Here I am with two IEMs priced exactly at $1499 but there are plenty of differences. One is a quad hybrid and the other is a simple hybrid. One has a cable and the other.. doesn't come with one. As of now the set of accessories is minimal on the cable-less IEM.
No prizes for guessing that Effect Audio Axiom is not the best IEM when it comes to set of accessories.
Can the Axiom redeem itself? Can an IEM overcome all these things? The short and clear answer is.. Yes. Its an early impression so dont take this as my final verdict. I do expect some changes after 100+ hrs.
My first impression was of the prototype unit and the improvements with the production ready DEMO unit is admirable. Lower end is less voluminous with slightly better weight. Vocals notes are tighter and instruments have more even emphasis across the spectrum. Treble of the Prototype was slightly loose and less precise which is rectified with the production ready unit.
Axiom is not a fancy IEM with a lot of drivers and fancy shell design. It's more of a serious IEM with a no nonsense approach when it comes to sound. It has one of the best balance of fun and analytical sound in the $1500 price range. It just simply isn't an IEM with a lot of lower end grunt but has a healthy amount of lower end thump and fuller feeling to keep anyone seated. It has a more layered bass delivery and aptly accurate decay speed is something hard to find in this price range, but is more common with BA based flagship IEMs. It does have depth but doesn't have the volume or a lot or rumble. What it has is the right balance.
Mid range is less in the V compared to the Unique Melody MEST mk2 and the vocals are more forward. The biggest difference comes with the finishing energy and accuracy. Mest mk2 has better notes depth and energy with upper mid percussion instruments providing a more natural timber and tonality. Axiom cuts the extra bit of sharpness there but has better transparency of the instruments everywhere else. This does rob it off of some precision and accuracy, the extra shimmer goes missing. Treble extension is exceptionally good but isn't of the endless type. If you didnt like the extra bit of attack of the MEST mk2's treble, the Axiom has slightly less attacking notes with a much more even emphasis.
The biggest surprise here is the stage size. It's nearly 30% bigger than MEST mk2 in every direction. It just simply has better air and space between instruments.
If the upper mids can be more accurate.. this IEM will be unstoppable, but I am burning it, 10h done, 90 more to go. Let's see.
