By Nick Smith, 1st January 2025
Can successful formulas be enhanced by delivering more of the same?
Not long ago Penon sent me a Pyramid cable which I reviewed, and it remains one of my favourites.
That was the original 4 wire iteration… but later they offered to send the no-holds-barred 8W version in exchange for my thoughts and as a massive cable lover I couldn’t resist.
Interestingly, there’s been community debate over how much difference adding more wires makes.
Some folks say only the material & geometry of the wire, and the quality of connectors matters. Others insist more wires generally equates to better sound but that it isn’t always that simple.
So how about a shootout between the Pyramid 4W & 8W to test the differences? Let’s do it!
Packaging
The USD $499 Penon Pyramid 8 Wire arrives in a small cardboard box, inside is a fairly flat but sizable fabric carry case, a small leather accessory pouch and a leather cable holder.
It’s a fairly minimalistic package for a cable in this price range, and one could argue alternatives abound which offer more luxurious unboxing experiences.
One positive is the case is well-sized to house this enormous cable and pair of larger IEM shells, yet remains light and thin enough to slide inside a jacket pocket, though I wish it were made of leather.
Ergonomics & Build Quality
In all 4, 6 & 8 wire configurations the Pyramid uses OFC copper 2pin connectors with your choice of OFC 3.5mm or 4mm copper plug. Only 2pin connectors are offered, meaning no MMCX or P-Ear options.
The hardware feels well made and the wire is extremely soft & flexible, though in the case of this 8W version there are so many strands the end result is extremely thick, though still decently pliable.
Indeed the 8W Pyramid tops the scales at a whopping 84 grams, it’s one of the heaviest IEM cables. Flexibility is quite good (unlike many thick single wire cables) but the weight is difficult to ignore during extended listening sessions, particularly when the cable’s weight isn’t supported.
At a desk or in bed I find the ergonomics tolerable – particularly given the cable’s performance, but for hours of walking or standing up the 4 wire version would be far more agreeable.
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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