Select Comparisons
All comparisons made were completed using the Empire Ears EVO and the Mangird Xenns Up paired with the Cayin N8ii DAP as the source.
Effect Audio Ares II
$149 (Discontinued)
Technical
Ah, the good old trusty Ares II. The Ares II was a classic cable for its time and paired up with many great IEMs such as the Legend X and most of the current Empire Ears line-up.
The Effect Audio Ares II is a UP-OCC Copper Litz cable and comes in a 4 wire 26 AWG configuration. It features a multi-sized stranded design with Ultra Flexi insulation.
Design
The Ares II sports a bright copper color which is similar to the Ares S. Given its 26 AWG gauging, the Ares II is thinner than the Ares S and surprisingly more springy and less supple.
The Ares II comes in the older Effect Audio carbon fiber splitter and connectors. In contrast to the Ares S’ large splitter, the Ares II version is smaller and thinner. The Ares II does not have the same ConX features as the Ares S and hence its connectors are not interchangeable with other connector types.
Overall, the design of the Ares S is of higher quality than the Ares II. Given its thicker gauging, the Ares S has a solid build and classy finish to it. Coupled with its brushed aluminum splitter, plug case, and connectors, you are left with a more premium feeling cable.
Performance
Before we dive into the performance comparison, I will attempt to answer the burning question on everyone’s minds. Yes, the Ares S is an upgrade to the Ares II in my opinion. From its design atheistic changes to wire configuration tweaks, the Ares S is a solid improvement and a worthy successor to the Ares II.
The Ares II focuses on enhancing the sub-bass, mid-bass, and lower midrange frequencies. On the Xenns Up, the sub-bass digs deep and the bass is bold with both cables however there is more mid-bass slam and impact with the Ares S.
The mid-bass on both the Ares II and Ares S is prevalent and slow to decay. The mid-range is where things start to change. Again, on the Xenns Up, the lower mid-range on the Ares S is slightly more forward than the Ares II and is delivered with more clarity, detail, and volume.
The midrange on the Ares II has a good level of detail and resolution however it is a slight step down compared to the Ares S. Timbre on both the Ares II and Ares S are similar and deliver a warm timbre. Treble is neutral on both the Ares II and Ares S however there is better extension and detail on the Ares S.
The soundstage on the Ares II is not as wide as the Ares S. As a result, the Ares S soundstage is wider and taller. The layering and imaging capabilities on the Ares II are not presented with as much coherence or space as the Ares S.
Effect Audio Cadmus
$199
Technical
The Effect Audio Cadmus is a Premium UP-OCC Silver Plated Copper Litz cable and is the second of the three cables within the Signature Series. The underlying materials are slightly different as the Cadmus uses silver-plated copper whereas Ares S uses Copper only.
The Cadmus features a 4-wire 24AWG configuration and 7-core multi-sized core bundle which contrasts with Ares S dual geometric design.
Design
The Cadmus is a 4-wire 24AWG cable with bright silver coloration and a clear PVC jacket. The overall design of the Cadmus closely follows that of the Ares S where both cables are equally as supple and flexible.
The plugs, termination case, splitter, cable slider, and connectors are made from the same materials with no difference. The Cadmus features the same ConX features as the Ares S and Eros S where the connectors are interchangeable.
Performance
Overall, the most distinct differences between the Ares S and the Cadmus are in relation to the mid-bass control, soundstage, and treble. The Cadmus focuses on coloring the sub-bass, mid-bass, and lower midrange.
On both IEMs being tested, the sub-bass digs equally as deep with the same amounts of slam in the mid-bass. The mid-bass on the Ares S is just as prevalent, however, it is slower to decay and less controlled compared to the Cadmus. The Ares S mid-bass comes off as slightly more “boomy”.
The mid-range on the Ares S has a decent level resolution although the Cadmus is more resolving. Both cables focus on bringing more volume and heft to the mid-range and present this in a similar manner. Timbre on both the Ares S and Cadmus are similar and depict the same warm timbre.
Treble is slightly north of neutral on the Cadmus and with more sparkle, better extension, and detail. The soundstage on the Cadmus is wider and taller than the Ares S.
As a result, the Cadmus soundstage feels roomier. Layering and imaging capabilities on the Cadmus are presented with more space and coherency compared to the Ares S.
Effect Audio Eros S
$299
Technical
The Eros S is an Ultra-Pure OCC Pure Silver and Pure Copper Litz cable. It is the only hybrid cable in Effect Audio’s Signature Series lineup and brings the best of both worlds from the Ares S and Cadmus.
The Eros S follows the trend of Effect Audio’s flagship cable series by using an 8-wire 26AWG configuration.
Design
The Eros S has a pearl grey appearance which is finished with a matte jacket. The Eros S has a soft feeling to it as opposed to the Ares S’ plastic and shiny finish. Furthermore, the additional thickness for each wire makes the Ares S less supple and flexible compared to the Eros S however it is still very easy and comfortable to use.
The plugs, termination case, splitter, cable slider, and connectors are made from the same materials with no difference. The Eros S features the same ConX features as the Ares S where the connectors are interchangeable.
Performance
The Eros S focuses on multiple sound frequencies and is an excellent cable. However, its focus, inter alia, lies in enhancing mid-bass control, driving up resolution and transparency of the midrange, and expanding the soundstage.
On both IEMs being tested, the sub-bass digs deeper and the mid-bass is bolder with more slam on the Ares S. The mid-bass is more noticeable on the Ares S and as a result, comes off as slow to decay and is less controlled compared to the Eros S.
The lower mid-range on the Ares S is forward and has a very good level of detail and resolution however it is a step down compared to the Eros S.
The timbre is warmer on the Ares S compared to the Eros S. Treble is neutral and not as bright on the Ares S when compared to the Eros S which is brighter with more extension and detail.
The soundstage on the Ares S is wide however compared to the Eros S, it is narrower resulting in a more intimate setting. Furthermore, the Eros S soundstage is noticeably taller with more depth.
The layering and imaging capabilities on the Eros S are coherent and instruments are meticulously positioned which is most likely enhanced by the more spacious soundstage.
Plussound Exo Copper
$200
Technical
The Plussound Exo Copper cable (“Exo Copper”) is an Ultra-pure OCC copper cable. The Exo Copper features 4 wires and has a gauge thickness of approximately 26AWG.
In relation to geometry, the Exo Copper has a Type 6 Litz configuration. Compared to the Ares S, the materials used are quite similar as both are copper-based.
Design
The Exo Copper is a 4-wire cable where each wire has a brushed copper color. Each wire is coated in a clear PVC material giving it a shiny and smooth texture. Both the Ares S and Exo Copper wires are braided with enough tension and do not have any unwanted gaps.
Due to the thinner gauging, the Exo Copper is softer and more flexible compared to the Cadmus. The Exo Copper comes with a standard rose gold splitter and cable slider.
The connectors feature a black cylinder topped off with a rose gold case housing the 2-pin connection. There are many customization options on for the Plussound Exo Copper which contrasts with the Ares S which comes in a singular standard design where only the plugs and connectors are customizable.
Performance
Both the Exo Copper and the Ares S color the sound in similar ways towards the sub-bass and mid-bass. Although there are similar levels of sub-bass, the Ares S has more mid-bass slam and impact.
Furthermore, there is increased mid-bass texture but slower decay on the Ares S. In relation to the midrange, there is more volume, transparency, and resolution from the Ares S. The soundstage feels more expansive in both height and width on the Ares S.
The sub-bass on the Exo Copper and the Cadmus have similar depth and extension. On the Xenns Up, the mid-bass texture had more slam and impact. Further, mid-bass was slower to decay on the Ares S which was most likely due to its larger presence.
Within the midrange, the quality and resolution from both cables are clear and transparent however the Ares S presented vocals and a more resolving manner. The mid-range on the Ares S had noticeably more body and weight to each note. On the Xenns Up and Legend EVO, the midrange was slightly more forward on the Exo Copper.
The Exo Copper had a similar warmer timbre compared to the Ares S. In relation to treble, there were no significant differences. The Exo Copper had a slightly brighter presentation on the Xenns Up and came off as neutral on the Legend EVO. Both cables do not lead to any sibilance or harshness.
Soundstage-wise, the Ares S was slightly wider in both height and width. Layering and imaging were similar between the two cables where they were able to present the sound with sufficient coherency.
Our Verdict
The Effect Audio Ares S is a great entry-level cable from Effect Audio and a worthy successor to the former Ares II cable.
From its big, bold bass to its hefty midrange, it delivers an impressive and immersive sound. Priced at $179, this is highly competitive compared to cables in and around the same price.
Effect Audio Ares S Specifications
- Wires: 4-wire
- Materials: UP OCC Silver-plated Copper Litz
- AWG: 24 AWG
- Geometry: Septuplet Multi-Sized Core Bundle
- Length: 1.2m
