Select Comparisons
Effect Audio Ares S II
Technical & Design
With half of the cable effectively being the Ares S II, it borrows the 4-wire, 26 AWG setup and mixes it with the Cadmus II for the other half.
The cable brings along the internal wire structure of both cables. The design remains similar to all the other cables from the Signature Series II, with the same termination adapter, splitter, and 2-pin connectors, making it one of the siblings.
I believe the new AxC looks better than both the Ares S II and Cadmus II cables. The mix of copper and silver creates a very soothing contrast that complements both colors.
Together with the dark grey hardware on the cable, the overall presence emits sophistication.
Performance
The Ares S II is a very peculiar cable. Of all the three Signature Series II cables that were launched earlier, its pairing was a bit tricky for me.
The copper does help with gaining a certain level of richness and lushness, but on many IEMs, I found it to be a bit overwhelming, so much so that the pairing felt off.
With the Ares S II, I find the soundstage to be limiting. AxC helps with minimizing the problematic areas of the Ares S II. It introduces the good aspects of the Ares S II, and some of the issues I had with it are no longer present.
The low end does get some push along with the lower midrange. The sub-bass and mid-bass are more rounded and controlled, along with some spreading out, which helps widen the stage. The Ares S II sometimes feels too warm in the lower end, which impacts the performance.
In the midrange, the amount of warmth introduced is less compared to the Ares S II; thus, the resolution does not take a hit. The timbre is cleaner, and the details are more prominent with the AxC cable.
In the upper midrange to the lower treble region, the Ares S II exhibits extra crunchiness, which sometimes feels unnatural with some pairings.
On the AxC cable, this crunchiness is a tad smoother while still maintaining the crispiness of the Ares S II. It essentially brings in more openness to the sound.
In the treble region, the Ares S II remains very polite, whereas the AxC cable brings forth more detail and adds vibrancy to the mix. The treble notes are more detailed and carry more weight, thus making it sound more natural.
Effect Audio Cadmus II
Technical & Design
The configuration of the AxC shares half of Cadmus II and half of Ares S II, with some internal tweaking to match the two cable types for optimum performance.
It is not just about mixing the two cables and adding two flavors together; it is more about creating a new cable type post-composition.
Performance
I have always loved the Cadmus II. The refinement and energy it adds to the sound, for me, make it a winner. Does the AxC take the experience any further? It surely does.
The addition of the Ares S II flavor helps a lot. Starting with the low end, where Cadmus II lags, the new configuration helps attain a punchier, tighter bass response.
The bass is more expansive, and elements like texture and layering are a lot better here, with some enhancements in the lower midrange as well.
The midrange gains more prominence with a more analog and natural flavor. It is pushed a bit forward. The Ares S II flavor brings in more intimacy while everything remains very open and spacious.
The notes are taller and denser, with male vocals gaining a bit more weight, and female vocals getting more extension and detail. The level of refinement is a touch better than the Cadmus II, while the extra crunchiness that the Ares S II adds takes the experience to a new level.
Cadmus II is occasionally sharp in the treble region. AxC keeps it a bit relaxed but brings in more details and sparkle. The sense of openness and airiness is an immediate change that one can notice.
The soundstage presentation has more depth and is taller than the Cadmus II. There is more space among the instruments. AxC is a touch better in resolution, and the details are more prominent. The imaging is also more accurate as the notes are more detailed and vivid.
Effect Audio Eros S II
Technical
This is the only hybrid cable released originally with the Signature Series II cables. It is an 8-wire, 26AWG configuration crafted from ultra-pure OCC silver and copper Litz wires.
It uses a proprietary Tri-Element SynCompound design, incorporating a central pure silver core and six multi-sized core bundles of a silver-copper alloy and pure copper. This 1+6 internal structure is similar to the other cables in the series.
Design
The Eros S II has a very distinct look, which is quite different from its siblings. It has a dark grey tone, and the sleeve is a non-transparent one with a matte finish.
The other cables have transparent sleeves beneath which you can see the internal wires, but not with the Eros S II.
The Eros S II is the heaviest of all the cables due to its thicker outer layer and takes up more space when you roll it up. The elements, such as the termination adapter, splitter, and the 2-pin connection, all remain nearly the same.
Performance
Eros S II is not only distinct in its looks but is also quite different sonically. It combines the benefits of copper and silver, bringing changes in multiple areas.
Compared to the AxC, the immediate difference you notice is the incisive nature of the Eros S II, which brings a lot more transparency to the midrange and an extra hint of sparkle and air in the upper frequency regions. The AxC adds more warmth and is not as refined as the Eros S II.
For me, the bass performance is quite similar on both cables. It’s in the upper frequencies where you’d notice more differences. The midrange with the AxC has a hint of warmth, which the Eros S II lacks. The midrange also feels more natural.
The Eros S II reveals more details and maintains more energy throughout the midrange and treble region.
On some IEMs, the upper midrange can be a bit spicy with the Eros S II, while the region stays well in control with the AxC. The sense of openness is a bit more pronounced on the Eros S II.
Eros S II is technically ahead in staging and imaging aspects. The AxC, in a way, limits the stage width; thus, the Eros S II feels a bit more expansive and immersive. The images are sharper on the Eros S II, but the AxC is quite similar in imaging.
My Verdict
The Ares S II X Cadmus II AxC is a pleasant surprise from Effect Audio. If someone has spent enough time with the three cables from the Signature Series II, I am sure they would always want a cable that brings the flavors from the Ares S II and Cadmus II.
I am glad to report that it is not just a merging of the two flavors but rather taking the performance to new heights.
The cable uniquely borrows the warmth and low-end punch from the Ares S II and the elements of vibrancy and excitement from the Cadmus II.
Even if you own both cables, this new cable makes a compelling argument for its existence. If I were to choose one cable from the group, I would choose the AxC for its versatility, and the fact that it has better synergy with a wider range of IEMs makes it an even better choice among all the cables.
I happily recommend the AxC, and I hope to see more praise for this new cable.
Effect Audio Ares S II × Cadmus II A×C
- Spec: 26AWG 8 Wires
- Material: Copper + Silver-Plated Copper
- Sleeve: EA UltraFlexi™ Insulation
- Plug: 4.4mm Balance, EA Standard Rhodium-Plated Brass Straight Type
- Connector: 0.78 Dual-Pin, ConX® & TermX™ Basic Sets Interchangeable Connector/Plug System (IEM Version)
