Synergy
As you may have guessed by now, Code 23 focuses on coloring the bass and midrange frequencies which inherently means it synergizes best with IEMs that have a bass or midrange-centric tonality.
Similarly, it is suited for those seeking to increase the overall bass quantity, push forward the lower midrange, and expand the soundstage on their existing IEMs or headphones.
Empire Ears Legend EVO
In its original form, the Empire Ears Legend EVO’s sub and mid-bass slam hard and it is meticulously textured in every aspect. The midrange is forward, smooth, and highly resolving which is supported by a very large and tall soundstage. The treble on the Legend EVO is where it pulls things back a bit and comes off as neutral sounding with a decent level of detail.
The Code 23 spices things up even more on the Legend EVO’s mid-bass and lower mid-range. The mid-bass gains even more slam with improved texturing. The mid-bass collects more reverb which is due to the taller soundstage and increased layering and separation.
The mid-range also picks up as the lower mid-range is given more volume and body and feels more expansive due to the larger sound stage. Mid-range vocals and instruments sound lush, moving, and incredibly detailed.
The treble still remains unchanged with similar extension and detail when compared to the stock cable.
Empire Ears Odin
The Empire Ears Odin is one of the most technical IEMs currently available.
With a total of 11 drivers, the Odin focuses on providing as much detail as possible through its incredibly well-textured and slightly forward mid-bass, forward upper mid-range, and excellent treble resolution. The soundstage is very tall and wide and coupled with impeccable layering and separation.
Code 23 opens up the mid-bass by bringing it further forward with an increased slam, quantity, and reverb. The sub and mid-bass on the Odin become more prominent which is supported by the same quality of bass texturing and quality compared to its stock cable.
The lower mid-range on the Odin becomes more forward with increased volume whilst retaining the same level of detail, quality, and resolution.
Interestingly the upper mid-range takes a step back and is not as far forward. The soundstage and layering are still excellent however the treble is not as bright and loses a tad of resolution.
Select Comparisons
Satin Audio Perseus
$699
Technical
The Satin Audio Perseus is a 2-wire, mixed gauge (23 and 26 AWG) cable made from SP-OCC Copper. The Perseus uses a special custom Litz design which is a called “Geōmetria dual layer structure”.
In terms of technical, design, and performance, the Perseus is a perfect comparison for Code 23 given both cables feature a special copper construction.
Design
The Perseus has a shiny copper appearance which is due to its special Litz design and transparent jacket. Given the cable has a dual 23/26 AWG gauge, it is quite thick due to its dual-layer structure and double insulation.
Code 23, however, is much thicker and less flexible when compared to Perseus. The Perseus splitter and plug have a rose gold and dark grey appearance which match the cable’s appearance.
This contrasts with Code 23’s Y splitter and cable plug as it has a gun-metal finish which is much thicker and heavier. From a usability perspective, the Perseus is more flexible and easier to wear on the ear compared to Code 23 which is thicker.
Performance
The Perseus has less mid-bass quantity, less volume in the lower mid-range, and a more forward upper mid-range, with more sparkle in the treble. Code 23 allows the sub-bass to dig deeper and the mid-bass to slam harder with better texturing compared to Perseus.
This is not to say the Perseus does not color the bass response, because it sure does by adding its own level of quantity, it just does not add as much weight in comparison to Code 23.
Furthermore, the lower mid-range is much more forward on Code 23 with more volume and body. Although the Perseus does an excellent job of teasing out the details in the mid-range, the Code 23 does so with slightly more finesse which results in a smoother mid-range presentation.
This is only possible through Code 23’s upper mid-range not being as far forward along with its treble not coming off as bright as the Perseus.
The soundstage impact from both cables is very wide and tall, however, Code 23 is able to produce a taller soundstage which leads to more spacing between instruments and vocals.
Astral Acoustics Pulse
$550
Technical
The Astral Acoustics Pulse is a 23 AWG, LC-OFC Copper cable and features a Type 6 Litz geometry which houses multiple bundles of type 4 wires twisted around the main fiber core.
The Pulse has a 23 AWG gauge which is on the thicker side of things however it sits between the Perseus and the Code 23 making it a fitting comparison for this review.
Design
The Pulse has a distinct copper color appearance and is coated with a translucent PVC jacket. The Pulse features a matte black finish on the plug, splitter, cable ring, and connectors which are all made out of metal. There are hints of silver plating on the top of the plug, cable ring, and connectors.
The combination of matte black and copper colors is a fantastic match, and it gives the cable a premium feel and appearance.
From a usability perspective, the Pulse is more flexible and easier to wear on the ear compared to the Code 23 and Perseus which are thicker and more rigid.
Performance
Although the Pulse focuses on coloring the mid-bass and mid-range, it comes off with less quantity in both compared to the Code 23.
The sub-bass digs deeper and the mid-bass has more presence and slam on Code 23 when compared to the Pulse. The Pulse’s sub-bass does dig deep where its mid-bass does produce a decent amount of slam however it just comes off with less oomph compared to the Code 23.
Furthermore, the Pulse does not bring the lower mid-range as far forward or add as much volume and body when compared to the Code 23. Treble coloration from both Code 23 and Pulse are very similar and lean towards being slightly bright.
The soundstage impact from the Code 23 is slightly wider and much taller compared to the Pulse which leads to more spacing between instruments and vocals.
Our Verdict
The Effect Audio Code 23 possesses many excellent sonic qualities that will please bass enthusiasts and those seeking to add additional volume and body to their IEM’s performance.
With an expansive soundstage and increased vocal and instrumental separation, what you are left with is a subwoofer, 3D-like experience.
However, to get to that point, one must overcome the usability considerations that come from the cable’s 16.5 AWG thickness which could pose a drawback for people looking for a lighter and more flexible cable.
But if you can look beyond this and focus on Code 23’s sonic qualities and a generous number of accessories that perfectly supplement the cable, it will easily please those who take the plunge.
Effect Audio Code 23 Technical Specifications
- Selected Premium UP-OCC Material Copper Litz
- 13 Multi-sized Core Bundle with Solid Core Design
- Proprietary Multi-sized Strands Blend
- 5 AWG 2 Wires
- EA UltraFlexi™Insulation
- ConX® & TermX™ Basic Sets Interchangeable Connector/Plug System (IEM Version)
