Cable Comparisons
As always I tested the EM6Ls with a number of cables to gauge their scope for potential improvement.
NiceHCK Blacksoul (USD $50)
BlackSoul provides a slight boost to the lower midrange which generates a slightly meatier sound and note weight seems to benefit. However the treble definitely takes a hit with this cable, making the EM6L’s sound less airy.
The soundstage does expand slightly and the background may be a little blacker, but overall this is a fairly underwhelming pairing.
Penon Vocal (USD $69)
As always Vocal does what you think it would – shifts more focus to the midrange, and as a result the emphasis shifts from the upper to the lower midrange with more realistic sounding instruments the result. Midrange resolution even increases slightly.
The soundstage is slightly deeper though no wider, there’s a minor improvement to bass impact and dynamics also feel a little bit better.
Penon Obsidian (USD $149)
The Obsidian is a modular cable, with both Rhodium and Purple Copper plugs available so you can alter its’ performance to some extent. I find regardless of which plug is used the Obsidian improves dynamics impressively, increases soundstage depth and presents cleaner more pinpoint imaging.
With the Rhodium plug in particular the higher frequencies are more heavily emphasised and the soundstage is wider, whereas swapping to the Gold plug yields slightly more pleasing tonality as the lower midrange is given a greater boost.
Effect Audio Ares S 4 Wire (USD $179)
This is an impressive pairing in which the midrange is more forward, with bass hitting with slightly more authority and the bass emphasis shifting more towards midbass. The lower midrange is also given a boost which “fixes” the Harman tonality to no small extent.
The soundstage now has actual depth, and although resolution doesn’t seem to alter much dynamics are noticeably improved.
NiceHCK AceOrpheus (USD $258)
Another impressive pairing, soundstage depth improves markedly as AceOrpheus presents a much grander spherical stage for the performers. Instruments feel positioned further away, whereas the stock cable presents vocalists in particular closer to the listener.
Although bass impact does increase the improvement is minimal, however dynamics & background blackness also improve and midrange resolution feels substantially higher. AceOrpheus does dull the treble and even upper midrange frequencies however, though I find this leads to a more pleasing tonality.
Page 1 – Introduction, Packaging & Ergonomics
Page 2 – Sound Impressions, Harman Target Thoughts & Technical Performance
Page 3 – IEM Comparisons
Page 4 – Cable Comparisons
Page 5 – Conclusion
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