Cable Comparisons
As an unashamed cable aficionado, naturally I can’t resist learning how effectively the Globes scale with fancy expensive cables.
Globe Stock Cable
This relatively slender silver-plated 8 wire cable is very comfortable to use. It pushes the midrange forward yet imaging feels a touch congested. Bass is also a weakness, which comes across a tad mushy on the stock cable.
Treble is emphasised as this cable is bright by nature, but there’s a lack of note weight which curbs the Globes’ performance with genres like rock. Though adequate it feels like there’s room for improvement.
ISN S8 (USD $32.50)
Dynamics are immediately improved by swapping to the S8 and the stage grows in width, though depth is slightly shallower than stock. There’s extra treble sheen which you may or may not want.
I do prefer pairing the Globes with copper cables, which seem to provide that extra bit of midbass punch needed to flesh out their presentation.
Penon CS819 (USD $49)
In this very impressive pairing, the Globes’ stage is both wider and deeper with instruments given more room to breathe, and even midrage clarity seems to have improved with vocals sounding more natural – though not quite as impressive as the Penon Vocal cable in that regard.
Bass is also more impactful, though similar in quantity to that of the stock cable. CS819 generates a more organic, less “digital” sound that’s a surprisingly large improvement over the stock cable.
Penon Vocal (USD $69)
As the name suggests, Vocal adds greater articulation & resolution to the Globes midrange, and a greater impression of refinement & sophistication. Considering the midrange is already a strength of the Globes this nudges them towards becoming a vocal specialist.
The soundstage is deepened slightly but width remains similar, dynamics are moderately increased and bass feels deeper as well. I do prefer the CS819 pair up for multi-genre listening, unless you choose to prioritise vocal-centric music.
Effect Audio Ares S 4 Wire (USD $179)
The Globe midrange immediately sounds more meaty with improved resolution and presence, and dynamics & bass texture are similarly boosted.
Similar to CS819, the Ares S stage doesn’t necessarily feel much larger yet somehow instruments seem like they have more room to breathe. I do prefer the CS819 pair up which has slightly better dynamics and less bottom end emphasis, delivering a more even sonic balance.
Penon Leo Plus (USD $249)
One again I’m slightly disappointed with the Leo Plus cable in this pairing.
Soundstage depth is improved impressively, but treble is boosted to such an extent sounds like cymbals are far more intrusive, and with that comes a whispy tonality I don’t particularly care for.
Liquid Links Martini (USD $349)
As the only larger 8 wire cable in this comparison, Martini delivers the substantially boosted dynamics, improved bass and wider & deeper stage dimensions you’d expect from such a weighty cable.
Speaking of heft even note weight is improved, ably fleshing out any perception of thinness in the Globes’ presentation. As such I enjoy this pairing even more than using the CS819, though the price difference is almost as significant as the cost of the Globes themselves.
Cardas Clear (USD $320 parts cost) / PW Audio 1950s (USD $2149)
To my complete lack of surprise, the Cardas Clear (DIY PWA 1950s clone) delivers the same superb performance with the Globes it demonstrated in my recent IEM cable shootout.
Dynamics are boosted significantly, bass feels more impactful, the stage is wider & deeper, and vocals are beautifully smooth & rich. Treble reproduction is terrific too, but without the feeling details are being shoved in one’s face. Essentially this feels like a direct upgrade in most ways to the CS819 pairing, with a faultless balance of great tonality and superb technical performance.
Page 1 – Introduction & Sound Impressions
Page 2 – IEM Comparisons
Page 3 – Cable Comparisons
Page 4 – Conclusion
I love the Globes thought they were musical and engaging.
Musical and engaging is a terrific way to describe them Steve. There’s a lot to be said for transducers that get you tapping your feet even if they aren’t the last word in technical performance.