ISN S8
Configuration: 8 wire, silver-plated OCC copper
Weight: 23g
Ergonomics: 9/10
Cost: $32
ISN is a relatively lesser-known brand in the hobby, who’s products are sold by Penon Audio through their website. Although ISN predominantly make cables, they do sell a number of IEMs who’s focus seems geared towards satisfying the bassheads among us.
Weighing in at a mere 23 grams and $32 the S8 is undoubtedly one of the lightweights of the shootout. It wasn’t so long ago we would’ve expected to pay over $100 for a well-built 8 wire silver-plated cable such as this (utilising ‘single-crystal copper’ no less) which demonstrates how aggressive pricing has become in the budget side of the market.
So how does the S8 stack up given its’ modest price & weight? Read on for the answers.
Ergonomics & Build Quality
The choice of using 8 wires rather than the more conventional 4 often chosen for budget cables is an interesting one.
In fact the S8 feels like an 8 wire cable in name only – the individual wires are so small that the cable’s girth is actually less than most 4 wire cables in this shootout. However the advantage of using a greater number of thinner wires is that ergonomics actually improve.
As a result the S8 is incredibly pliable & flexible and drapes extremely comfortably, and with so little weight it’s easy to forget you’re using it. In fact it’s difficult when using the S8 not to wonder if vastly heavier & more expensive cables are really worth the trouble.
In terms of build the S8 gives the impression of being acceptably solid, with none of the hardware feeling flimsy or cheap – I’ve encountered more expensive cables with hardware that did not inspire as much confidence. Indeed the black with gold accented color scheme does quite a bit to make the cable seem more expensive than it is.
Sound
The S8 projects a wide soundstage, although depth is not particularly strong. The signature is one often associated with silver-plated coper, a somewhat V-shaped presentation with treble particularly accentuated.
The absence of copper creates a slightly leaner sound more devoid of lower midrange warmth, with the upper midrange given extra prominence. This can be useful for thinning-out excessively warm IEMs and helping create a more fun, bouncy sound.
Technical performance is better than expected for something so affordable, perhaps due to the use of silver. Imaging in particular is impressive, and resolution & dynamics are not lacking, though failing to match the performance of far heavier & more expensive 8 wire cables.
IEM Comparisons
Penon 10th Anniversary
The 10th Anniversary’s CS819 stock cable is almost identical to the S8, but with half of the 8 silver-plated wires replaced with pure copper instead.
The S8 generates a cleaner presentation and a blacker background with more defined imaging, but robs the 10thAnniversary of some of its’ musicality and groove in the process.
ISN EST50
The S8 is the EST50’s stock cable and definitely contributes to their V-shaped presentation. It creates a fairly bright sound with good imaging and plenty of treble sparkle.
The stage is reasonably wide but not terribly deep, and there’s no lack of resolution or excitement but fatigue may be a factor if you happen to be treble sensitive.
Penon Impact
A slight silvery sheen with noticeable treble emphasis is present, again the stage is quite wide but lacking in depth.
The S8 also struggles to deliver a strong bass performance with the Impacts, though that is definitely not the case with the EST50s or 10th Anniversary.
Verdict
For just $32 there’s little to complain about here. The S8 may not set your world on fire if you’ve experienced heavier, more expensive offerings but as an affordable option for an IEM you don’t use often or just to keep as a backup it’s very hard to go past.
Hugely comfortable with a surprisingly wide soundstage, the S8 is perfect for adding a little extra sparkle to any IEM you find excessively warm or dark.
I’d much rather use a cable like this when commuting than something bigger & heavier, where the extra performance may not be noticed much in noisy environments anyway.
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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