IEM Impressions

As always the performance of an IEM cable can’t be evaluated in a vacuum – you need to pair them with different earphones and observe the results to really get a handle on their characteristics.

So I put the modular Obsidian through its’ paces with a number of IEMs at hand using the Cayin N8ii set to hi-gain, in solid-state mode with P+ enabled to learn more.

 

ISN Neo5 (USD $289)

Using the Rhodium plug the Obsidian is brighter than the stock Neo5 cable, with a slightly wider and deeper stage. Midbass feels more prominent but sub bass diminishes. Vocals are pushed forward but I’m not a huge fan of the added brightness in this pairing.

The Purple Copper plug suits the Neo5s better, with deeper sub bass with more slam, a wider stage and more warmth. The Rhodium plug does sound cleaner with slightly better imaging & dynamics but tonality is better on the Purple Copper plug, with a modest difference between plugs.

 

Penon Globe (USD $329)

The Obsidian with Purple Copper plug actually sounds louder than the Globe stock cable, the midrange becomes even more present & forward with resolution increasing, dynamics also improve and the stage is a little wider. Vocals really gain an increased spotlight with this pairing.

With the Rhodium plug I don’t like the tonality quite as much, with less note weight and a slightly thinner sound, though stage depth is a touch better and there’s a bit more treble sparkle. The Purple Copper plug has slightly better bass impact, whereas the Rhodium plug offers a more v-shaped sound & marginally better technical performance, so it’s a tossup which of the two I prefer with the Globes.

 

ISN EST50 (USD $449)

The Obsidian with Purple Copper plug is a great pairing I can strongly recommend to EST50 owners. It really feels like a veil is lifted with the sound not only being louder than on the stock cable, but more dynamic with a deeper stage, a more prominent midrange and increased resolution.

With the Rhodium plug dynamics increase further, as does sub bass & treble emphasis for a more v-shaped sound. Resolution scales slightly higher in the midrange & treble areas but the tonality is less warm, whereas the Purple Copper plug has greater lower midrange emphasis for a smoother sound. I prefer the Rhodium plug largely for the better dynamics but either is a great match for the EST50s.

 

Penon Turbo (USD $549)

With the Rhodium plug the Turbos somehow feel warmer, with more midrange presence & improved resolution, better note weight, improved imaging and a slightly wider stage, though bass feels less elevated. The Turbos sound smoother & more refined without dynamics being adversely affected.

Switching to the Purple Copper plug midbass is more emphasised, the background is a little blacker and the stage a bit wider but also flatter than with the Rhodium plug. Midbass can sound a little boomy & doesn’t blend with the rest of the presentation so well, whereas the Rhodium Plug is airier with better technical performance yet tonality isn’t adversely affected, so I greatly prefer the Rhodium plug pairing.

 

Page 1 – Introduction, Packaging & Ergonomics
Page 2 – Modular Plug System & Sound Performance
Page 3 – IEM Impressions
Page 4 – Cable Comparisons
Page 5 – Conclusion

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