Sound Impressions
So how does ASOS+ perform? Very impressively by the standards of heavy 8 wire cables under $1000.
ASOS+ boosts IEM technical performance across the board. Soundstage width is typically the standout improvement with most IEMs, depth usually improves too.
Synergy is always crucial with cables so some IEMs will benefit more than others, generally you can expect slightly deeper bass, better dynamics, improved note weight, and a blacker background as well. Individual improvements are small, but cumulatively create a more open, refined & detailed presentation.
Treble is accentuated due to ASOS+ silver-plated conductors, so I’d be wary of pairing it with brighter IEMs unless you’re a treblehead, but it doesn’t sound etched like a lot of cheap SPC cables I’ve tried.
Tonality is actually quite good, the extra brightness is balanced out by a solid low end to deliver an open, clear sound that’s transparent enough for the character of IEM you pair it with to shine through.
IEM Comparisons
I tested the ASOS+ with several IEMs at hand to get a feel for how it altered their sound signatures.
Penon Quattro – 4xDD (USD $399)
The Quattros’ soundstage isn’t terribly wide on the stock cable and ASOS+ addresses this by deepening & widening it slightly, and with more space between instruments and a blacker background the presentation feels significantly more spacious.
ASOS+ is brighter than the stock cable which has greater midbass & lower midrange emphasis, but feels muffled whereas ASOS+ is more dynamic with deeper bass & improved note weight.
Penon Turbo – 6xBA (USD $549)
ASOS+ improves Turbo technical performance across the board. As with the Quattros the soundstage is deeper and especially wider, giving instruments more room to separation with blacker space around them. Dynamics, resolution & note weight also improve.
The Turbos’ BA bass becomes tighter & shifts emphasis slightly towards midbass. Bass quantity on the stock cable is slightly higher, but the texture is mushier and I prefer the sonic balance of ASOS+.
Fir Audio XE6 – 1xEST 4xBA 1xDD (USD $3899)
XE6’s stock 8 wire cable is no slouch, yet ASOS+ improves upon it in a number of areas. The soundstage is substantially wider and slightly deeper, with improved dynamics and a blacker background.
ASOS+ is much brighter, which aids the perception of clearer imaging and more effortless detail retrieval. The stock cable sounds much flatter, though potentially less fatiguing with muted lower treble.
Page 1 – Introduction, Packaging, Ergonomics & Build Quality
Page 2 – Sound Impressions & IEM Comparisons
Page 3 – Cable Comparisons
Page 4 – Conclusion
Nice one, have you tried ISN Audio T-OCC cable? I wonder how would it fit in
Ant I can’t say I’ve tried the T-OCC yet, so not sure how it compares. I will be reviewing Penon’s Renata soonish which seems to have a similar form factor.