Blog

Effect Audio Presents | Roots and Beyond Part 1

30 Jan 2024

2024 marks the 15th year of EFFECT AUDIO. While it has been a long journey, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude to you for an incredible 15 years of unwavering support. From our humble beginnings to the present, your trust has fueled our journey and inspired us to reach new heights.

Since our brand’s inception, we have released nine different series, and more than 100 different cables, selling over 50,000 units across 45 different countries. We are grateful to be recognized in various professional HiFi segments, receiving over 50 awards for the products we released.

In celebration of this momentous milestone, EFFECT AUDIO presents #RootsandBeyond, as we look back on our past 15 years, and what lies in the next 15 years ahead of us.

Roots: Celebrating our deep foundation, 15 years of cable-making history.

For the first half of 2024, we would like to present you with “Roots”, as we look back at our history, and show our appreciation for all of our past efforts and growth, taking a closer look at what has enabled us to reach the heights we have today.

The Beginning of Our Journey

Founded in 2009, Suyang embarked on a journey to redefine the audio experience, specializing in delivering custom audio cables for different audio needs. Following the success of the launch of CC Piccolo, he continued to set the standard of the custom-cable-making scene, following close to his motto, Sound, Design, and Perfection, which later became the values that represent Effect Audio and is incorporated into every cable that we have crafted. In particular, our Flagship series, from the Mars Signature, to Horus 8W, to CODE 51, and finally now Centurion. They led and bore witness to our journey, as we climbed to greater heights, conquering one peak after another, each marking a significant point in our history. They also represented our journey with the use of UP-OCC Gold-plated Silver material, a premium material that has constantly evolved with each application within our flagship.

Our Sonic Journey

In our 15 years of cable-making, we have developed a system to help maximize the potential of each cable, striking the right balance between material, geometric structure, and sound. It is through our constant innovation, developing Dual-geometric Structure, Core Bundled Litz, Multistranded Litz, Pure Solid Core, and now our Trio-Flex™ Pure Solid Core System, that we were able to bring out the potential of each material that we use.

Copper

Our Copper cables have experienced seven different iterations, and with every iteration, we were able to discover more about the warmth and power hidden within. As we continued to improve and uncover its hidden potential, we were able to craft cables such as the Ares II, Ares II+, and Ares S, and later CODE 23 and CODE 24C Limited. Each iteration represented our focus and dedication towards infusing its warmth and power in every cable that we make.

Silver

Silver, a premium material known for its excellent conductivity, has become a cornerstone in many of our popular cables. It was not an easy journey unlocking its fullest potential, but we were able to push through, developing highly-demanded cables such as Thor and Cleopatra. In total, we were able to craft five pure silver cables, with each embodying the smooth treble extensions and high-resolution output that we want to bring to the music you play.

Gold-plated Silver Gold Alloy

In collaboration with one of the top wire producers in the world, we were able to develop the world’s first Gold-plated Silver Gold Alloy and successfully implemented it in our Flagship product, Centurion. It is not only a demonstration of the expertise that we have developed over the past 15 years, but it is our way of introducing the most premium custom-audio cable to the industry.

From Copper to Silver to Gold, and then to Plated materials, each cable we created represented not only a unique sonic journey for our fellow audiophiles but also served to deepen our grasp of auditory knowledge. Although the older cables were eventually retired, and replaced with new iterations or brand-new series, all of the knowledge and experience that we gained became part of our history, our roots that will continue to support our growth as a brand in the future. All of these experiences helped to solidify our foundation which enabled us to explore greater sonic possibilities.

A Commitment to Craftsmanship

Another one of our key focus for the past 15 years has been on the quality of craftsmanship for our cables. Each cable is crafted to be a testament to our dedication and passion as a cable-making artisan. We emphasize the use of premium materials and great attention to detail to ensure that every cable meets the highest standards of quality, durability, and most importantly, sonic excellence. We ensure that every inch of the cable is crafted with care, infusing the highest standard of beauty and craftsmanship into every piece of component, and providing a multi-dimensional experience.

The Y-split in particular holds significant importance, as we begin to create unique designs that truly showcase the characteristics of each cable. Although it is just one piece of the cable, it represents our commitment to delivering not just a great sonic experience, but a great visual experience even when the cable is not being used.

Each piece of hardware created holds significance not just from its beautiful designs but holds a piece of our EA history as well. With new designs emerging every release, the old ones are not forgotten, as each piece represents growth from us as a brand. They serve to remind us that we must always uphold ourselves to the highest of standards and that each cable should be treated with all of our attention and care. It is only with such intentions that we were able to create one great cable after another.

And it is not just the hardware. With each packaging design, we strive to strike a balance between aesthetics and functionality. It is what all of you first see whenever you purchase a new cable from us, and we want to bring the best experience to you right from the beginning. It is a representation of our brand and our dedication to creating a premium and multi-dimensional experience for every customer.

The carrying cases are also designed to perfectly match the aesthetics of each cable, whilst providing functionality and portability. We always try to go above and beyond in terms of the materials that we pick for different cases. From the soft, bouncy cowhide, light and fluffy sheep skin, the warm, healing rosewood, or the strong and durable titanium. Each material is meticulously chosen to provide the most comfort and aesthetic experience. For our Flagship product, Centurion, we went even further, selecting the most premium Cordovan leather from Shinki-Hikaku, to bring you a truly premium experience in every aspect.

Our Roots

What we have achieved today would not have been possible without everything that we have done in the past. To Effect Audio, as both a brand and audio enthusiast, every innovation is not only inspired by what lies in the present, but by our past as well. Every new cable we crafted is deeply rooted in our core philosophy of presenting audiophiles with the perfect listening experience through sound and design. In order to achieve this, we always dig deep into our past experiences, past methodologies, and our past failures. These past 15 years have been a journey of discovery and exploration, as we march on into the unknown. There is still so much to be discovered and so much waiting to be explored, and our past helps to anchor us down, acting as the roots that not only hold us steady but enable us to grow further with the knowledge that it provides.

We were able to grow from a tiny sapling into a blooming tree thanks to the deep roots that sprouted since our inception. We will always treasure these past 15 years, not just the experiences from within Effect Audio, but everyone who has supported us along the way. Let’s move forward together in this brand-new year, exploring the sonic unknowns and transforming the audiophile community.

Keep an eye out for exciting content dedicated to our Roots coming your way this first half of 2024, as well as what is to come in the years that lie ahead of us, as we bring you #Beyond in the second half of the year.