Satin Audio Hera Review – Eminence

Sound –

The Hera offers a unique blend of conductors in a market trend where we are seeing ever-increasing complexity in terms of blends and alloys. The Hera epitomizes this by using 3 types of metal in 3 combinations. It has a rather unique presentation that offers a bit more colour than many competitors, especially in recent years. As always, this is a preference as sometimes subtlety is preferable. The Hera rather goes for a big and engaging sound with increased contrast and a U-shaped character overall. It best suits mid-focused IEMs or those wanting greater bass presence. However, due to the increase in mid-bass and midrange warmth, already warmer IEMs may suffer from some congestion meaning these tend to be the worst pairings.   

Starting with the bass, the Hera increases note size and dynamics through equal parts sub and mid-bass enhancement. This gives the cable bigger, thicker and more weighted notes alongside a warmer tone. Accordingly, bass separation is slightly reduced due to the simple increase in note size. However, slam, punch and power are all notably heightened alongside delivering a thicker and more textured mid-bass. The actual note presentation is also more defined with a slightly tighter attack and a natural decay speed. This is chiefly responsible for the increase in note texture and contributes to a pleasing sense of rhythm on account of the improvements in sub-bass tightness especially. Overall, the Hera clearly prioritizes engagement over accuracy and will suit those wanting to bolster the bass range of their IEM with greater weight, power and definition.

A small nadir through the upper bass and lower mids increases contrast and reduces midrange colouration within the context of its larger bass. In addition, the treble range has been brought forward, contributing to a more articulate sound that highlights small details. This gives the Hera a dual character within the midrange split between its warmer-hued lower half/male vocals, and clear, highly defined top half. Vocals in general are also a touch enlarged giving them a more powerful voicing whilst retaining a neutral position that aids staging and depth. As with the bass range, separation isn’t the cable’s strongest quality due to its rich and large note presentation. With that said, the increase in contrast means vocal definition in general remains a strong performer and clarity is also upheld. While there is a little less space between each note within the midrange, it remains well separated from the bass. Overall, the Hera sounds just a bit more vibrant and vivid with higher resolution and improved layering.

The top-end steals the show being brought forward in equal if not slightly greater proportion to the bass and impressing with its technical feats. The lower treble isn’t emphasized but the Hera does clean up the transient response, which grants greater bite and definition to the leading edge of treble notes. This is aided by an uptick of mid and upper-treble presence, providing an open, airy presentation that brings fine details to the fore. As a result of this, the detail presentation is very dense yet clear and well-separated. Notes are a touch thin but showcase excellent clarity and an energetic sense of shimmer and sparkle. This is at the expense of foreground/background contrast which isn’t as delineated as on darker cables. However, as the cable increases extension and upper-treble presence at the very top, there is an exceptional sense of openness and notable improvements to headroom. Detail retrieval and presentation are undoubtedly this cable’s call to fame with both being high-level performers.

With a technically proficient treble presentation, the Hera opens up the stage in all dimensions. While width is most notable, depth is also improved and can be enjoyed due to the neutral vocal positioning. Imaging is sharp with clearer directional cues. Layering is surprisingly strong in the midrange but lacks contrast in the treble. While layers are well defined they are not highly delineated. Separation is only average overall. The bass and midrange are slightly reduced due to the increase in note size, there is a little less space between each note as a result. However, it is greatly improved in the treble due to the increase in definition and extension.

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