I've been spending a lot of time lately with the effect audio ares s ii, and it's honestly changed how I look at my IEM setup. If you've been in the head-fi hobby for more than five minutes, you know the "cable debate" is basically a never-ending war. Some people swear a new wire changes their life, while others think it's all expensive snake oil. I tend to sit somewhere in the middle—I think a good cable is about ergonomics, build quality, and that last 5% of sonic refinement.
The original Ares S was already a bit of a legend in the "budget-boutique" space. It was the entry point into Effect Audio's Signature Series, and it gained a massive following because it didn't cost a thousand dollars but still felt like a premium product. Now that the effect audio ares s ii is here, the question is whether it's a meaningful upgrade or just a subtle facelift.
First Impressions and That New Cable Smell
When you first get the effect audio ares s ii in your hands, the first thing you notice isn't the sound—it's the physical presence. Effect Audio has always been great at the "luxury" aspect of the hobby. The cable arrives in packaging that feels expensive, and the cable itself has a certain weight and suppleness that stock cables just can't match.
It's a 4-core design using their "Enriched Pure Copper." If you're used to those stiff, thin wires that come in the box with most IEMs, this is going to feel like a massive jump. It's thick, but weirdly flexible. I didn't notice any significant "memory" effect, meaning it doesn't stay coiled up in annoying loops when you try to straighten it out.
The Aesthetic Upgrades
The hardware on the effect audio ares s ii has been refreshed, and I'm a fan. They've gone with a sleek, polished look for the Y-split and the connectors. It's not flashy in a "look at me" kind of way, but it looks sophisticated. The copper itself has this deep, rich glow under the clear jacket. It looks like high-end jewelry for your ears, which, let's be honest, is part of why we buy these things.
Let's Talk About the Sound
I'll get straight to the point: the effect audio ares s ii is a copper cable through and through. If you're looking for something that's going to turn your IEMs into bright, analytical detail-monsters, this isn't it. That's what the Cadmus (their silver-plated option) is for.
The Ares series has always been about "the soul." It's about warmth, body, and a slight smoothing of the edges. With the effect audio ares s ii, I noticed a definite thickening of the lower mids and a bit more "oomph" in the sub-bass. It's not that it adds bass that wasn't there, but it seems to give the low end a more textured, rounded feeling.
Bass and Mids
If you have a pair of IEMs that feel a little thin or "shouty" in the upper mids, the effect audio ares s ii is a fantastic pairing. I tried it with a few different sets, and it consistently added a sense of musicality. Vocals felt a bit more intimate, like the singer took a half-step closer to the microphone.
There's a richness here that's hard to describe without sounding like a total audiophile cliché, but it's just pleasant. It takes the clinical edge off and makes long listening sessions much more enjoyable. I found myself reaching for my jazz and acoustic tracks more often because the timbre of instruments like cellos and double basses felt more "correct" and grounded.
Treble and Soundstage
In terms of the high end, the effect audio ares s ii isn't going to roll off your treble into oblivion, but it does settle things down. If you have a set of IEMs with a peaky treble that gives you fatigue, this cable helps round those peaks out.
The soundstage feels natural. It's not "stadium wide," but it provides a good sense of depth. You can clearly tell where instruments are placed, and there's plenty of air between them. It's an improvement over the original Ares S in that it feels a bit cleaner. There's less "fuzz" around the notes, even though the overall signature remains warm.
The Magic of Con-X and TermX
One of the best things about the effect audio ares s ii isn't actually the wire itself, but the modular system it uses. If you're like me and you have a bunch of different IEMs and sources, you know the frustration of having the "wrong" connector.
Swappable Connectors (Con-X)
The effect audio ares s ii comes with the Con-X system. This means the 2-pin or MMCX connectors at the earphone end can actually be unscrewed and swapped out. If you buy a new pair of IEMs next month that uses a different connection, you don't need a whole new cable. You just get the different Con-X top and screw it on. It's a lifesaver for anyone who likes to trade or upgrade their gear frequently.
Swappable Plugs (TermX)
Similarly, the TermX system at the other end lets you swap between 3.5mm, 2.5mm, and 4.4mm balanced plugs. While the effect audio ares s ii usually comes with a fixed plug unless you opt for the multi-plug kit, having the option is brilliant. It makes the cable "future-proof." You aren't stuck with a 3.5mm cable if you decide to buy a high-end balanced DAP (Digital Audio Player) down the road.
Ergonomics and Daily Use
A cable can sound like a choir of angels, but if it's uncomfortable, I'm not going to use it. The effect audio ares s ii is surprisingly "wearable" for a thicker cable. The ear hooks are pre-shaped but soft. They don't dig into the back of my ears, even after a three-hour flight.
Microphonics—that annoying thumping sound you hear when the cable rubs against your shirt—is almost non-existent here. The braiding is tight enough to feel solid but loose enough to absorb vibrations. I've used "premium" cables in the past that felt like I was wearing a stethoscope because every movement was amplified into my ears. Thankfully, that's not an issue with the Ares S II.
Is the Upgrade Over the Original Worth It?
If you already own the original Ares S, should you rush out to buy the effect audio ares s ii? It's a tough call. The improvements are subtle but noticeable. The build quality feels a step up, and the sound is a bit more refined and "black" in the background (less noise/interference).
However, if you don't own a high-end cable yet, the effect audio ares s ii is a no-brainer. It's the perfect "first serious cable." It's priced at a point where you feel like you're getting a professional-grade product without having to sell a kidney. It feels more "high-end" than its price tag suggests.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the effect audio ares s ii is exactly what it claims to be: a high-quality, warm-leaning copper cable that fixes the ergonomics of stock wires while adding a touch of musicality to your IEMs. It's robust, it looks fantastic, and the modular systems make it incredibly versatile.
Is it going to turn a $20 pair of earbuds into a $1,000 masterpiece? No. But if you have a set of IEMs you already love and you want to squeeze that extra bit of performance and comfort out of them, it's one of the best investments you can make. It's one of those rare products in the audio world that feels like it's actually worth the asking price.
Whether you're a hardcore audiophile or just someone who wants their music to sound a little "richer," the effect audio ares s ii is a solid choice. It's dependable, it's beautiful, and most importantly, it just makes the whole listening experience feel a bit more special. And honestly, isn't that why we're all in this hobby anyway?