Nihal reviews the Effect Audio CENTURION II, the company’s 2nd generation 8-wire 24AWG flagship audio cable with ConX interchangeable connectors. It is currently priced at $5999.
Disclaimer: This sample was sent to me in exchange for my honest opinion. Headfonics is an independent website with no affiliate links or services. I thank Effect Audio for their support.
Click here to read more about the Effect Audio products we have previously reviewed on Headfonics.
This article follows our current scoring guidelines, which you can read in more detail here.
Effect Audio, a staple name for aftermarket cables, is back with an upgrade to their much-acclaimed ultra-flagship cable, the CENTURION, which was launched in 2021.
The cable’s release also marks sixteen years of the company’s existence, though it is unclear if the number 16 has any connection to the cable.
During this long period in the market, they have released a wide range of cables, from budget options to premium flagships, all of which have been well-received by enthusiasts.
Along the way, they have also collaborated with numerous brands on well-recognized IEMs, including the Kinera Audio LOKI, Softears Enigma, and many others.
A long time ago, I demoed the 64 Audio Fourté paired with an Effect Audio Horus cable, and the synergy was quite good. Fast forward a few months, and I ended up buying a Fourté for myself.
I first tried the CENTURION II prototype in Singapore during CanJam in April 2025. Though the time spent was short, I was impressed with the changes the cable brought, even after trying just a few tracks.
In this review, I will deep dive into the new CENTURION II, an eight-wire, 24 AWG ultra-flagship cable, and see what it has to offer and how it pairs with IEMs such as the 64 Audio Fourté, Softears Enigma, and THIEAUDIO Valhalla.
All these IEMs respond quite well to cable rolling, so we will get a clear idea of the sound signature of the CENTURION II. I will also compare it with the CENTURION I and the PWA 1960s (with shielding) cables.
Materials & Geometry
The CENTURION II wire is an exotic hybrid of no less than six types of premium materials: Platinum-Silver Alloy, Gold-Plated Gold-Silver Alloy, Gold-Plated Silver, Palladium-Gold-Silver Alloy, Palladium-Silver Alloy, and Pure Silver.
It still retains the signature gold-plated silver and the industry-first gold-plated gold-silver alloy introduced with the CENTURION I. In fact, the gold-plated silver has been a hallmark of all previous Effect Audio flagship cables.
The CENTURION II uses UP-OCC grade for all its wire materials. Structurally, the cable has seven groups of wires, and within each group, the wires are of different thicknesses to handle various parts of the sound spectrum more effectively.
It also adopts Effect Audio’s proprietary UltraFlexi™ Insulation on the outer sleeve for flexibility and protection.
The 4.4mm termination adapter deserves a special mention as well, featuring Palladium and Gold-Plated Copper plating.
Design
The CENTURION cables have a very distinct design due to the braiding, their golden pearly shine, and the easily recognizable splitter design. Every element of the CENTURION II displays true flagship character.
It has a stronger golden tone and a thicker form factor this time. All the hardware, including the termination adapter, 2-pin connection, and splitter, has a golden polish.
The cable has a shimmery golden-silver tone that reflects light softly, so the golden appearance never feels overly done. Depending on the light falling on it, it displays different colors, which makes the cable look much more refreshing.
The splitter of this cable stands out as the centrepiece. This design is inspired by the iconic form of a Centurion helmet and remains similar to the CENTURION I but is sleeker, with fewer edges and smoother curves.
The splitter has a dual-layer construction where the outer shell is forged from titanium alloy, adding a high level of durability, while the inner layer is made of aluminum alloy. It has a mirror-like finish, but during my usage, it did not scratch easily, unlike polished-titanium IEMs, where this problem is common.
The adapter, along with the 2-pin connectors and the splitter, is similarly finished. The cable features a closely braided design, with multiple strands woven together in a uniform and intricate pattern. Even if the cable is folded or twisted, the braiding stays intact, and there are hardly any gaps.
The outer sleeve is very smooth and does not have any additional shine, so the internal wires are what bring out the colors and appearance.
The cable arrives in the default 2-pin connection system, but you do not have to worry, as a full set of ConX® interchangeable connectors is provided, covering most connection types, including MMCX, Pentaconn, IPX, and A2DC.
Handling
With the 8-wire structure and each wire having significant thickness, the CENTURION II has some bulkiness and weight to it. Thankfully, it does not feel too heavy and is quite easy to handle.
Effect Audio has trimmed some weight from the hardware and added some to the wires, so the overall weight is evenly distributed, which adds to the comfort factor. The braiding is relaxed, neither too tight nor too loose for gaps to appear.
I have had listening sessions that stretched for hours, and I never had any issues with the cable, particularly around the ear, where there is hardly any external pressure.
The memory hooks on the CENTURION II are on the stiffer side but do not press against the ears, and the smooth surface ensures you do not feel anything behind them.
Thanks to the lightweight splitter, the cable’s weight does not pull downward or add much pressure on the ears. If you are on the move, the hanging cable may bother you a bit and might require occasional adjustment.
Due to its build and thickness, the cable takes up quite some space when stored. However, the carry case included by Effect Audio is very spacious, so storing it along with one of your IEMs is never an issue. With the CENTURION II, you also do not have to worry about tangling.
Packaging & Accessories
Unboxing the CENTURION II was easily one of the most exciting moments I’ve had in the hobby. Effect Audio has done an incredible job with the packaging.
Every element of the box, from the presentation to the placement, exudes elegance and a sense of exclusivity. The cable arrives in a large rectangular box with a textured finish and elegant gold lettering, along with a logo on the top.
When this cover is lifted off, you see the main box containing the cable and accessories. This box is made of wood and has the same finish, look, and feel as the outer one. It also features the CENTURION II logo in gold on the top surface.
The box has a gold latch in the front to open it, adding a premium and elegant touch. Opening the inner box unveils a neatly organized interior with two sections. On the left, the cable is coiled around a soft, padded display roll, similar to what you find in watch cases.
The carry case sits comfortably in the right section. Inside the carry case, you find a full ConX set and a leather tie matching the color scheme of the case. The interior of the box is lined with soft and cushioned black fabric all over, which ensures both protection and premium presentation.
There is also a hidden compartment under the top lid, which holds a small packet containing a brochure marking the evolution of EA’s flagship cables, a golden warranty card, and the founder’s note.
Overall, the entire unboxing experience is overwhelming and ticks all the right boxes, exactly what one would expect at this price point. I’d go as far as saying the unboxing experience beats a few IEMs that cost the same.
Carry Case
The carry case deserves special mention here. This case is made of very high-quality leather with a gold brand logo on the top. The interior is also lined with leather.
The craftsmanship is top-notch, as one would expect from a flagship cable’s carry case. The good thing is that the case is quite spacious, but since it won’t fit in pockets, you’ll need to carry it in a bag when on the move.
This puck-style case has a two-tier design with a lift-out tray on the top, while the lower section is divided into small compartments. The upper tray is held in place by side stop pins that lock it into a notch. This tray provides enough space to store the cable.
In the lower part, one half is subdivided with dividers, and the other half contains a fitted foam insert with cutouts. I am not sure what the smaller sub-sections are intended for, but you can store your IEMs (without cables attached) in them.
The foam cut-out is meant to hold the small connectors and the tool included in the ConX set. Trust me, those tiny connectors need proper storage; otherwise, they are easily lost.
Overall, the carry case feels elegant with its premium material and build, and it features a very thoughtful and refreshing design. The space inside is ample for the cable, along with one of your favorite IEMs to fit in.
Performance Impressions
The following sound impressions of the Effect Audio CENTURION II Cable were completed using Softears Enigma, 64 Audio Fourte, and THIEAUDIO Valhalla alongside my main source, Lotoo’s PAW Gold Touch.
Summary
I have always been a believer in aftermarket cable rolling. Indeed, a cable cannot change the inherent tuning of an IEM, but sometimes a few pairings create wonderful synergies and can play a major role in how you perceive the cables.
The improvements and refinements are often subtle, but they can still make a noticeable difference in how you perceive the overall sound.
The CENTURION II lives up to its flagship status, touching and tweaking nearly every part of the tuning and delivering a truly immersive listening experience.
The immediate changes I notice are a cleaner and darker background, which makes the presentation feel more refined, along with impeccable clarity that comes without adding brightness or introducing any sense of peakiness.
The CENTURION II carries a timbre that feels natural yet refined, balancing clarity with a sense of realism. The midrange, supported by the silent background, comes across as very detailed while still holding on to its natural musicality.
Unlike many high-end cables, the CENTURION II does not add any extra warmth to the mix. Instead, its strength lies in pushing the clarity and resolution as far as possible without becoming sharp or fatiguing, which makes the details easier to appreciate.
It does not affect the frequencies in a subdued way; rather, the cable plays an augmenting and supporting role, helping to retain the originality of the sound. It feels as though the limits of every frequency range are being pushed, adding nothing artificial but only more richness and expansiveness to the overall delivery.
Timbre
The CENTURION II adds a layer of richness and excitement to the mix by extending the low end and bringing refinement to the midrange and treble.
The bass feels tighter and more controlled, and shows better texture and details. The sub-bass delivers extra pleasing rumble and depth, giving the overall bass a stronger and more solid foundation.
The mid-bass has a touch more bounciness and a pleasing weight and presence to each note. The bass sounds bigger, spreading wider across the stage and giving the music a fuller, more open feel.
The midrange has little to no coloration, yet it is the area that I find getting the most benefit. The level of refinement I experienced is unparalleled; it feels almost like lifting a veil off the midrange.
You get more details coming through, and the notes sound fuller, smoother, and more natural, which gives the midrange a sharper and more defined character.
Instruments such as guitars, pianos, and violins sound more precise, and vocals stand out with clearer edges and better separation, making the midrange feel cleaner and more engaging overall.
Even the faintest of details are brought to life with the CENTURION II, adding a sense of realism that feels immediate and noticeable.
The treble has extra sparkle and air, taking its performance close to the edge. High-frequency notes come across a bit taller, with more energy and detail, yet they stay smooth.
This gives the treble a refined and extended feel without ever sounding forced or too forward. The treble also resolves very well, making it easier to hear small nuances.
Even in busy tracks, when many instruments compete for space, the CENTURION II keeps the treble settled and well controlled.
Staging & Imaging
The CENTURION II brings a truly transformative impact on the technical performance of all the IEMs I paired it with. The soundstage sees some widening with a touch more depth and height, giving the presentation a greater sense of space.
This expanded stage allows instruments to spread out more naturally, with placements that feel both more precise and holographic. If you already have an impressive staging on your IEMs, the CENTURION II will push it even further, creating a grander and more immersive presentation.
The imaging benefits directly from this wider and deeper stage. Instruments and vocals are placed with more accuracy, making it easier to pinpoint their positions.
Layering also sees a clear improvement; each instrument has more air and breathing space around it, resulting in stronger separation and a less congested mix.
The treble plays an important role in this openness, with its added resolution and air bringing a gentle sparkle that enhances the overall sense of space. S
maller details come alive, flowing more effortlessly and giving the music a natural, refined liveliness. Notes carry better depth, and the extra air around the instruments creates a convincingly open sound field.
Click on page 2 below for my recommended pairings and selected comparisons.
