Firstly I would like to thank Marco from Oriveti for sending me the Affinity 2 cable for review.
*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
Gear Used:
iBasso DX200 / Singxer SA-1 > Affinity 2 > 64 Audio A6t
Tech Specs:
• Material: 4x (Ultra Pure OCC Copper & Silver Plated Copper)
• Conductor: 4 (Coaxial)
• Audio Jack: 2.5mm , 3.5mm , 4.4mm
• Connector: CM 2-PIN (0.78mm)
• Ear Guide Section: Metal Guided Wire, None
• Length: 1.2 meters (m)
https://www.oriveti.com/product-page/affinity-premium-iem-upgrade-cable-mmcx-3-5mm-stereo
Build Quality and Accessories
The Affinity 2 cable is a classic 4-braid type cable, splitting off into a 2-way twist above the y-splitter. It has metal housings on all connectors and the y-splitter and a rubber chin slider, the strain relief is excellent all round and the thickness of the cable sits juts right in terms of comfort, flexibility, and durability. The jack end of the cable sports an 4-pin connector that screws into the jack of your choice, the cable comes packaged with a 3.5mm, 2.5mm balanced and 4.4mm balanced jacks. Each jack screws into place making the connection very solid, the only downside to this is that the right-angled jack is now longer than normal which could exert more force on the jack of the source.
I personally really like the flexibility here, it allows you to use the cable with multiple sources, and a I have seen a few cable makers go this route, what I would like to see if the connector refined so it isn’t quite as long. The jacks are all excellent quality and fit tightly into the sockets I have on my amps/DACs (I tested all jacks), the 2-pin connectors fit recessed sockets well and were a perfect fit with my various IEM’s.
Accessory wise you get a lovely round leather case, the same that comes with some of Oriveti’s earphones, and the 3 jacks mentioned above (3.5mm, 2.5mm and 4.4mm). Nothing else is required for this cable, so the inclusion of a good quality case is a nice touch.
Comfort
The Oriveti Affinity 2 is a very comfy cable in use, the cable is supple enough to conform nicely over the top of your ears, and the lower section isn’t too thick to become cumbersome in use. I really like that this cable doesn’t include any form of memory wire, I usually find this to be more comfortable and using the chin slider helps keep it in place. On the subject of chin sliders, the one of the Affinity 2 is tight and doesn’t slide down from where you set it, the number of cables that have some fancy looking bead that doesn’t stay in place is quite infuriating.
Sound
In my personal experience, I feel that cables can make a small difference to the overall sound of ones system, they can be a very good fine tuning tool but do not expect huge night and day differences. Aside from sound changes, aftermarket cables come in different terminations and are often better built than stock offerings, making them quite a good investment sometimes.
I’ve had my 64 Audio A6t for a long time now, and they are my go-to reference for any cables I have in to test, however I do also try and use the cable with other earphones I have. When I hooked up the Oriveti Affinity 2 cable to my A6t, after a day or so in use I changed from the mX module I had been using, back to the m15 module, this is due to the slightly brighter sound I perceived with the Affinity 2 cable. The Affinity 2 is a crisp sound cable, it would not be a good match with brighter leaning earphones, however it isn’t bass light and there is still excellent weight and punch in the lower regions.
The Affinity 2 added an increased sense of detail in the upper midrange and treble region, but it isn’t fatiguing, and is just something to take into account when pairing this cable with your earphones. Matching cables to earphones relies on synergy, get it wrong and you may not personally enjoy the sound, the Oriveti Affinity 2 is a clean sounding cable that will pair best with smoother, fuller sounding earphones.
If you want a slightly more controlled low end, detailed midrange and well extended treble the Affinity 2 is a great cable, if you want a smoother sound with fuller body then another cable would be more suited. The mixture of silver plated copper, and OCC copper works well to create a realistic tonality that isn’t fatiguing.
Conclusion
Cables are about synergy and fine tuning, the Oriveti Affinity 2 is a very well-built cable to pair with warmer, or more relaxed earphones. It’s a clean and open sounding cable, there is a slight increase in treble presence, but without taking away body from the bass.
It’s also very well built with a sturdy construction and is comfortable to use out and about, the only improvement I can think of is the jack being shorter whilst retaining interchangeability.
Sound Perfection Rating: 8/10 (Well built, comfortable, flexible connectivity and a crisp sound signature)