As we are all getting excited for EA24 releases….Some impressions on the most waited cable of the year (WELL… at least for me
)…
Ares S + Cadmus Cable
Buckling up the seatbelts:
After a year of anticipation, born from my persistent mentions and requests (and maybe others), the Ares S + Cadmus cable is finally officially alive and in my hands. This intriguing combination was in my mind since I first heard both separated. Combining the warmth and richness of pure copper from the Ares S with the crisp, clear attributes of the silver-plated copper of Cadmus, promises a real journey. This time I've paired it with the usual classic IEMs - the 64 Audio A12t and the Empire Ears LX - to explore how this hybrid cable influences and interacts with different sound signatures, particularly across the demanding genres of Metal and Hip-hop.
Build and Aesthetics:
Firstly, the craftsmanship of the Ares S + Cadmus is the cherry on top of the Signature series (except for Eros S 1st Anniversary…it is still unbeaten in looks). The cable is flexible, yet thick if that is your gig. The Hardware is a shinny chrome looking that I liked more than the traditional grey on original series.
How does it groove?
The sound signature can be characterised as one offering the best of both worlds. The copper lends a lush, deep low-end, appreciated in the rumbling bass of Hip-hop and the aggressive power of Metal. Conversely, the silver-plated copper component ensures that the treble remains extended and clear, bringing forward the nuances and details in complex musical arrangements usually seen on fast paced Metal, like some Dream Theatre’s songs.
64 Audio A12t: the classic of the classics.
Paired with the 64 Audio A12t, known for its versatility and balanced sound, the Ares S + Cadmus cable brings a noticeable enhancement in sonic performance. Metal tracks like Metallica's "Sad But True" exhibit a deeper, more resonant low end, giving the drums and bass guitars a richer presence. This depth doesn't muddy the overall sound but instead adds a satisfying warmth. Simultaneously, the treble extends gracefully, allowing the high-hats and cymbal crashes to shine through with clarity, avoiding any harshness.
Empire Ears LX: the all time Bass King.
The Empire Ears LX, with its already impressive low-end performance, takes on a new character with the Ares S + Cadmus. The cable adds an extra layer of depth to Hip-hop tracks. In Wiz Khalifa's "Black and Yellow," the bass lines are impactful yet controlled, providing a solid foundation without overshadowing the mids and highs. The silver-plated copper component ensures that the clarity and detail in Lil Wayne's intricate rhymes are not lost, offering an extended treble that complements the LX’s low end focus sound profile.
Interim Final thoughts:
This is a cable that I have been calling for at least a year and after having it in my hands it’s a confirmation of my expectations… Ares S + Cadmus is a cable that doesn’t just connect; it enhances the qualities of both cables when working together as a team. For casual audiophiles (and die hards on a budget) who have longed for a cable that marries the warmth and depth of copper with the clarity and sparkle of silver, this is a dream come true. Its performance with both the 64 Audio A12t and Empire Ears LX across Metal and Hip-hop genres showcases its versatility and the profound impact it can have on different IEMs.
PS.: I wish Gaea would have come with this cable in the box.
