Effect Audio Cable Impressions: CODE 24, 24C, Fusion 1, Eros S 1st Anniversary

Fusion 1

The Fusion 1 represents a new pinnacle of premium craftsmanship from Effect Audio, building upon the design principles introduced with the CODE 23 while incorporating even higher-quality materials and improved ergonomics.

This special cable offers a unique blend of Premium UP-OCC Material Gold Plated Silver Litz, Pure Silver Litz, and Pure Copper Litz, resulting in a truly exceptional hybrid composition. There’s a proprietary Tri-Strata Layering Fusion Mix, which combines various materials in a precisely engineered blend. This unique mix ensures optimal conductivity, signal transmission, and sonic performance.

Featuring 40 multi-sized core bundles with a new solid core design, the Fusion 1 maximizes signal integrity and minimizes signal degradation. The customized multi-sized strand blend further enhances conductivity and ensures a clean and consistent audio signal.

With a 21 AWG 2 wires configuration, the Fusion 1 offers robust delivery and exceptional sound quality. The EA Ultra Flexi™ Insulation provides durability and flexibility, allowing for easy handling.

Design, Quality, Ergonomics

Packaging, Accessories

The Fusion 1 comes in an EA box that is identical to its other offerings, providing a stylish and practical carrying case, a cable strap, and a basic ConX set which includes MMCX and 2-pin connectors. 

Sound Quality

By combining premium materials, the Fusion 1 achieves a distinctive sonic signature that is both captivating and immersive. The use of gold-plated silver litz, pure silver litz, and pure copper litz ensures a harmonious balance between clarity, detail, and warmth, resulting in an audio experience that is rich in texture and nuance.

I dub the Fusion 1 an “equalizing” or “refining” cable for its remarkable ability to balance and refine the sound signature of your IEM. Whether you’re aiming to temper the bass of a bass-heavy IEM or soften the brightness of a brighter IEM, the Fusion 1 is the cable of choice. This effect is most pronounced when paired with mid to high-range IEMs.

By incorporating the Fusion 1, you can achieve a more neutral and refined sound signature, elevating the overall presentation of your IEM. The cable imparts a sense of quickness and PRaT (Pace, Rhythm, and Timing), delivering a neutral sound with exceptional clarity, resolution, and focus. The sound maintains tightness and dynamics while offering a slightly warm and textured bass.

Furthermore, the Fusion 1 enhances imaging and transient response, resulting in a clean and precise presentation with improved spacing and layering compared to its predecessor, the CODE 23. In essence, the Fusion 1 offers a tighter, studio-like sound with enhanced technical performance and refinement, making it an indispensable accessory for audiophiles seeking a more balanced and cohesive listening experience.

Eros S 1st Anniversary Edition

The EA Eros S 1st Anniversary is a celebration edition, based on the success of the Signature Series’ best cable, the Eros S. You can find all about the Signature Series below:

After a year of releasing the Eros S, EA decided to celebrate the release with another special cable, the 1st Anniversary Eros S. It has a special “fireworks” colour scheme in the cable insulation. It features an ultra-pure composition of OCC silver Litz and copper Litz materials. This hybrid cable boasts an 8-wire configuration with a 26 AWG rating, offering users the benefits of an 8-wire cable setup combined with a blend of silver and copper materials. Overall it’s the same setup as the original Eros S.

By incorporating both silver and copper elements, the Eros S 1st aims for a harmonious balance between conductivity, purity, and tonal characteristics. The silver component enhances clarity, detail retrieval, and treble extension, while the copper component adds warmth, body, and richness to the sound signature.

Design, Quality, Ergonomics

The Eros S 1st Anniversary cable impresses both in terms of aesthetics and comfort, boasting a luxurious feel and impeccable craftsmanship. The cable feels incredibly soft and supple in the hand, offering a premium tactile experience. Its braiding strikes the perfect balance, providing just the right amount of tension without feeling overly tight or loose.

The terminations of the Eros S 1st Anniversary cable are meticulously crafted, exuding quality and durability. The addition of gold flakes on the coating material adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to its appearance, making it stand out from other cables.

Despite its 8-wire configuration, the memory wire area of the Eros S 1st Anniversary cable is well-designed, striking a balance between thickness and flexibility. While it lacks an adjustable memory wire, the fixed and soft memory wire area ensures comfort during extended listening sessions. Although the weight of the 8 wires may become noticeable over time, it is kept to a minimum to prevent discomfort, allowing you to enjoy your music without distractions.

Sound Quality

The original Eros S cable already made waves in the industry, particularly shining within EA’s Signature Series lineup. Now, with the introduction of the 1st Anniversary Edition, Effect Audio has elevated the Eros S, presenting a warm and musical sound signature that captivates the senses.

What sets the Eros S 1st Anniversary Edition apart is its impressive soundstage and layering, reminiscent of its predecessor. However, this edition offers a more intense and robust sound, characterized by its organic and full-bodied presentation. The bass, akin to the Ares S from the Signature Series, delivers a tight and punchy performance with excellent texture and separation from the midrange.

Moving to the mids, there’s great detail, body, transparency, and resolution, enhanced by the cable’s ability to provide a clean and black background with impressive layering for the price. Meanwhile, the treble maintains a smooth and clean presentation with good extension and sparkle, contributing to an overall harmonious sonic experience.

While the Eros S 1st Anniversary Edition excels in width within the soundstage, you may find that the original version offers a more spacious and airy feel. I also think that the original Eros S feels faster in complex recordings since this version sounds thicker. Nonetheless, both iterations of the Eros S are the best price/performance cables in EA’s lineup. This showcases Effect Audio’s commitment to delivering premium audio solutions that elevate the listening experience.

Conclusion

Effect Audio continues to establish itself as a leading player in the industry, offering a diverse range of high-quality cables tailored to different preferences and budgets. With its extensive portfolio, Effect Audio caters to various scenarios, ensuring that audiophiles can find the perfect cable to enhance their listening experience.

Among the cables discussed in this impressions article, the Fusion 1 stands out as a standout performer. Its exceptional presentation elevates the listening experience, making every moment spent with music more enjoyable and immersive. The Fusion 1’s ability to enhance the sound signature of IEMs is truly remarkable, underscoring its significance in Effect Audio’s lineup.

For those in search of premium cables for their IEMs, I highly recommend exploring Effect Audio’s offerings. With careful consideration of match-ups, you can unlock the full potential of your audio setup and immerse yourself in the music.

Page 1: Intro, CODE 24, CODE 24C