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Effect Audio Ares S II Review: Premium Modular Cable

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Disclaimer:

Today I bring you the review of a premium quality cable from Effect Audio, a brand new to me but that, thanks to Hifigo, I had the opportunity to test. The cable they sent me is the Effect Audio Ares S II, an extremely well-finished and high-quality cable that embarrasses another cable I’ve tried in this price range. I want to point out that I’m not one to praise the upgrade to quality cables by telling you that you will definitely hear the difference in terms of sound quality. I am one of those who buy cables to make an aesthetic or functional upgrade of an IEM that I particularly like. Think of it like changing the cover of your smartphone.

This is the second series of the Signature series. The names are borrowed from Greek heroes of the past. My version is the cheapest of the 3 variants that differ in color and composition of the cable braids. Mine is pure copper and theoretically only brings a higher conductivity.

Tech specs/strong point:

Effect Audio Ares S II

Packaging:

Effect Audio is a high-quality brand, and the packaging is proof of that. It seems, to all intents and purposes, like opening a jewel. Given the price, the representation is more than excellent. There is not much else in the box, to be honest. In this case, I would say that they could definitely do more in terms of versatility.

If we think that 20-40 dollar cables offer different types of connectors, I don’t see why not include a modularity also to be able to mount a 3.5mm connector instead of a balanced 4.4mm. Fortunately, on the IEM connector side we have the possibility of changing the connectors with extreme ease, but we obviously have to buy the small adapters for 15 USD per pair. I am nobody to judge the production costs, but I still think that some more accessories or features could be added to the price.

Build Quality:

The quality of the Effect Audio Ares S II cable is unquestionable; it is impeccably built, and the materials to the touch are exactly as you can perceive from the photos. The 4.4mm balanced connector is very solid, heavy metal CNC machined. The splitter in the middle is of the same material but with two windows where carbon fiber and copper seem to merge together. Premium details that easily increase the final price.

The most expensive part are probably the terminals on the IEM side, which, being modular, can be unscrewed to be changed with other types of connectors. The system is screwed with a sort of custom MMCX connection. The cable, according to the specifications, is of very high purity and since I have no way of denying or confirming it, I limit myself to their specifications. Coating is neither too rigid nor too flexible. A very good cable in all aspects.

Honesty premise:

I take the liberty of recycling the same paragraph used for the review of the Nebula cable by Letshuoer.

“I start with the premise that some measurements should be made, which I have no way of doing.

Talking about it freely is not the most correct method to demonstrate that the cable is worth the cost. Materially and aesthetically, you have already been able to see from the photos that it is not the thick cable that one would have expected. The thick cables ultimately serve no purpose other than adding weight, but perhaps a little thicker wouldn’t have been a bad thing.”

I also want to add that the quality of the Effect Audio Ares S II can certainly be excellent, but as in the world of speakers, you can use the thickest and most premium “python cable” on the market, but inside the speakers or devices to which it is connected (in the part not visible to your eyes), we could easily find the cheapest cable on the market. The same thing goes for IEMs; the external cable is beautiful, but the cable that goes from the small connector to the driver, we can find the least performing cable on the planet.

Does it change the sound?

Kiwi Ear KE4 + Effect Audio Ares II Cable

So what differences can we notice? Honestly, I would say none. You will notice the biggest differences with the Eartips. What can change from one cable to another is hardly audible to a human ear. With scientific measurements, the results could be identical.

The real difference, in my opinion, is if you switch from an unbalanced power supply to a balanced one. In fact, honestly, the difference I can say I notice is that with a balanced cable, the drivers unlock their full potential. Upgrading the cables, assuming there is no cable made with non-conductive or defective materials, should not present any differences of any kind.

I have tested the Effect Audio Ares S II with the Kiwi Ears KE4, and the difference is audible in terms of the better power supply of the drivers. But it is not an extremely sensitive IEM where you can clearly feel some change.

Testing:

On the Kefine Klean, the result is the same: better power supply means better bass response and consequently, the sound seems cleaner and clearer. There could also be a placebo effect.

The most refined IEMs in my possession are probably the Simgot EA1000 Fermat, which, in all honesty, does not even need a balanced cable but I wanted to try the combination.

Fixed track “Free Fallin’ by Amaria” on repeat with and without premium cable and Simgot DEW4X.

The first direct listening with the EA1000 + Effect Audio Ares S II after a long time surprised me like a child unwrapping his first Lego set at Christmas. I remembered the bass as clearly more neutral and less full and marked. In terms of sound, the Simgot EA1000 driver is truly something unique.

I put the stock cable back on the Simgot and unfortunately the difference is minimal as I expected.

Assuming there are real differences, you would need to have double everything, including ears, to do an immediate A/B test while playing a track.

There is indeed perhaps a better bass response and extra clarity but it could easily be the famous placebo effect or the listener’s mind that is convinced of the difference. I repeat that bench tests are needed to establish some difference and I remember that in any case the last section that reaches the driver is made of different material.

Considerations and costs:

The differences are felt mostly because you switch to a balanced power supply; as I have always done, I will buy cables to switch from 3.5mm to 4.4mm and for an aesthetic factor. The Effect Audio Ares S II is undoubtedly the best cable I own and deserves to be paired with a premium set. When compared to the Nebula cable, I can only say that this one is at least twice as good in terms of build quality.

If I had some advice for premium cable manufacturers, it would be as follows: If non-premium brands and IEM products can include modular cables in the price of the IEMs, I believe premium cable manufacturers can easily create a $200 USD cable that is completely modular, with some options included as direct accessories. Is it worth getting a similar cable? The question depends on the value we give ourselves to money; there is no correct answer for everyone. My answer would be that for $199 I would buy for example, a Letshuoer S12 2024 ED and for sure, if I came from other IEMs, I would immediately notice more sonic differences.

My Simgot EA1000 Fermats definitely seem to sound better but not as if I have unlocked 50% of their latent potential. Without a doubt the best aftermarket cable I have ever owned. But for me, 200 dollars is equivalent to 20 hours of work so you can understand that my evaluation must also take into account my sacrifice to buy a similar product. Those who have economic availability certainly a similar price would not put them in difficulty.

Pros:

Cons:

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