Eletech Sonnet of Adam Review – Pure Poetry

Sound –

Adam delivers a sound that is bigger, broader and more resolving. It does so by augmenting end-to-end extension alongside bolstering resolution. Meanwhile, a mostly balanced tonality equates to excellent versatility. Assuming just a light w-shaped character, the cable imbues additional engagement and an enhanced sense of contrast without harming coherence. The cable also delivers a subtle sense of richness and texture that lavishly coats every note. Though I wouldn’t classify it as a warm cable overall, there is a nod of colouration in the bass and a convincing sense of vocal size and power in the midrange that lends this impression. It’s a sound that speaks volumes through subtlety, one that has the technical ability to capture attention yet is truly appreciated over longer listening. I believe Eric has done a terrific thing even if the initial impression draws more from the change in presentation than tonality.

One of the first things I noticed about this cable was the change in bass presentation. It isn’t a bassy cable, but I could immediately that the low end was more enjoyable and discerning as opposed to a standard OFC unit. After extended listening, I attribute this to two main qualities: a sizable jump in both sub-bass extension and mid-bass texture. The raw tonality is subtly warm. There is a noticeable increase in sub-bass presence and a smidgeon of mid-bass enhancement that, in tandem, are responsible for the bolder, richer note delivery. As the upper bass isn’t enhanced, separation remains admirable, and the midrange doesn’t become bloomy or ill-defined. Notes are presented with surgical control. They thereby achieve a more defined presentation with a very affirmative attack yet retain texture with a natural decay. There is greater pressurisation in the sub-bass and fine details are easily discerned. Notes are rich, gorgeously fleshed out yet never overstep to negatively impact balance.

The midrange is a subtle affair once again when it comes to tonality. What is most notable is the change in overall presentation that benefits from a far grander sense of space and enhanced separation between layers and elements. Tonally, the cable impresses mostly with its transparency. The tone is unaffected but there is a hint of additional vocal body and size imbued by the bass range that is beautifully counterbalanced by a subtly more articulate top-end. Otherwise, there is very minimal effect to positioning and timbre, thereby maximising versatility and pairing synergy. Of course, the midrange does not sound identical to a factory cable, far from it. The jump in space and resolving power lend the midrange a far more nuanced, layered and complex presentation. As in the bass clarity remains similar, but vocals assume a more powerful and liquid nature. The more articulate tuning grants small details a slightly greater presence that is further complemented by the jump in resolving power.

Similarly, treble isn’t something that fights for your attention but blends deliciously into the surrounding mix. There’s a good jump to resolving power, note texture and sparkle. This is perhaps the most notable tonal impact as treble is noticeably more nuanced and extended. There’s a slightly more aggressive note attack within the lower treble with percussion being a touch enhanced. However, mid-treble takes a small dip that provides a more lifelike note decay. Each note has an additional dimension and impresses with a natural sense of texture and detail missing on the stock cable. While the factory cable on the Soft Ears RS10 for instance, impressed me with its airiness, the Adam provided a crisper attack, less splashiness and a more realistic note body. Notes decayed more naturally and micro-details in the top-octave were more apparent. The presentation is effortless, spacious and the background is jet black, providing a crystal-clear canvas to appreciate every fine detail. While it’s not a bright or crisp cable, the Sonnet of Adam delivers a musical yet highly technical approach that heightens immersion and nuance.

And perhaps the pièce de resistance, the soundstage. Sonnet of Adam delivers a large jump to dimensions yet with exacting imaging that provides immense stability and coherence. The soundstage is so far, my favourite among any high-end cable I’ve tested when paired with a highly resolving in-ear. Layering is enhanced with great background/foreground contrast and positioning is tack sharp both with regards to distance and direction. The Sonnet of Adam provides an excellent sense of dimension due to its ability to place not just near and far but construct a range of layers that pan out from the listener. Vocals are religiously centred and focused all the while. Separation is also good, not the best I’ve tested as the cable isn’t especially revealing or agile, but the sheer space means each small detail is given ample room to be isolated and perceived with ease.

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