Eletech Euclid and Aristotle

Fire and Ice!

PROS: each cable has a distinct sound characteristic with a unique refinement of tonality, an optional modular Versa connector system, surprisingly supple for a “phat” 18AWG wire, a durable build, a quality leather case, and creative packaging.

CONS: the sound improvement varies depending on pair-up synergy.

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

Manufacturer website: Eletech. Available for sale directly or from authorized retailers like Bloom Audio, Euclid and Aristotle.

Preamble.

I’m aware that some people don’t believe in cables and have a 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 is that a metal wire is a material with physical properties of resistivity, conductivity, and purity, all of which 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.

I already lost count of how many reviews I started with a mention of being introduced to the prototype of the product back when I auditioned it at the CanJam show. The review of Eletech’s latest Aristotle (dual copper blend) and Euclid (pure silver with added gold) starts the same with Eric letting me hear the prototypes of their upcoming cables at the last CanJam NYC show. Those prototypes felt finalized to me, yet I was told that while striving for perfection Eletech was still collecting feedback, especially relative to the ergonomics.

The latest rise in popularity of phat-wire cables is still going strong despite their thicker wire designs which are more common among full-size headphones where portability is less important in a desktop setup. Eletech already has a Dante series of cables with thicker wires designed specifically for full-size cans. But when it comes to IEMs, it’s a completely different story, the reason it took them longer to finalize this latest release, focused not only on the cable architecture but also the portability factor when used on the go.

After spending a month with both of the cables that I received together and due to overlap in product packaging and general design (despite different wires), I decided to put together a combined review. As usual for my cable reviews, the final Sound Analysis is featured at the end in the Conclusion. Now, let me share with you about my findings.

Unboxing.

The unboxing of Eletech cables is always a one-of-a-kind experience, and the packaging itself is glamorous enough to go up on a bookshelf display. Ironically, when the cover sleeve is removed, the storage box looks just like a small book. Both cables represent the next generation of the School of Athens series, and their packaging is quite similar in complementary theme colors. Aristotle, an ancient Greek philosopher and polymath, has a “copper” theme, reflected in the red color with his image on the cover sleeve and plexiglass insert, along with a cluster of unique geometric shapes arrangement. Euclid, an ancient Greek mathematician, has a “silver” theme, reflected in the blue color with his image on the cover sleeve and plexiglass insert, along with its unique geometric shapes arrangement as well.

As already mentioned, a plexiglass insert reflects the color scheme and corresponding ancient Greek character, complemented by the same matching geometric arrangement cutout. Once you remove the insert plate (the corners of which are strategically cut to make it easier to lift it), you will find a cutout in the foam base of the box with one of the Eletech signature custom leather cases, aged brown (Aristotle) and blue (Euclid), with a premium zipper around it and a buckle on the side. Next to the case, you will also find a cable organizer leather strip in a matching color/finish like the storage case. Also, included was a set of mmcx Versa modular connector tips in addition to 2pin connector tips already on the cable.

Design.

While each of these cables has a different wire material, the design spec has similarities. Each cable uses a 2-wire multi-sized stranding, with each strand individually enameled and cryogenically treated, forming 18AWG thickness wires, each one with a triple-coaxial geometry. Aristotle cable features a dual blend copper litz, including oil-soaked Crimson OCC Copper and pure OCC Copper. Euclid cable features oil-soaked pure Silver litz wire and 1% Gold & Nano Gold coating. I’m sure the “oil-soaked” reference will generate questions and smart-arse comments from cable disbelievers. Still, it simply refers to a cable manufacturing technology that enhances the conductivity of wires and reduces the skin effect all of which results in improved efficiency of audio signal transmission.

Each cable also uses 24AWG active shielding which helps with electromagnetic interference (EMI), especially when you are streaming connected to a DAP or a dongle w/smartphone. With Aristotle, Eletech implemented an OCC shielding net, while with Euclid it is a silver shielding. Plus, both will use Eletech’s bespoke audiophile solder, transparent FlexiMax insulation to showcase unique wire material, flexible pre-shaped heat-shrink ear hook, and other customized hardware. I did sense a bit of cable microphonics, but it wasn’t too bad. Also, despite 18AWG wire thickness, these cables are not too heavy, comfortable to wear with IEMs, and surprisingly flexible.

The hardware of the cable is updated to match the color theme of the corresponding Aristotle and Euclid cables, down to the same geometric shapes artwork associated with each cable etched into Y-Split housing. I was also pleased to see a chin-slider right next to the Y-Split, no more complaining about the lack of it. Each cable arrived with a balanced termination, featuring an aluminum alloy housing, premium to the touch, with triangular patterns (in red – Aristotle, blue – Euclid) designed to shield and reject EMF interference, and engraved Eletech’s logo.

The IEM connector housing is compact, featuring a matching aluminum alloy material and having Eletech’s logo on the outside and corresponding engraved L/R marking on the inside. But the connector arrived with a surprise. Eletech now offers new modular Versa adaptive connectors, co-engineered with ddHiFi, which allows you to swap between 2pin and mmcx both of which are included with the cable when you opt for this modular connector option. Each Versa modular connector has a 2-pin interchangeable base where it attaches to the cable and an end-piece connector housing you unscrew to replace it.

Such a modular system allows you to get one cable that can cover many different IEMs without the need for another cable. According to Eletech, more connector tips to follow soon.