Review: Effect Audio Leonidas II Octa

Effect Audio Leonidas II 8-wire

Today we’re looking at the upgraded version of an award-winning cable – the Leonidas II Octa by Effect Audio.

Disclaimer: Effect Audio supplied the Leonidas II Octa at no cost. I only had to pay for importing the cable. Headfonia is not affiliated with Effect Audio, however, they are a site advertiser. Many thanks for the generosity and opportunity.

About Effect Audio:

In our corners, Effect Audio doesn’t need an introduction anymore. The boutique cable manufacturer has been around for ten years now and ever since then they have been gaining popularity on a global scale.

Effect Audio is among the most popular cable brands out there, and many enthusiasts trust their products. It’s no surprise that even industry players such as Empire Ears, Jomo Audio or Vision Ears bundle their monitors with Effect Audio cables.

The Ares II is one of their most successful cables, but when it comes to corner stone products, I think the one that has been the most important to Effect Audio is the original Leonidas cable. This one put Effect Audio on the map of all audiophiles.

Effect Audio Leonidas II 8-wire

Effect Audio Leonidas II Octa

A few months ago, Effect Audio decided to release a new and improved version of the Leonidas cable – the Leonidas II. It is the first ever cable in the audio industry to use Palladium plated silver. We have reviewed the successor of the original Leonidas last year and were so impressed, that it has been crowned Best Cable 2018.

Effect Audio has been running a few cable upgrade programs for their lineup in the past, and now it’s time to do it again. We are here to look at the upgrade version of the Leonidas II.

About Leonidas II Octa:

The Leonidas II Octa is of course based on the regular Leonidas II cable, but comes, as the name spoils, in an eight-wire configuration. Why does that matter? Because with a higher wire count you will get closer to a zero Ohm resistance, which is vital for any audio signal.

We are still looking at the same 26 AWG sized, golden ratio Palladium plated silver and silver hybrid cable as the original, but with double the wire count.

The eight-wire version comes as either a direct upgrade for customers who already own the regular version, or it can be acquired in this form as standalone product. There is of course a price difference. The upgrade would run existing owners down another 888$, while new customers have to dig a little deeper into their pockets and shell out an eye-watering 1888$.

Effect Audio Leonidas II 8-wire

Effect Audio Leonidas II Octa

Yes, there is an obvious gap in price, as twice 888$ doesn’t come to 1888$. When asked about this, Effect Audio has told me that there are several differences between the cables. First, and maybe most important, the upgrade has a lead time of one month. After sending in your four-wired Leonidas II, you will have to be patient for an entire month before getting back your cable. The off-the-shelf version is built and shipped significantly faster. The 1888$ version also comes with a different accessory set.

There are several configurations to which you can terminate your Leonidas II Octa cable. Effect Audio offers 2-pin, MMCX, JH 4 Pin, FitEar and UE Pro connections, as well as 3.5mm single ended and 2.5 and 4.4mm balanced headphone plugs. These plugs are made in collaboration with renowned manufacturers like Oyaide or Pentaconn.

The big deal about them is, they use precious metals such as Palladium and Platinum, hence the name PSquared. These plugs have an improved signal transmission from the source to your ears and are said to give a richer spectrum and higher dynamics.

More about the upgraded Leonidas II on the next page.

4.2/5 - (70 votes)
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A daytime code monkey with a passion for audio and his kids, Linus tends to look at gear with a technical approach, trying to understand why certain things sound the way they do. When there is no music around, Linus goes the extra mile and annoys the hell out of his colleagues with low level beatboxing.

8 Comments

  • Reply March 21, 2019

    Steven Zore

    I’m wondering how much of a difference there is between the 4 wire and 8 wire versions…

    • Reply March 22, 2019

      Linus

      Hi Steven,
      thanks for your comment.
      There is a difference, but it isn’t exactly huge. A comparison between 4 and 8 wired versions is included in the article.
      Have a great weekend!

      • Reply March 29, 2019

        Steven Zore

        Oh, yes, I see that. But I wonder in general what the 8 wire gives you. I’m torn between Eros II+ 8 wire, or the new Cleopatra…

        • Reply March 29, 2019

          Linus

          In comparison 8-wire cables have a bigger sound stage and better technical performance over their 4-wire siblings. I can’t say anything about the Cleopatra yet, but once it’s here, I’ll share my impressions of course 🙂

          Personally, I am a 4-wire guy, as I prefer the comfort of them, and some also sound splendid – like the Leonidas II 😉

  • Reply March 22, 2019

    Bill

    Hi, great review! It sounds like there isn’t really a lot of difference between the 4 and 8 wire Leo. Have you tried the 8 wire Leo with A12t? Wondering how that sounds.

    I currently use a Thor Bespoke with A12t and wondering if it is worth upgrading to the Leo Octa or just the Leo II?

    • Reply March 22, 2019

      Linus

      Hi Bill,
      thanks for your comment, much appreciated.
      Well, there is a difference, but it’s not huge.
      The Leonidas II is one of my favorites with the A12t. Just this week I did get to enjoy it again for two days straight. Had to take a short me-time-break from the review-queue. 🙂
      I can’t say anything about the bespoke Thor, but the Leonidas II sure is awesome. If you have the chance, go and try it.

  • Reply March 23, 2019

    Bill

    Cool, thanks Linus. Appreciate the reply. I used to have the Leo II but stupidly sold it without giving it a proper chance, so will but again.

    I just picked up a Dita Oslo and waiting for that to come in, should be interesting.

    BTW, it was your review of the A12t that made me want to pick it up and so glad I did, thanks :-).

    • Reply March 23, 2019

      Linus

      Hi Bill,
      no worries, glad to help.
      Leonidas II is an excellent cable.
      Ah yes, the Oslo cable.
      That’s so cool, thanks a lot for telling me! The A12t is one of my personal favorites. 🙂

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