Cable Comparisons

I also compared the modular Obsidian with a number of other cables on hand, using the Penon Turbos & Cayin N8ii in solid state, hi-gain, P+ mode.

 

Penon CS819 (USD $49)

Generally I find the CS819 has less bass output than the modular Obsidian, with poorer dynamics, a flatter stage, and I tend to notice treble more simply because the lower frequencies are more muted, so it doesn’t sound quite as powerful.

The CS819’s tonality is excellent however, and I do think it’s one of the easiest cables to pair successfully with a wide range of IEMs, but the Obsidian feels more dynamic and powerful with the CS819 sounding thinner by direct comparison.

 

Penon Vocal (USD $69)

Vocal is a specialist as its’ name suggests, which adds more bias towards midbass though overall bass feels lot more limp than it does on the Obsidian. This decreased bass output helps Vocal feel more polite tonally, though Obsidian boasts better dynamics with a deeper stage & increased midrange detail.

Vocal has terrific midrange tonality and is a great option for ‘correcting’ v-shaped IEMs to make them feel more balanced, but I feel like that comes at the expense of too many other areas so the CS819 would be my preferred cable choice under $100 in most cases.

 

Effect Audio Ares S 4 Wire (USD $179)

The Ares S is definitely not your stereotypically-warm copper cable, and delivers a wider but flatter stage than the Obsidian, in which I notice the higher frequencies a bit more which may explain why imaging feels somewhat more defined.

However note weight feels lower on the Ares S, and tonality is also thinner with a more wispy characteristic I don’t really care for.

 

PW Audio 1950s Clone (USD $2149)

This DIY Cardas Clear clone of PWA’s 1950s cable has become my go-to standard by which other cables are judged. Comparing it to the Obsidian I notice it produces deeper bass with a blacker background, and a stage that may be a touch wider but is similarly deep.

Details are more effortlessly resolved on the Cardas Clear, with more emphasised lower midrange resulting in smoother tonality with no loss of resolution, and dynamics are higher too. The Obsidian has a more v-shaped tonality even with the Purple Copper plug, which will suit some IEMs better than others. The gap in technical performance between them is fairly small, particular given the cost difference.

 

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

Pages 12345