Cable Comparisons
I compared the Pyramid 8W with other cables to see how it stacks up against some serious competition.
Penon Renata (USD $269)
Funny I used to think of Renata as a “huge” cable when it weighs only 58 grams compared to Pyramid’s 84g. Pyramid is much more flexible however, and improves stage dimensions across all axis.
Renata brings vocals forward more, and its’ background feels even blacker with slightly sharper imaging than Pyramid, but resolution is a step down as is note weight.
I do find Renata slightly less warm, though possibly a bit more dynamic, it remains a solid value cable.
NiceHCK DragonScale 2 (USD $299)
DragonScale 2 pushes the midrange forward but bass isn’t as impactful, nor is note weight as impressive.
Dynamics are weaker, the staging may be slightly wider but definitely isn’t as tall or deep, and instruments don’t feel as large for some reason.
Tonally DragonScale 2 feels flatter & dryer with less midbass, which isn’t as emotionally engaging for me.
Penon ASOS+X (USD $319)
ASOS+X is 12 grams lighter & slightly more flexible, but both cables are so big & heavy the differences feel negligible and wouldn’t sway me towards one or the other.
The ASOS+X stage feels somewhat similar to Pyramid’s, being slightly wider but not quite as wide or deep. Imaging does feel more jumbled on ASOS+X however.
These two cables feel like siblings, but Pyramid is tonally smoother & more refined whereas ASOS+X is more energetic with greater treble emphasis, with a flatter & wider stage but Pyramid definitely takes the cake for separation & imaging.
Effect Audio Code 24 (USD $799)
Code 24 delivers a blacker background than Pyramid which is the standout improvement.
Stage dimensions are smaller in depth & height but marginally wider, bass feels a bit less impactful and note weight is also less impressive.
Code 24 boasts slightly higher resolution as notes pop from that blacker background and imaging is also sharper, but tonally Pyramid is warmer & smoother.
Hakugei Sky Bolt (USD $909)
Sky Bolt’s stage is definitely wider but a lot flatter with a lack of height, instrument separation is also sharper but note weight is poorer and bass less impactful.
Tonally Sky Bolt is brighter with a slightly metallic artificial sheen, whereas Pyramid is warmer rendering vocals in particular more faithfully.
Given its’ price its surprising Sky Bolt is outclassed in most areas barring imaging & separation.
Page 1 – Introduction, Packaging, Ergonomics & Build Quality
Page 2 – Sound Impressions, Technical Performance & Pyramid 4W vs 8W Comparison
Page 3 – IEM Comparisons
Page 4 – Cable Comparisons
Page 5 – Conclusion
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