EFFECT Audio ARES S II Review

 

Introduction:

Effect Audio, a prominent player in the audiophile community, has consistently delivered innovative and high-quality cable solutions. The Ares S II, a member of the Signature Series II, is their latest offering, designed to elevate the listening experience for audiophiles and music enthusiasts alike. This cable incorporates a unique blend of solid core and multi-strand copper conductors, promising a rich, detailed, and dynamic sound signature.

Introducing the world’s first solid core 8-wire handwoven IEM cable, the Ares S II (aka S 2) enhances signal integrity and conductivity. A standout feature of the Ares S II is its ergonomic design and durable construction. The cable’s flexible outer sheath ensures comfortable use, while the robust connectors provide a secure and reliable connection. Additionally, the cable’s impedance and capacitance are carefully engineered to optimize performance with a wide range of audio devices. The Ares S II employs a 26AWG 8-wire Litz-braided configuration, which significantly reduces signal distortion and improves overall sound quality. The cable also features a high-purity UP-OCC Pure Copper and Dual Variant QuantumCopper™ design. Moreover, the cable features the company’s innovative interchangeable ConX interchangeable connector design, while 2-Pin is the default connector that comes with it.

 

Disclaimer:

I would like to thank HiFiGO and EFFECT Audio for providing me the Ares S II upgrade cable for review purposes. I am not affiliated with HiFiGO or EFFECT Audio beyond this review and these words reflect my true, unaltered opinions about the product.

 

Price & Availability:

The actual price of the EFFECT Audio Ares S II upgrade cable is 199.99 US$. More information’s can be found under the link below;

• EFFECT Audio Ares S II

 

Package & Accessories:

The EFFECT Audio Ares S II upgrade cable came inside a cube shaped black box with the Ares logo (Greek god of war) and some brandings on the top. One you remove the top part of the box you will see the very stylish y-splitter of the Ares S II.

Inside of the box are the following Items/Accessories:

• 1x EFFECT Audio Ares S II upgrade cable
• 1x Print materials

 

 

Design & Build Quality:

The EFFECT Audio Ares S II features a refined aesthetic that complements its performance capabilities. The cable’s braided structure enhances its durability and adds an element of sophistication.

The 26AWG 8-wire Litz-braided configuration, using UP-OCC Pure Copper and Dual Variant QuantumCopper™ design, ensures optimal signal transmission with minimal distortion. It includes 6 multi-sized core bundles and 7 multi-sized core bundles, improving flexibility and reducing microphonics.The cable length is 120cm ± 5cm, which provides adequate length for comfortable use without excessive slack.

The Ares S II incorporates Solid Core Technology from the CODE Series, offering cleaner and more consistent audio performance. Unlike traditional multi-stranded designs, solid core material uses a single, continuous conductor, eliminating gaps that can cause resistance and signal loss, especially at higher frequencies. This results in improved conductivity and a more transparent and detailed soundstage.

The Ares S II features the ConX interchangeable connector interface, allowing users to switch between different connector types. The default connector is a 2-pin 0.78mm connector, with options for MMCX and other custom connectors. The connectors are marked with L/R indicators for clarity.

The Y-splitter and chin slider is designed with functionality and aesthetics in mind. Their smooth operation and elegant design contribute to the overall build quality of the cable.

The Y-split features forged carbon fiber elegantly inlaid with luxurious copper speckles, highlighting the refined and distinctive character of the Ares S II.

The 4.4mm headphone jack is housed in a robust metal casing with a sleek profile, ensuring durability and reliability. The heat-shrink ear guides near the connectors enhance fit and comfort. The EA UltraFlexi™ Insulation adds to the comfort and usability, while the EA Standard Rhodium Plated Brass Straight Type connectors ensure optimal conductivity and durability.

The EFFECT Audio Ares S II demonstrates attention to detail in its build quality and design. The use of high-quality materials and thoughtful construction ensures durability and functionality. The modern aesthetic, along with practical features like the ConX interchangeable connector interface and the durable 4.4mm headphone jack, makes the Ares S II a reliable choice for audio enthusiasts.

 

Technical Specifications: 

• Cable Spec: 26AWG  8 Wires
• Smelting Process: UP-OCC
• Material & Structure: Single Material Litz + Copper with Central Solid Core and Dual Variant QuantumCopper™
• Sleeve: EA UltraFlexi™ Insulation
• Length: 120cm ± 5cm
• Connection System:
• ConX ®️2-pin (Default)
• EA Standard Rhodium Plated Brass Straight Type

 

Equipment’s used for this review: 

• Cables           : EFFECT Audio Ares S II
• IEM’s              : ORIVETI OH700VB, IO Audio Volare
• Sources         : FiiO M23, iBasso DX180, iBasso D16 Taipan

 

Albums & tracks used for this review:

• Adele – My Little Love (Spotify)
• Randy Crawford – On Day I Will Fly Away (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Hayley Westenra – Odyssey Album (Dezzer HiFi)
• Dionne Warwick – Walk On By (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Sarah McLachlan – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Sertap Erener – Aşk (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Edith Piaf – Non Je Ne Regrette Rien (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Diana Krall – So Wonderful (DSF)
• Aretha Franklin – I Say A Little Payer (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Sonya Yoncheva – (Giuseppe Verdi) II Trovatore, ActI (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• David Bowie – Heroes (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Elton John – Rocket Man ((Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Barry White – Just The Way You Are (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Isaac Hayes – Walk On By (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Sting – Englishman in New York – (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• B.B. King – Riding With The King (Tidal Hi-Fi)
• Dave Gahan – Kingdom (Tidal Hi-Fi)
• U2 – Sunday Bloody Sunday (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Bro Safari, UFO! – Drama (Deezer HiFi)
• Armin Van Buuren – Vini Vici (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Really Slow Motion – Deadwood (Deezer HiFi)
• Jo Blankenburg – Meraki (Spotify)
• Lorde – Royal (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Toutant – Rebirth (Deezer HiFi)
• Gogo Penguin – Raven (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Portishead – It Could Be Sweet (Spotify)
• Charly Antolini – Duwadjuwandadu (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Ferit Odman – Look, Stop & Listen (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Chopin – Nocturn No. 20 In C-Sharp Minor (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Fazıl Say – Nazım Oratoryosu (Live) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Vivaldi – Le QuarttroStagioni “The Four Season” (Deezer HiFi)
• Otto Liebert& Luna Negra – The River (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Lunatic Soul – The Passage (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Deftones – My Own Summer (Shove it) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Metallica – Sad but True (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Opeth – Windowpane (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Megadeth – Sweating Bullets (Tidal Hi-Fi)
• Rush’s – Leave That Thing Alone (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Slayer – Angel of Death (Spotify)s
• Liquid Tension Experiment 2 – Acid Rain (Spotify)
• Yosi Horikawa – Bubbles (Spotify)

 

The Sound:

The Effect Audio Ares S II is a highly recommended upgrade for those looking to elevate their IEMs’ performance. The Ares S II enhances bass impact, midrange richness, and treble smoothness, while providing a more expansive soundstage, making it a worthwhile investment for audiophiles seeking to enhance their listening experience.

Let’s take a deeper look at its sonic character and improvements.

Bass / Midrange / Treble / Soundstage:

The cable delivers a tighter, more controlled bass with added depth and impact, making low frequencies feel powerful and immersive. This makes it particularly well-suited for genres that rely on a strong bass presence, without muddling the overall sound.

In the midrange, the Ares S II excels by providing greater clarity and richness. Vocals and midrange instruments are brought to the forefront, making them sound more detailed and lifelike. This enhancement ensures a balanced and natural midrange that adds emotional depth to the music.

The treble response is smoother and less harsh, with a gentle lift that maintains clarity and definition without causing fatigue. The Ares S II provides a refined high-frequency performance that enhances the listening experience over extended periods.

One of the standout features of the Ares S II is its ability to expand the soundstage. It adds depth and width, creating a more immersive and three-dimensional listening experience. The improved instrument separation allows each element of the music to occupy its own distinct space, enhancing overall clarity and precision.

 

Selected Pairings:

ORIVETI OH700VB + EFFECT Audio Ares S II:

Tonality:

The OV700VB is renowned for its versatile and adjustable sound signature. The Ares S II cable complements this by introducing a subtle warmth and richness, making the overall tonality more engaging. This slight warmth adds depth without compromising the OV700VB’s inherent brightness.

Timbre:

The EFFECT Audio Ares S II enhances the natural timbre of the OV700VB, rendering instruments and vocals more lifelike and textured. This combination ensures that the music retains its emotional impact and authenticity, especially in acoustic and live recordings.

Bass:

The OV700VB already boasts powerful and adjustable bass. When paired with the Ares S II, the bass becomes even more controlled and impactful. The cable adds depth and definition to the lower frequencies, resulting in a tight and well-defined bass response. However, this can occasionally lead to a bit more pronounced bass than desired, for those who prefer a more liner bass response.

Midrange:

With the EFFECT Audio Ares S II, the midrange performance of the OV700VB is elevated. The cable adds clarity and richness, making vocals and midrange instruments more prominent and detailed. This enhancement ensures that the midrange frequencies are neither recessed nor overshadowed.

Treble:

The treble of the OV700VB becomes smoother and less harsh when paired with the Ares S II. The cable provides a gentle lift in the high frequencies, ensuring that the treble is crisp and clear without being fatiguing. This smoothness might slightly reduce the sparkle for those who prefer a very bright treble.

Soundstage:

One of the most noticeable improvements with the EFFECT Audio Ares S II is in the soundstage. The OV700VB’s soundstage shows a more expansive and three-dimensional presentation compared to its stock cable. The cable adds some additional depth and width, allowing for better instrument separation and a more immersive listening experience.

Overall:

Pairing the Effect Audio Ares S II with the ORIVETI OV700VB significantly enhances the IEM’s performance across all key sound aspects. While there are minor trade-offs, such as a more pronounced bass and a slightly subdued treble, the overall benefits of the Ares S II make it a recommended upgrade for those seeking to elevate their listening experience.

 

IO Audio Volare + EFFECT Audio Ares S II:

Tonality:

The IO Audio Volare, with its detachable stock cable, already offers a versatile sound signature, leaning towards a mild warmth with a gentle boost in the lower tones. When paired with the Ares S II, this warmth becomes even richer and fuller, enhancing the overall musicality.

Bass:

The Volare’s well-adjusted Custom Dynamic Driver unit provides a solid bass foundation. With the Ares S II, the sub-bass digs deeper and delivers more impactful low-frequency details, adding a physical sensation to the music that feels immersive. The tight and controlled bass remains crisp, ensuring that complex passages don’t get muddy. That said, the enhanced sub-bass rumble might occasionally overshadow some of the more delicate upper frequencies, particularly in very bass-heavy tracks.

Midrange:

The midrange of the IO Audio Volare is already natural and well-defined, making vocals and instruments sound lifelike. The Ares S II elevates this by adding further clarity and richness, making vocals, especially male ones, sound more prominent and detailed. The slightly but audible upper midrange boost makes female vocals clearer without becoming harsh.

Treble:

With the EFFECT Audio Ares S II, the Volare’s treble becomes smoother and less harsh, providing exceptional clarity and definition. The energetic lower treble remains impactful, ensuring that percussive instruments retain their realism. Yet, for those who favor a very bright and sparkling treble, the smoothness added by the Ares S II might reduce some of the treble’s sparkle, making it less pronounced but more comfortable for longer listening sessions.

Soundstage:

The IO Audio Volare’s soundstage, already focused on clarity and precision, benefits from the Ares S II’s added depth and width. Instruments and vocals are placed more precisely within the headspace, creating a well-defined listening experience. The increased soundstage depth adds a three-dimensional quality, although it might slightly reduce the sense of intimacy for listeners who enjoy a closer, more personal sound.

Overall:

Overall, pairing the EFFECT Audio Ares S II with the IO Audio Volare brings significant improvements across all key sound aspects. While the Ares S2 enhances bass impact and midrange richness, it might subtly smooths out the original brightness and treble sparkle for some users. Nevertheless, the overall benefits, including a more immersive soundstage and refined tonality, make the Ares S II a highly recommended upgrade for elevating the Volare’s listening experience.

 

Conclusion:

The Effect Audio Ares S II is a well-crafted and premium looking upgrade cable designed to enhance the sound performance of IEMs. Its solid core 8-wire handwoven design optimizes signal transmission, contributing to its robust build quality and ergonomic design. The cable’s 26AWG 8-wire Litz-braided configuration with high-purity copper minimizes distortion and ensures optimal signal transfer. The versatile ConX connector interface adds flexibility and convenience to the overall design.

In terms of sound quality, the Ares S II delivers a rich and warmer tonality. It provides a tighter, more controlled bass response, increased midrange clarity, and a smoother, less harsh treble compared to the selected IEM pairings. Additionally, it expands the soundstage, creating a more immersive listening experience. For audiophiles seeking to elevate their IEMs, the Ares S II offers a significant improvement in both sound quality and build quality, making it a worthwhile investment.

 

Pros & Cons: 

• + Adds warmth and richness to the overall presentation
• + Provides tighter, more controlled bass
• + Improves midrange clarity and detail
• + Smoother treble response for less fatigue
• + Expands soundstage depth and width
• + High-quality, durable build
• + ConX interchangeable connector design for versatility

 

• – Added warmth might reduce the brightness for already warm and smooth sounding IEM’s
• – The sonic benefits of the Ares S2 may differ depending on the individual characteristics of the paired IEM
• – Includes 2-pin ConX, while other connectors sold separately

 

Thank you for the Read!