Effect Audio Axiom Review

 

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Sound

So how does this sustainable IEM sound? While the choices for this product by Effect Audio will be discussed and argued, the most important part remains to be the sound quality.

First off, the Effect Audio Axiom is a hybrid IEM. It has a 12mm magnesium dynamic driver with two Knowles balanced armature drivers. The dynamic driver handles both bass & mids, whilst the BA ones take care of the highs.

Effect Audio’s first true in-house IEM provides a satisfying hybrid IEM experience from bass to treble with very good technical performance. While the price point seems to be a bit steep for the package content and overall presentation, the sound quality is certainly up to this level. However, that is only the case if you use the 2nd released MU module. Let me explain more.

Standard (Black) Module Sound (OG)

The black MU was the first unit that came for Axiom owners. The Axiom sounds very dynamic, engaging and fun with it. There’s a lot of bass and a lot of energy in the treble region, while mids are a bit recessed and thin. Axiom becomes a fun v-shaped IEM with this setup, but I think it doesn’t live up to its asking price. Some people may think differently about it, especially if they listen to a lot of fun-oriented music like Techno or Hip Hop. But a Jazz listener, for example, would find it difficult to bear. It’s subjective.

Unbalanced & Fun Signature

It has a high bass quantity, strong punch and rumble in the low region, but for me, it becomes a bit uncomfortable after some listening time. I prefer a smooth and right dose of bass that doesn’t feel overpowering. When this kind of bass happens, the mid-range takes a hit and becomes overshadowed. And since the Axiom is far away from being a mid-king, the mid-range simply sounds mediocre, especially in the upper region.

Having said that, I recommend you to try as many different tips as possible to find the best match. Axiom behaves differently with certain ear tips. I think it gives the best balance here with the supplied silicone tips. You can hear drastic changes with a different set of tips but I stand by my opinion about overpowering bass.

When it comes to treble, the Axiom is quite aggressive and forward. It’s simply bright and crisp in this region with good extension and articulation. Axiom especially impresses in terms of treble detail and extension. So everything in the treble is very impressive except the quantity and aggressiveness. I think the in-your-face kind of treble further damages the focus in the mid-range. So Axiom becomes a bass and treble oriented IEM with an aggressive, dynamic and fun approach. It’s simply not my kind of tuning, but just because of its success in staging and separation, certain folks might like this presentation.

The sound-stage is good with very good instrument separation and imaging. The Axiom doesn’t disappoint in that regard, but it’s not incredible either. In its price point though, it performs very nice and is capable to compete with other IEMs. The resolution is impressive and the transparency is very good especially in the treble. There’s good layering and stereo imaging, and a good amount of space.

Silver Module Sound (YU)

After the first release of the Axiom, EA sent the new module to the owners and I received it as well. I’m not sure if this one comes with a fee or not, but I guess that it was free. Anyways, let’s check out the sound of this module.

When you switch to the silver module, the Axiom immediately becomes much more balanced and coherent, and the presentation relaxes, drifting away from that cramped, forward, aggressive and overpowering presentation. To hear this much change in the sound caught me by surprise, and I wonder why the original module was created in the first place. Axiom plays much more worthily for its price range with this MU.

Cohesive & Natural

The bass becomes tighter with less impact but retains that good texture, and it’s no longer fat or overpowering. This allows Axiom to be much more coherent and smooth in the mid-range. The mid-range also has a better body and fullness with a better timbre. The resolution is very good as well as transparency. Though this is also the case for the black MU, you get to recognize the resolution success more with this silver MU.

The sound stage is also wider, although the depth is similar. The sound becomes airier with better space and layering, and the separation is improved as well, which was already very good with the black MU. So I think you can’t go wrong getting the silver MU, which to me performs much, much better with a slightly warmer tuning.

In the treble region, things become smoother with an easier presentation. It’s not that much extended or articulated like the original module, but I think it’s more realistic and well balanced. So I think with this module EA retains the technical qualities of the Axiom but presents them in a more cohesive and balanced way. The tonality is more natural and there’s better realism. This module takes away that energy and crispness a bit, but I think the gains overcome the losses.

Page 1: About Effect Audio and Axiom
Page 2: Packaging, Design, Build Quality, Fit
Page 4: Pairings, Comparisons, Conclusion
4.7/5 - (4 votes)
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A keen audiophile and hobby photographer, Berkhan is after absolute perfection. Whether it is a full-frame camera or a custom in-ear, his standpoint persists. He tries to keep his photography enthusiasm at the same level as audio. Sometimes photography wins, sometimes his love for music takes over and he puts that camera aside. Simplistic expressions of sound in his reviews are the way to go for him. He enjoys a fine single malt along with his favourite Jazz recordings.

1 Comment

  • Reply March 2, 2022

    Steve

    Excellent review, I love your discussion of the mids between black and silver. I have the Axiom, and the silver module is in the mail, so I am looking forward to it. But with the black module, It sounds good on so many levels, but I just can’t get comfortable with the sound. Your explanations helped me a lot to figure out what I was hearing!

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