Penon Vocal
Configuration: 4 wire, single crystal silver-plated OCC copper & gold foil
Weight: 33g
Ergonomics: 7/10
Cost: $69
The Vocal is one of Penon Audio’s newest cables, and has generated a lot of attention in the community – once glance is enough to see why!
After offhandedly mentioned to Penon I was planning a cable shootout they kindly sent me a Vocal to review, so what better way to do that than by seeing how it stacks up against some of the competition?
There’s nothing particularly special about 4 wire silver-plated cables, but Vocal adds gold foil to the mix as well. I’m unsure precisely how it’s utilised or how much influence it has over the cable’s performance, but aesthetically the effect of adding gold is quite obvious.
Is Vocal just a pretty face or is there substance behind the style? All shall be revealed…
Ergonomics & Build Quality
Arriving in a minimalist cardboard box with a handy carry case, I’m not even going to talk about Vocal’s ergonomics yet because its’ distinctive appearance warrants immediate attention.
Are you fan of jewellery? Would you love having everyone stare at you with looks ranging from puzzlement to jealousy? Did you grow up watching the A-Team dreaming of one day imitating your hero Mr T? Then Vocal is the cable for you.
For the rest of us, well let’s just say I might hesitate to use Vocal on public transport because I prefer to keep things low-key. There’s no doubt those looks earn it a distinctive place in the cable market however.
Ergonomically Vocal is a fairly substantial 4 wire cable, perhaps not as supple as Obsidian and certainly not the smaller S8 & CS819, but I wouldn’t call ergonomics a problem and would label it decently comfortable.
As for build, the hardware has enough glitz & shine to match the wire perfectly. I’ve certainly owned cables that felt much cheaper even at substantially higher prices.
Sound
You probably won’t be shocked to learn Vocal is a cable that makes vocals sound better.
This is characterised by the way it pushes the midrange forward to sound more upfront and prominent, with a greater sense of weight and volume to the lower midrange in particular.
Vocal’s ability to enhance IEM technical performance is also commendable for a 4 wire cable, particularly at this price. Both dynamics and background blackness are impressive, although other cables in the shootout are more effective at expanding soundstage dimensions.
By adding body and richness to the lower midrange Vocal is well suited to ‘correcting’ V-shaped IEMs that may be a touch lean in that area, with the effect of creating a more balanced sonic signature. This can also create a more musical, toe-tapping experience from one which previously drifted too closely to dry & analytical to be enjoyable.
IEM Comparisons
Penon 10th Anniversary
I notice improved dynamics and more forward vocals. In fact the improvement to midrange articulation is very noticeable which is somewhat surprising, given the 10th Anniverary already has a prominent midrange on the stock cable.
Midbass is also enhanced and a blacker background is present, creating a more vivid presentation in this fantastic pairing.
ISN EST50
Vocals are again pushed forward and correspondingly midrange articulation & clarity feel enhanced as a result. The midrange also gains body & volume, correcting one of the V-shaped EST50s greatest shortcomings in the process.
Tonality is much smoother than the stock cable, calming the EST50s’ excitement to some degree and generating a more mature sounding presentation that feels better balanced.
Penon Impact
Vocal shares many similarities with the stock Obsidian cable, but offers improved dynamics and slightly deeper midbass output. Like the Obsidian, Vocal does make the Impacts feel very midrange centric which may work for you depending on your choice of genres.
However as is the case with Obsidian, the stage is not widened quite as much as other cables are capable of, especially the larger 8 wire cables.
Verdict
Vocal is far more than a superficial ‘bling bling’ cable, it actually sounds fantastic for a fairly modest price and is a smart compromise of decent ergonomics & commendable performance.
V-shaped monitors are so common in the hobby -particularly at entry level pricepoints- that any cable capable of pushing the midrange forward to ‘correct’ IEMs with annoyingly recessed midranges is going to be very handy to have around.
The elephant in the room is Vocal’s appearance, which is probably something you either love or you don’t. I’m fairly conservative when it comes to that sort of thing so a version with plain black insulation would suit me better, but if you enjoy standing out in a crowd this is a cable you’ll appreciate.
Introduction
Cable 1 & 2 – EA Ares S 4 Wire & 8 Wire
Cable 3 – Effect Audio Cadmus 8 Wire
Cable 4 – Effect Audio Code 23
Cable 5 – ISN S8
Cable 6 – Liquid Links Martini
Cable 7 – Liquid Links Venom
Cable 8 – NiceHCK BlackSoul
Cable 9 – Penon CS819
Cable 10 – Penon Leo Plus
Cable 11 – Penon Obsidian
Cable 12 – Penon Vocal
Cable 13 – DIY Cardas Clear
Cable 14 – DIY Hakugei Gray Dragon
Cable 15 – DIY Hakugei Sky-Sea Voice
Talking Point – Cable Performance vs Ergonomics
Talking Point – Cable Value
Talking Point – Cable DIY
Cable Awards
Conclusion
Cable Manufacturer Links & Acknowledgements
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