Cable Comparisons
I compared the ASOS+ to a number of other cables to get a better feel for its’ characteristics & value.
Penon ASOS (USD $169)
ASOS uses identical wire to the ASOS+ – all that differs is the connectors, so we’re comparing the ASOS+ fixed “purple copper” plug & 2pins to the ASOS’ modular plug & lower grade 2pin connectors.
To my surprise the difference between the two cables isn’t subtle, it’s quite easy to hear. ASOS sounds less organic, with poorer dynamics, a narrower soundstage, and bass that doesn’t go as deep.
ASOS+ sounds much less veiled with a wetter, more emotional midrange that feels less mechanical. I strongly recommend spending the extra on the ASOS+ if you’re considering either cable.
NiceHCK DragonScale (USD $157)
Ergonomically DragonScale is lighter than ASOS+, but extremely stiff below the Y-split due to what I assume is added sheathing or shielding. ASOS+ is much more supple for practical use.
DragonScale’s soundstage is noticeably flatter & narrower, with poorer dynamics, bass that doesn’t go as deep and vaguer imaging.
DragonScale’s background is slightly blacker, and the midrange is given particular emphasis with the illusion of higher resolution, though that may simply be because other frequencies are more attenuated.
Penon Renata (USD $269)
Renata is a cable I’m currently working on reviewing, so this is a sneak peek. Ergonomically it is thick & heavy, definitely less flexible than ASOS+ which I prefer ergonomically.
Renata’s soundstage is narrower but deeper than ASOS+’, imaging is a tad sharper, and dynamics are marginally better. Renata emphasises midbass more, whereas ASOS+ leans towards sub bass.
I find ASOS+ is brighter with a flatter but wider stage that can sound more spacious, whereas Renata more effortlessly resolves microdetails in a more 3D presentation with a blacker background.
Liquid Links Venom (USD $1089)
Venom weighs about as much as ASOS+ but is not as pliable so ergonomically I prefer the latter.
A very v-shaped cable, Venom emphasises sub bass which goes slightly deeper than ASOS+ but midbass is thinned out to such an extent bass feels leaner overall, with treble accentuated more strongly.
Venom also skews the midrange more towards the upper midrange with a tonality that can feel quite metallic, but the soundstage is slightly wider & deeper & imaging is definitely sharper. I’m skeptical that slightly improved technical performance is worth Venom’s questionable tonality however.
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.