On this characteristic, Nihal critiques the Impact Audio Signature Collection II, a refresh of the corporate’s entry-level triple audio cable collection, first launched in 2022. Pricing ranges from $199 to $299.
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This text follows our present scoring guidelines which you’ll learn in additional element right here.
Impact Audio’s Signature Collection cables don’t want any introduction. First launched in 2022 with the Ares S, Cadmus, and Eros S fashions, the Signature Collection rapidly gained reputation.
Later, Impact Audio expanded the lineup with varied enhancements to those cables. Amongst these had been upgraded 8-wire variations of the Ares S and Cadmus, in addition to a particular Cadmus Founder’s Edition.
Impact Audio additionally commemorated the Eros S with a 1st Anniversary Version, celebrating the cable’s preliminary success.
Impact Audio has now launched the second-generation Signature Collection comprising 3 cables priced from $199 SRP.
The brand new technology builds on buyer suggestions and introduces key upgrades in construct high quality, {hardware}, and wiring configuration, together with noticeable sonic enhancements. Importantly, the collection retains its accessible worth level, persevering with to prioritize worth for cash.
On this evaluate, we’ll discover the three new fashions—Ares S II, Cadmus II, and Eros S II—analyzing their efficiency with a wide range of IEM pairings. We’ll additionally evaluate them to the unique Signature Collection cables and another cables.
Materials & Geometry
Ares S II
The sooner Ares S cable featured a 4-wire, 24AWG design, however the brand new Ares S II has been modified to an 8-wire, 26AWG configuration with a proprietary Twin Variant QuantumCopper™ design that blends two distinct varieties of copper in distinctive bundles.
One strand employs a central stable core, whereas the opposite makes use of a double-layer multi-bundle design.
This twin construction creates a balanced, dynamic sound profile. Though the wire depend of the Ares S II is increased, it stays remarkably versatile resulting from EA UltraFlexi Insulation.
Cadmus II
The Cadmus II cable has additionally developed from a 4-wire, 24AWG setup to an 8-wire, 26AWG silver-plated copper configuration. Its construction is just like the Ares S II, utilizing a central core surrounded by six multi-sized silver-plated copper bundles.
Just like the Ares S II, it options thicker wire however maintains a tender, versatile really feel. Each Ares S II and Cadmus II share comparable development, thickness, and suppleness.
Eros II
The Eros S II cable is an 8-wire, 26AWG configuration crafted from ultra-pure OCC silver and copper Litz wires, making it the one hybrid mannequin within the Signature Collection.
It makes use of a proprietary Tri-Factor synCompound design, incorporating a central pure silver core and 6 multi-sized core bundles of a silver copper alloy and pure copper.
This distinctive mix of pure silver, pure copper, and silver copper alloy achieves a wide-ranging, expansive sound profile.
Design
The brand new Signature Collection II cables keep the aesthetic of the unique lineup with refined {hardware} particulars. The Eros S II exhibits probably the most noticeable replace, that includes a darker, extra subtle tone, whereas the Ares S II and Cadmus II retain an identical look to their earlier 8-wire variations.
The Ares S II sports activities a brushed copper end with a transparent PVC coating, highlighting a strand-like texture beneath that provides visible depth. The Cadmus II, with its pearly white shade, has a tender shine and clear PVC coating, permitting a glimpse into its inner wiring.
The Eros S II has a definite darkish gray matte sleeve, accented by delicate silver sparkles for an understated, premium look. Although thicker than the others, the Eros S II stays versatile because of a much less densely braided design.
The Y-split design throughout the Signature Collection II cables incorporates cast carbon fiber with distinctive accents tailor-made to every mannequin. Its weight has additionally been decreased by 20% over the Collection I model.
The Ares S II contains flecks depicting hues of copper; the Cadmus II options glittery silver flecks, and the Eros S II blends copper and silver for a complicated contact. Although bigger, the Y-split provides no further weight to the cables.
Every Signature Collection II cable comes with a sturdy rhodium-plated brass 4.4mm termination plug, additionally accessible in 2.5mm and three.5mm choices.
Impact Audio’s ConX expertise permits simple swapping of connectors, permitting compatibility with a variety of IEMs, together with 2-pin, MMCX, and the Pentaconn Ear.
This adaptability makes pairing the Signature Collection II cables with varied IEMs easy and handy, enhancing usability throughout your assortment.
Dealing with
All three Signature Collection II cables share a tender, versatile really feel and a relaxed braiding sample that avoids extreme tightness or rigidity. This unfastened braiding makes the cables simple to deal with, roll up, and retailer, as they resist tangling and keep their coiled form.
Each the Ares S II and Cadmus II are light-weight, whereas the Eros S II is barely heavier and takes up extra space.
Regardless of its further weight, the Eros S II stays user-friendly and is probably the most visually premium of the three, making it the popular alternative for prolonged use. All three cables have minimal downward pull, permitting for comfy use even on the go.
The Signature Collection II reminiscence ear hooks are comparatively agency, with the Eros S II having the stiffest hook. Whereas this provides a little bit of construction, it could really feel much less adaptable and will require slight changes for a extra comfy match, particularly relying on the angle of IEM insertion.
Packaging & Equipment
Impact Audio has saved the packaging constant throughout all three Signature Collection II cables, with every offered in a field of the identical measurement and shade. The entrance of every field options engraved paintings of the corresponding Greek hero, together with the cable identify.
A novel element is the end of the paintings: Ares S II options copper-only paintings, whereas Cadmus II and Eros S II showcase a mixture of copper and silver—a considerate contact that provides distinction.
Inside, the cable is elegantly displayed, operating vertically from prime to backside with the Y-split positioned on the heart, dealing with up. The cable is securely nestled inside a foam cutout, although it’s price noting that not one of the cables embrace a carrying pouch.
Efficiency & Impressions
The next sound impressions of the Impact Audio Signature Collection II cables had been accomplished utilizing 64 Audio Fourte and THIEAUDIO Oracle MKIII alongside my major supply, Lotoo’s Paw Gold Touch.
Abstract
Beginning with the entrant Ares S II, this cable embodies the qualities of a traditional copper cable, delivering wealthy bass, heat midrange, and glowing treble. The sound has a lovely heat, with mids which can be enriched with out compromising treble readability.
The Cadmus II gives a extra balanced sound profile, bringing delicate refinement throughout all frequencies, with added heat within the midrange and a contact of vitality within the higher frequencies. It additionally gives improved readability and openness than the Ares S II.
The Eros S II builds on the strengths of Cadmus II, emphasizing element and offering a extra spacious, ethereal presentation that takes the listening expertise to a brand new degree.
Timbre
Ares S II introduces noticeable heat to the sound, with enhanced sub-bass and mid-bass that really feel rounded and textured, including a stable, balanced basis.
The decrease midrange good points richness, giving weight and density to vocals and devices. This heat enhances the physique with out overwhelming the treble, which retains readability and extension.
Whereas including heat, Ares S II maintains a enough treble presence, dealing with micro-details successfully with out sacrificing the higher frequencies—a typical disadvantage in lots of copper cables.
Cadmus II stands out for its balanced finesse, preserving the IEMs’ unique sound whereas refining it with added readability and delicate heat. Whereas it’s not as heat as Ares S II, Cadmus II achieves a clear, detailed sound with an natural richness in vocals and fullness in devices like strings and piano.
The silver-plated composition enhances midrange readability and provides delicate pleasure to the sound. The higher frequencies are clean, clear, and spacious, sounding extra expansive than Ares S II.
Cadmus II excels in micro-detail mixed with a harmonious steadiness of heat and readability, delivering a wealthy but managed audio profile.
Eros S II combines the advantages of each copper and silver, providing a well-rounded enchancment in a number of areas. The bass is tighter and extra textured, with higher layering and a managed response.
Within the midrange, transparency, and backbone shine by means of, with a contact of heat enhancing element with out overpowering. The higher midrange is fluid and prolonged, including depth to the general sound, whereas the treble stays ethereal and detailed.
A touch of sparkle within the treble enlivens IEMs with a subdued prime finish, reaching an expansive, well-balanced sound signature that captures the most effective copper and silver qualities.
Staging & Imaging
Every cable within the Signature Collection II gives a definite strategy to sound staging. The Ares S II’s copper design delivers a rounded, intimate soundstage that brings the music nearer to the listener.
Though it sacrifices some width, this intimacy creates a extremely participating expertise. The added depth gives sufficient room for devices, stopping any sense of congestion whereas sustaining a compact, well-structured stage.
The Cadmus II gives a extra expansive soundstage, specializing in width and top. Positioned between the Ares S II and the Eros S II, it creates a practical, spacious really feel with a well-balanced width and top.
The Cadmus II sounds extra open and separated than the Ares S II, offering higher spatial readability and a formidable sense of instrument separation with out congestion. Its imaging capabilities additional improve spatial precision.
The Eros S II is probably the most technically superior within the collection, delivering a large and deep soundstage for an immersive listening expertise.
Its layering and imaging are distinctive, with devices and vocals positioned and separated with pinpoint accuracy throughout a broad, tall stage. The Eros S II additionally gives the very best decision among the many three cables, making a wealthy, spacious sound that elevates the listening expertise to its fullest potential.
Click on page 2 below for my recommended pairings and selected comparisons.
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