A Design Symmetry.

PROS: brings more focus to mids/vocals, improves retrieval of details while keeping the sound natural and non-fatigue, still comfortable to wear despite thicker wire gauge, ConX modular connectors, TermX modular plug, excellent workmanship, and durable build.

CONS: thicker wire, the sound improvement varies depending on pair up synergy.

The product was provided to me free of charge for the review purpose in exchange for my honest opinion.

Manufacturer website:  Effect Audio. Available for sale directly or retailers like Musicteck.

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Preamble.

I’m aware that some people don’t believe in cables and have very strong opinion about it.  It’s not my intent to start an argument here.  Instead, I would like to share what I hear during my testing.  Perhaps, I can’t fully explain why there is a change in sound, but I do hear it and don’t believe it’s a placebo effect.  What makes sense to me, a metal wire is a material with physical properties of resistivity, conductivity, and purity, all of which put together act as a filter between your source and earphones.  Variations of these physical properties can affect the conductivity of analog signal, resulting in a sound change, from a subtle to a more noticeable level.  Also, the sound change introduced by a specific cable is not universal because it will depend on the design of earphones and their synergy with a source.

Intro.

In one of my recent reviews, I mentioned about the rise in popularity of “phat” wires.  We have seen cable companies go through cycles of various exotic materials, extra shielding, and different wire geometry, but I have never expected the attention thicker IEM cables received lately.  I think it all started with Effect Audio Code 23 (C23) cable and its 16.5 AWG 2-wire design, and I honestly thought a cable with that kind of thickness will only be suitable for full size headphones.  Yet, I’m still receiving weekly questions about it which tells me that some hardcore audiophiles put sound quality above ergonomics and portability.

It is true that these types of wires are more common with full size headphones, often even braided while using multiple conductors since portability is not of a great concern in a desktop setup when you are relaxing and enjoying your full-size cans.  That is why introduction of C23 for IEMs was an unexpected surprise.  Then, when EA recently announced their new cable, Fusion 1 (F1), from the picture it looked like a similar thickness cable as C23, but turned out to be 21 AWG 2-wire design, making it more portable.  Now, after spending a month with this new EA cable, I’m ready to share what I found.

Unboxing.

While I always look forward to unboxing of audio products, this time I received just a cable without the actual packaging.  Thus, nothing to report in this section, but knowing that F1 comes with both ConX and TermX options, I will cover it here.

For those who are not familiar, ConX is a modular connector design which allows you to change between IEMs tips so you don’t have to get another cable.  It comes with a tool to tighten/loosen the connection, so please, use it instead of your fingers because you can bend 2pin connector otherwise.  F1 comes with a Basic ConX which includes 2pin (0.78mm) and mmcx connectors, the most common ones used with IEMs.  You can buy additional connectors to complete the Full set.  Those additional connectors include A2DC, IPX, Pentaconn, and cost extra $15.

TermX is a modular cable termination which follows the same design principal with 4-pin modular connection including the custom plug housing that screws over the top for a more secure fit.  It does add one more step when switching between the tips, but it also feels more secure, and the headphone plug doesn’t even look like it is modular.  F1 comes with a basic TermX which includes 2.5mm, 3.5mm, and 4.4mm modular plug tips.  When placing the cable order, you can opt for non-TermX plug or can request either USB-C or Lightning TermX plug options for your smartphone.

Design.

Even though Fusion 1 wires are thinner than Code 23, from a distance F1 does resemble C23 because wires are thicker than average cable and both cables have a similar circular shape custom cable hardware.  According to EA, these circular geometric cable hardware elements symbolize a symmetry in design.  To me, they look solid, feel nice to the touch, and the plug and connectors give you secure grip.  Also, the 2-tone golden/silver color scheme of the hardware matches the color of the wires.  Due to the reflection in pictures, it’s hard to see the middle “ring” being silver/chrome in the hw, but it is.  Plus, as already mentioned, you get ConX and TermX interchangeable connector/plug system which increases the value of the cable, being able to accommodate any IEM and DAP using a single cable with a modular design.

And speaking of the wires, there are two hybrid conductors, each 21 AWG in thickness.  The wire features a hybrid tri-strata layering fusion mix of selected premium UP-OCC Gold-Plated Silver (GPS) litz, Pure Silver litz, and Pure Copper litz.  Inside, a custom wire geometry accommodates for 40 multi-sized core bundles with a solid core copper, all wrapped in EA’s UltraFlexi clear insulation.  The 2-tone design of the phone plug matches the 2-tone design of y-split with a retractable chin-slider, and the same for connector housing with EA logo and a clear L/R marking.  And for extra comfort you have pre-shaped heatshrink earhook section.

The bottom line here, despite of having thicker wires in comparison to other cables, F1 still felt comfortable to wear, definitely more portable in comparison to C23.

Page 2 – Pair up, Comparison, and Conclusion w/Sound Analysis.