*disclaimer: This sample was provided for the purpose of writing a review, no incentive was given to write a favourable review. All opinions expressed are my own subjective findings.
Used with: 64 Audio U6, Custom Art FIBAE 3 and Inearz P350
UPOCC Litz Copper / Silver Hybrid – 26awg
https://www.effectaudio.com/iem-premium-series/eros-ii.html
Packaging, Build quality and Ergonomics:
The Eros II comes in an excellent little white box, with the company logo on the front. The cable is carefully wound around a foam insert. The box is very simple but elegant, I like it.
The cable is very well built, as is to be expected from most custom cable companies. The 2.5mm balanced jack is sturdy, but there is no strain relief on that end. The cable has a tight round 4 core braid, a slim y-split but again no strain relief. You get a section of molded cable that acts as memory wire, without the metal insert, which is excellent and the 2-pin connectors look great. All the connectors and the y-split have the Effect audio label on them which is a nice touch, and the cable feels well built, even with the lack of strain relief.
Ergonomics are truly excellent, I thought the cable was going to be slightly stiff by the looks of it, but once it is in your hands it really is very supple, with an almost rubbery texture. This means cable noise is minimal, and it is a very comfortable cable to use. The memory wire is excellent as it doesn’t use the convention stiff piece of wire. Overall no ergonomic issues, Effect cables are possibly the most comfortable cables I have used.
Sound:
The Eros II is a special cable, it is special in the way that it will pair wonderfully with pretty much any IEM out there and sound excellent. Interestingly Effect have decided to use the copper strands for the positive signal and the silver strands for the negative. This creates a cable that is extremely well textured and layered, one that has warmth and body down low, yet also crystal clear highs.
The Eros II is a beautifully balanced cable, that does not aim to change the sound of your IEM’s in general, what is does is open up the sound and allow you to hear details more clearly.
It is smooth, refined and enjoyable, it widens the soundstage and creates a better sense of air and space between notes and instruments. It is crystal clear not smoothing over details, yet it is not harsh in its portrayal. When using the Eros II it gets out of the way and allows you to enjoy the IEM’s you are using with better depth and layering.
If you are looking for warmer lows, or brighter highs from a cable, the Eros II is not it. But if you like the sound of your IEM’s and want to improve the sound and bring it up another level in refinement, separation and layering the Eros II is superb.
