Comparisons
Here we will briefly check out how the Sonnet of Adam stands up against two other summit-fi cables. Adam steps into the ring against its own stable-mate of Eletech’s Paranassus series – the Ode to Laura – as well as the PW Audio four-wire version of the 1960s cable. Both of which are pure copper cables.
Eletech – Ode to Laura
The Ode to Laura offers a few similarities to the Sonnet of Adam. Like the impressive resolution and stage design. Though to my ears they differ just the slightest when it comes to where each of them stretches more. The Laura goes further into depth, while the Adam is just a touch wider. I am not saying there’s a night and day difference of course, as these are only very marginal values.
The most discernible difference of the two is probably in the mids. Where Laura is lusher and fuller sounding, Adam is going for higher transparency and openness. With Adam in the chain, I feel the singers sound a bit grander than on the Laura. With Laura vocals become richer and more organic.
Laura always gave me the impression that I could touch and feel the music more, while Adam gives me a feeling like the music is going to take me over.
Adam’s treble response sounds more agile and energetic to me, where it gives extra attention to the top end. Laura sounds a bit darker in comparison, more relaxed and smoother.
PW Audio – 1960s
The 1960s cable has gained a lot of fans over the years it’s been around. It might have even been the very first summit-fi copper cable on the market. I got to borrow a four-wire version of it from a friend for the reviews of Laura and Adam to compare the three.
In similarity to Sonnet of Adam, the 1960s also offers a zoomed in view on details, though I find that the Eletech cable tickles out finer nuances than the PW. It displays them on a darker background as well, making these details shine through easier.
In comparison I find the Adam to be richer sounding throughout the full range. It gives a little more body and soul to music than the 1960s. The PW cable offers higher transparency though, simply enhancing the technical abilities of a monitor.
Both cables reach well into the lows, but with the slightly higher resolution found in Adam, bass sounds a touch better controlled with the Eletech. To me the Adam also has better texture in the lows.
The treble on Eletech’s Adam is richer, softer and smoother in comparison to the harder edged 1960s. I sometimes felt that the PW made my monitors too brittle and bright, while the Eletech enhanced the top end reach without adding heat or sharpness to it.
Conclusion
With Eletech’s Ode to Laura and Sonnet of Adam I have reviewed both of their flagship cables in just a short span of time. Both of them are fantastic choices and offer distinct and unique qualities.
The Sonnet of Adam is impressive when it comes to resolution, imaging sharpness, background darkness and vocal immersion. Its unique portrayal of a rich sound coupled with the grand scene and picture is probably the best I have heard in a cable to date. Sonnet of Adam gave all my IEMs a definite step up in sheer quality and control, that it’s impossible for me not to include it in our Best Accessories list.
With the Sonnet of Adam Eletech has proven once again that they are in this game to give their competition a serious run for the best cables on the market.
Pro’s:
- Technical performance (resolution, stage, details, imaging)
- Rich and grand midrange
- Top end extension
- Enveloping sound
- Pure luxury design
Con’s:
- Price
- Choice of accessories
