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The Effect Audio Ares II

Sound impressions

Effect Audio’s Ares II cable is a rather clean-sounding cable with a solid technical foundation, based on its improved top-end extension over a stock cable. In addition, the cable further appears more resolving due to a bump in the 6 KHz range. An emphasis in this area results in a more accentuated sound; it provides a bit more clarity in the attack of the note, effectively improving the overall definition. It’s a region often associated with a more ‘reference’ tuning, as it creates a cleaner, but also slightly drier sound.

Starting from down low, Ares’ lower extension might not be particularly deep, but it creates tight and impactful hits. And though compact in size, the mid-bass hits are well defined. It’s a moderately warm bass, but it has sufficient body to be considered satisfying. Most importantly, Ares’ bass is rather controlled, which aids in creating its airy stage structure. Indeed, Ares creates an especially clean stage, resulting from its controlled mid-bass and proper top-end extension.


In line with the overall bass quantity, its midrange is lightly warm in tone, with a slight emphasis on the upper midrange. The lower midrange in turn is a bit laidback, resulting in a slightly leaner subsection of the lowest portion of midrange notes; nevertheless, Ares doesn’t sound lean altogether. While it might shave a bit off the bottom end of male vocals or lower-extending instruments as cellos, this also has its advantages. Leaner notes create more space, and its combination with a relatively black background and airy stage results in a very clean performance when it comes to separation – without a doubt its forte, even though the stage dimensions are unaffected.

In addition, emphasizing the upper midrange adds a bit of clarity to string instruments and female vocals, and importantly, the midrange sounds quite transparent. However, on occasion the vocal articulation might not be completely smooth with iems that already have their main emphasis in this region.

Ares’ treble is fairly neutral in quantity. Although it’s not completely smooth as a result of the upper midrange energy, it’s also not prominent enough to be considered harsh. It’s an articulate and detailed treble that provides a nice bit of sparkle, although its tone could be a bit warmer to sound completely accurate. But as mentioned, its extension is one of its strong suits. It’s an airy treble, which contributes to a solid technical performance.

Concluding thoughts

Effect Audio’s Ares II doesn’t necessarily provide a very warm or full signature; but it’s a clean and refined sound, due to its controlled bass and top-end extension. As not every upgrade cable improves extension, Ares even outperforms some more expensive cables in this regard. Accordingly, Ares might not necessarily be the most natural in tone, it more than makes up for it in its performance. A slight improvement in its transparency is worth mentioning, and especially its separation and airiness are standout features, which help to create a more organised and detailed presentation. Taken together I would consider it a solid improvement over a stock cable, especially considering its entry-level price.

 

Manufacturer website:
www.effectaudio.com

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ABOUT AUTHOR

flinkenick

flinkenick

Nic is currently in pursuit of a PhD degree in social neuropsychology, while trying not to get too distracted by this hobby. In pursuit of theoretical knowledge by day, and audiophile excellence at night. Luckily for him, both activities are not mutually exclusive which helps to lighten the workload. Always on the go, Nic's enthusiasm for hi-fi is focused on all chains of the portable system: iems, cables and daps.

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2 Responses

  1. Thanks buddy, glad to hear you’re enjoying it. From what I’ve read about Noble X (somewhat laidback treble), I can imagine it being a good pairing.

  2. thanks for the rec/review Nic, currently using the Ares 2 to great “effect” with my Noble X. Only minor complaint regarding the cable is that despite being highly pliant and non microphonic, it doesn’t “drape” neatly, perhaps due to the looseness of the weave, but overall a good upgrade all round.

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