Effect Audio Ares S Review

The Ares S is another entry in Effect Audio's acclaimed Signature Series line of cables. These cables are meant to enhance your In-Ear Monitors' sound beyond what a stock cable can do. At $179, the Ares S is the least expensive option of the signature series. I already tried the Cadmus and enjoyed what it did for my IEMs, so I'm excited to see what Ares has to offer.

What’s in the Box

• Effect Audio Ares S IEM cable
• Carrying case
• Button-locking cable tie
• instruction manual

Look and Feel

The Ares S looks and feels premium. Subtly sporting Effect's logo, the splitter is secure and adds a lot to the overall look of the cable. The cable braid is thick and durable yet has just the right amount of malleability. The contoured ear hooks feel fantastic and are hardly noticeable. Overall, the Ares S has a fantastic build that I have come to expect from the Signature Series.

The Effect Audio Ares S has a high-quality detachable adaptor that can be swapped with several variants.

Sound Impressions

I tested the Ares S with a pair of Moondrop Blessing2s. I found that the Ares S greatly enhances the strengths of your IEMS. The soundstage on the Blessing2 is already one of my favorites, and Ares S was able to widen it and enhance the airiness. Details come out much clearer than before and I was able to hone in on whatever I wanted in a mix. In terms of timbre, the Ares S has a shimmery coloration that adds a touch of brightness to the sound. While brightness might not be for everybody and especially not for every IEM, the Ares S subtly adds resolution without overpowering the IEMS. The subs are more percussive and can accentuate warmth in mixes without overdoing it. The differences are subtle, but they add an extra element of depth that brings out the best aspects of your IEMs.

Overall

IEM cables are often overlooked by people. I can assure you that once you try a premium IEM cable like Effect Audio's signature series, you'll never want to go back. The Ares S does a great job of enhancing the sound without overwhelming the original sound character. It's meant to be complimentary, and it plays that role incredibly well. The aspects it enhances might not be right for every pair of IEMs, which is why Effect Audio has other cables with different colorations in the signature series. I highly recommend trying these if you're serious about your IEMs.

You can buy the Effect Audio Ares S at Audio46