Introduction:
The Effect Audio is a Singapore brand that is known with famous aftermarket cables. They offer Ares and Thor series headphone/IEM cables as well as Piccolino Ultimate and Eros Reference units. In addition, there is the Mars cable from Premium series and finally the Leonidas from Heritage class. In the accessory section of the Effect Audio website, there is a rich product range including some mini interconnects, digital cables, and connector options. As it can be seen in the website, the Effect Audio has started to collaborate with custom in ear monitor makers such as Cosmic Ears, Empire Ears, Vision Ears, and Custom Art.
Build Quality:
The Effect Audio utilizes two copper and two silver litz conductors as well as a single encapsulation in the production of Eros II+. The reviewed cable has traditional 2 pin connectors that have red and blue marks, but it is possible to order Eros II+ with almost all types of pins used in the industry.
The reviewed Eros II+ has a special 3.5 mm straight plug and a Y splitter that seems quite premium. In the Effect Audio ordering page, there are also 3.5mm angled, 2.5 mm balanced and RSA type plugs. The cable has a memory wire that is not disturbing. Eros II+ can be described as flexible, but it is not the best in the industry. Still, it offers a good flexibility in its price range and it is more flexible than some other aftermarket cables that are much more expensive.
Sound:
Note: In the sound part, Eros II+ is named as ‘’Eros’’.
Eros’ sub-bass is not only tighter and deeper, but also it is better textured. In accordance with its tightness, Eros seems to provide slightly more power in the sub-bass region. The stock cable has a more prominent mid-bass presentation, but it is significantly messy in comparison. Eros offers more control as well as a higher level of resolution. In addition, Eros maintains a more airy bass room without reducing the body of the general presentation.
Eros seems to put the midrange slightly forward compared to the stock cable due to the dynamism difference between the two. However, Eros may be a little fatiguing with earphones that are already midrange oriented. On the other hand, instruments are created in a more dynamic and transparent way; the resolution level is also better in comparison with the stock cable. Eros offers an alive and more detailed upper midrange, but it may be slightly problematic when it is paired with already energetic upper-mid notes.
Vocals are not presented too forward, but still they are intimate and more full-bodied by a small margin. Due to the body difference, vocals are more three-dimensional with Eros. In addition, Eros provides a clear and grander space around vocals, while the stock cable sounds congested.
In general, Eros has a more transparent and detailed treble presentation compared to the stock cable. Its tonality is neither piercing nor unnatural, but it is not the best. Overall treble presentation is clean, clear, and easy to listen.
Eros doesn’t offer a very wide stage, but it improves the depth of the presentation. In accordance with its background position and the stage depth, it provides a better layering. Eros betters the stock cable in terms of the separation and puts a clearer space between instruments.
Final Words:
The Effect Audio Eros II+ sounds dynamic and transparent. The overall presentation is natural and it provides a quite good performance for its price. As for the craftsmanship, the Effect Audio did a good job again. In the Leonidas case, I found the craftsmanship very impressive. Considering its price, Eros II+ has a very strong build quality. Lastly, Eros II+ is priced at $349.
Please click here for more information about Effect Audio Eros II+.
Note: During tests, Chord Hugo, M-Fidelity Sa-43 and its stock cable is used.
