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Effect Audio Janus Dynamic – The Phantom of the Opera

DISCLAIMER: Effect Audio provided me with the Janus Dynamic in return for my honest opinion. I am not personally affiliated with the company in any way, nor do I receive any monetary rewards for a positive evaluation. I’d like to thank Effect Audio for their kindness and support. The review is as follows.

Effect Audio needs no introduction. The Singaporean superstars have cemented themselves as one of the most prominent cable manufacturers in the world; crafting some of the finest products the industry has ever seen. But, not ones to rest on their laurels, Effect Audio have just recently made their most exciting innovation yet: Palladium-plated conductors. As an hors d’oeuvre of sorts, Effect Audio have used this technology to birth the Janus twins; Dynamic and Basso; set apart simply by the geometries within the conductors. Today, we’ll be looking at the Janus Dynamic – one-half of the cable industry’s hottest prospects, and one of the most natural, balanced and effortless cables I’ve heard yet.

Effect Audio Janus Dynamic

  • Wire composition: 24 AWG UPOCC Palladium-plated copper & EA alloy mix
  • Default configuration: 8-wire
  • Key feature(s) (if any): Palladium plating, UltraFlexi insulation
  • Price: $1399
  • Website: www.effectaudio.com

Build and Accessories

The Janus D comes in a box not unlike ones I’ve previously explored with Effect Audio’s pricier offerings: A black monolith enclosed within an embossed paper sleeve. However this time, the printings are accented with metallic silver ink; a welcome touch given the exclusivity of the cable within. Lifting off the felt-lined hatch reveals the Janus D, as well as its included pigtail adapter. As usual for Effect Audio, the package oozes class. Although I wish they’d include an extra feature given the price – like the Lionheart’s leather pouch, for example – it’s still an impressive display nonetheless.

The Janus D is a formidable beast; thicker than Effect Audio’s standard fair by 2 AWG. Regardless, they still perform admirably in ergonomics. In daily use, I rarely ever notice the extra weight. And, Effect Audio’s newly redesigned Y-split keeps everything stationary on the go. Although it’s far from the most vanishing cable in my arsenal, its lofty size should never be a concern either. The conductors themselves look absolutely stunning; alternating between shimmering grey and matte-black throughout. The braids aren’t as tight as their slimmer siblings, but they’re as even and uniform as Effect Audio’s products always are. Finally, softness and suppleness are still some of the best the industry has to offer.

The Janus D also features Effect Audio’s newly-redesigned Y-split and PSquared plug. This revision features a gorgeous mirror finish – almost resembling chrome – as well as laser-engraved emblems. Numerous users (myself included) have complained about logos rubbing off in the past, so this revision addresses that issue wonderfully. The Y-split feels immensely more robust than the previous one too. It’s noticeably lighter and more compact, but density has greatly increased. As a result, it doesn’t bounce anywhere as easily when in motion, and the cable remains stable at all times.

The 2.5mm PSquared plug is wonderfully machined as well, though it’s important to note that it will be the Janus twins’ default connector. Unlike Effect Audio’s other offerings, all Janus orders will arrive with the aforementioned plug and a pigtail adapter, which you can choose to have terminated in either 3.5mm single-ended or 4.4mm balanced. This was apparently a compromise made to avoid long wait times d ue to the Janus’ laborious production process.  I’m personally not a fan of this system, because the inclusion of an adapter adds an extra point of failure and additional heft to an already-lofty cable. So unless you already own a 2.5mm-compliant DAP, this should be an important factor to consider.

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ABOUT AUTHOR

Deezel

Deezel

Church-boy by day and audio-obsessee by night, Daniel Lesmana’s world revolves around the rhythms and melodies we lovingly call: Music. When he’s not behind a console mixing live for a congregation of thousands, engineering records in a studio environment, or making noise behind a drum set, you’ll find him on his laptop analysing audio gear with fervor and glee. Now a specialist in custom IEMs, cables and full-sized headphones, he’s looking to bring his unique sensibilities - as both an enthusiast and a professional - into the reviewer’s space; a place where no man has gone before.

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