much compared to a headphone's impedance (10 ohms at least?), unless I see some pretty convincing data.
Now, that video does explain the effect of impedance rising significantly at low frequencies due to capacitance (1:38:41) and it is a valid consideration for speakers. But again, with headphones, even if the cable impedance went up by, say 10x from 0.1 to 1 ohm depending on frequency, that's still nothing compared to most headphones.
🤣🤣🤣