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Cable Pairings
The Effect Audio Axiom performs differently with different cables. Let me share my experience with a few ones just below:
All of the impressions were taken with the YU (silver) module of the Axiom.
Effect Audio Maestro
The Effect Audio Maestro is a very nice and affordable option in the cable market. This I think should be the ”stock cable” of the Axiom, because I think it performs best with it for the price, especially with the newer module. The bass has excellent texture and tightness, the mids are silky smooth and natural, and the treble is very inoffensive with good transparency. You get a good sound stage and resolution too. It reminded me of the Sony IER-Z1R with this setup.
Effect Audio Grandioso
The Grandioso also pairs nicely with the Axiom but the difference is that the bass is not as tight, and the treble is not as smooth. Altough the high-frequency range becomes crisper and more accentuated a bit. The mids sound similar with good resolution and transparency. I prefer the full copper Maestro.
Effect Audio Cleopatra
This is a great pairing with the Axiom as everything sounds tighter and sharper with better imaging and layering. It improves the separation ability as well. The Cleopatra is a frame braking silver cable as it adds note thickness and weight, as well as bass texture and focus. So again, I recommend the newer silver-coloured module with this pairing, just like the others. However, the Cleopatra costs 599$ when bundled with Axiom so it might make more sense to get the Maestro instead (again, some distributors offer it for free with Axiom).
Effect Audio EVO10
The EVO10 means engagement and dynamism, and it does just that with the Axiom. You get more bass and treble with even more fun and crispness. This surely is a very entertaining pair, and while I think the EVO10 is a great cable for what it does, I would still go with either Cleo or Maestro. The Axiom doesn’t need more energy and fun, especially with the original module.
Comparisons
All of the comparisons were made with the YU (silver) module of the Axiom.
The Sennheiser IE 900 is an excellent single dynamic IEM. Whilst it’s nowhere near flexible like the Axiom with its fixed and recessed MMCX sockets, it’s still a very competent unit. They both have great construction and design, but I don’t like both of these IEM’s fitting to be honest.
For sound, the IE 900 leans to the neutral side with sharper imaging and better PRaT with a faster response. The Axiom is slower and heavier in the mid-bass, and it has smoother mids. I think with the original module the Axiom falls a bit behind the IE 900. But when you pair it with the silver module, it becomes a great alternative to the IE900 with a denser, smoother and fuller presentation, especially in the mid-range.
They both have good resolution and sound-stage, whilst I think the Axiom is deeper in that regard. The IE 900 has the advantage in terms of clarity and sharpness with a bit better imaging. It’s just a matter of personal taste. Yet, the IE 900 has miles a better package with all of those accessories.
The VE7 has a better fit and a flashier design, though it doesn’t have the material quality of the Axiom. It also has much better packaging and accessories. No doubt about that.
The Vision Ears sounds leaner, thinner and crisper. Its bass is more refined and controlled, and its treble is more extended with better articulation and detail. The Axiom has musical mids, with a smoother approach and a very natural tonality. However, the VE7 simply has a better resolution and transparency, and better clarity. They both have similar sound stage dimensions. The VE7 however, has more space and airiness.
Conclusion
The Effect Audio Axiom is one of the most unique experiences in the portable market. It provides a pleasing hybrid IEM experience, especially with the silver module. However, the price could’ve been more affordable to attract more users, especially the people who like tweaking their stuff.
Another point is that EA can offer better and more appealing promotions for their existing and potential customers. At this time, the Axiom requires tip-rolling, cable pairing and different module experiments for the users. A lot of variables and options there. Not to mention paying additional fees if they don’t have an existing cable. This might come too much of a hassle to some people, as they would directly want to see the end result for that premium price. On the other hand, some people who have many cables already might take it as a very clever idea.
Either way, it’s a well-performing IEM as it is, but the sustainability decisions might shadow its performance as a standalone unit. I guess time will tell how we rank the Axiom among the audiophile domain. The concept definitely has potential and with future modules, the Axiom might become just the thing.
By the way, the tea is delicious!
Page 1: About Effect Audio and Axiom
Page 2: Packaging, Design, Build Quality, Fit
Page 3: Sound
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!