Nihal evaluations the Impact Audio CENTURION II, the corporate’s 2nd technology 8-wire 24AWG flagship audio cable with ConX interchangeable connectors. It’s at the moment priced at $5999.
Disclaimer: This pattern was despatched to me in alternate for my sincere opinion. Headfonics is an impartial web site with no affiliate hyperlinks or companies. I thank Impact Audio for his or her assist.
Click on right here to learn extra in regards to the Impact Audio merchandise we have now beforehand reviewed on Headfonics.
This text follows our present scoring pointers, which you’ll learn in additional element right here.
Impact Audio CENTURION II Assessment
Abstract
The Impact Audio CENTURION II delivers flagship-level efficiency that upholds its premium value and rivals a few of the absolute best cables obtainable as we speak. It has a balanced but participating sound signature, providing an all-around enchancment.
Professionals
Expansive soundstage, darkish background and extremely resolving treble.
Enhances sub-bass depth and influence and general bass texture.
Flagship-level construct high quality and premium packaging.
Cons
Worth level will probably be past many budgets.
Impact Audio, a staple identify for aftermarket cables, is again with an improve to their much-acclaimed ultra-flagship cable, the CENTURION, which was launched in 2021.
The cable’s launch additionally marks sixteen years of the corporate’s existence, although it’s unclear if the quantity 16 has any connection to the cable.
Throughout this lengthy interval out there, they’ve launched a variety of cables, from price range choices to premium flagships, all of which have been well-received by fans.
Alongside the way in which, they’ve additionally collaborated with quite a few manufacturers on well-recognized IEMs, together with the Kinera Audio LOKI, Softears Enigma, and lots of others.
A very long time in the past, I demoed the 64 Audio Fourté paired with an Impact Audio Horus cable, and the synergy was fairly good. Quick ahead a couple of months, and I ended up shopping for a Fourté for myself.
I first tried the CENTURION II prototype in Singapore throughout CanJam in April 2025. Although the time spent was brief, I used to be impressed with the adjustments the cable introduced, even after making an attempt just some tracks.
On this overview, I’ll deep dive into the brand new CENTURION II, an eight-wire, 24 AWG ultra-flagship cable, and see what it has to supply and the way it pairs with IEMs such because the 64 Audio Fourté, Softears Enigma, and THIEAUDIO Valhalla.
All these IEMs reply fairly properly to cable rolling, so we’ll get a transparent thought of the sound signature of the CENTURION II. I may also evaluate it with the CENTURION I and the PWA Sixties (with shielding) cables.
Supplies & Geometry
The CENTURION II wire is an unique hybrid of a minimum of six varieties of premium supplies: Platinum-Silver Alloy, Gold-Plated Gold-Silver Alloy, Gold-Plated Silver, Palladium-Gold-Silver Alloy, Palladium-Silver Alloy, and Pure Silver.
It nonetheless retains the signature gold-plated silver and the industry-first gold-plated gold-silver alloy launched with the CENTURION I. In truth, the gold-plated silver has been a trademark of all earlier Impact Audio flagship cables.
The CENTURION II makes use of UP-OCC grade for all its wire supplies. Structurally, the cable has seven teams of wires, and inside every group, the wires are of various thicknesses to deal with numerous components of the sound spectrum extra successfully.
It additionally adopts Impact Audio’s proprietary UltraFlexi™ Insulation on the outer sleeve for flexibility and safety.
The 4.4mm termination adapter deserves a particular point out as properly, that includes Palladium and Gold-Plated Copper plating.
Design
The CENTURION cables have a really distinct design because of the braiding, their golden pearly shine, and the simply recognizable splitter design. Each factor of the CENTURION II shows true flagship character.
It has a stronger golden tone and a thicker type issue this time. All of the {hardware}, together with the termination adapter, 2-pin connection, and splitter, has a golden polish.
The cable has a shimmery golden-silver tone that displays mild softly, so the golden look by no means feels overly accomplished. Relying on the sunshine falling on it, it shows totally different colours, which makes the cable look rather more refreshing.
The splitter of this cable stands out because the centrepiece. This design is impressed by the long-lasting type of a Centurion helmet and stays just like the CENTURION I however is sleeker, with fewer edges and smoother curves.
The splitter has a dual-layer development the place the outer shell is solid from titanium alloy, including a excessive stage of sturdiness, whereas the interior layer is product of aluminum alloy. It has a mirror-like end, however throughout my utilization, it didn’t scratch simply, in contrast to polished-titanium IEMs, the place this drawback is widespread.
The adapter, together with the 2-pin connectors and the splitter, is equally completed. The cable includes a intently braided design, with a number of strands woven collectively in a uniform and complicated sample. Even when the cable is folded or twisted, the braiding stays intact, and there are hardly any gaps.
The outer sleeve may be very easy and doesn’t have any further shine, so the inner wires are what carry out the colours and look.
The cable arrives within the default 2-pin connection system, however you don’t have to fret, as a full set of ConX® interchangeable connectors is offered, masking most connection sorts, together with MMCX, Pentaconn, IPX, and A2DC.
Dealing with
With the 8-wire construction and every wire having vital thickness, the CENTURION II has some bulkiness and weight to it. Fortunately, it doesn’t really feel too heavy and is kind of straightforward to deal with.
Impact Audio has trimmed some weight from the {hardware} and added some to the wires, so the general weight is evenly distributed, which provides to the consolation issue. The braiding is relaxed, neither too tight nor too free for gaps to seem.
I’ve had listening classes that stretched for hours, and I by no means had any points with the cable, notably across the ear, the place there’s hardly any exterior stress.
The reminiscence hooks on the CENTURION II are on the stiffer aspect however don’t press towards the ears, and the graceful floor ensures you don’t really feel something behind them.
Due to the light-weight splitter, the cable’s weight doesn’t pull downward or add a lot stress on the ears. In case you are on the transfer, the hanging cable might trouble you a bit and may require occasional adjustment.
As a consequence of its construct and thickness, the cable takes up fairly some area when saved. Nonetheless, the carry case included by Impact Audio may be very spacious, so storing it together with one in every of your IEMs is rarely a difficulty. With the CENTURION II, you additionally don’t have to fret about tangling.
Packaging & Equipment
Unboxing the CENTURION II was simply one of the thrilling moments I’ve had within the pastime. Impact Audio has accomplished an unbelievable job with the packaging.
Each factor of the field, from the presentation to the location, exudes magnificence and a way of exclusivity. The cable arrives in a big rectangular field with a textured end and stylish gold lettering, together with a emblem on the highest.
When this cowl is lifted off, you see the primary field containing the cable and equipment. This field is product of wooden and has the identical end, look, and really feel because the outer one. It additionally options the CENTURION II emblem in gold on the highest floor.
The field has a gold latch within the entrance to open it, including a premium and stylish contact. Opening the interior field unveils a neatly organized inside with two sections. On the left, the cable is coiled round a mushy, padded show roll, just like what you discover in watch circumstances.
The carry case sits comfortably in the precise part. Contained in the carry case, you discover a full ConX set and a leather-based tie matching the colour scheme of the case. The inside of the field is lined with mushy and cushioned black cloth throughout, which ensures each safety and premium presentation.
There’s additionally a hidden compartment underneath the highest lid, which holds a small packet containing a brochure marking the evolution of EA’s flagship cables, a golden guarantee card, and the founder’s observe.
General, the complete unboxing expertise is overwhelming and ticks all the precise packing containers, precisely what one would count on at this value level. I’d go so far as saying the unboxing expertise beats a couple of IEMs that price the identical.
Carry Case
The carry case deserves particular point out right here. This case is product of very high-quality leather-based with a gold model emblem on the highest. The inside can also be lined with leather-based.
The craftsmanship is top-notch, as one would count on from a flagship cable’s carry case. The great factor is that the case is kind of spacious, however because it received’t slot in pockets, you’ll want to hold it in a bag when on the transfer.
This puck-style case has a two-tier design with a lift-out tray on the highest, whereas the decrease part is split into small compartments. The higher tray is held in place by aspect cease pins that lock it right into a notch. This tray supplies sufficient area to retailer the cable.
Within the decrease half, one half is subdivided with dividers, and the opposite half comprises a fitted foam insert with cutouts. I’m not certain what the smaller sub-sections are meant for, however you’ll be able to retailer your IEMs (with out cables hooked up) in them.
The froth cut-out is supposed to carry the small connectors and the device included within the ConX set. Belief me, these tiny connectors want correct storage; in any other case, they’re simply misplaced.
General, the carry case feels elegant with its premium materials and construct, and it includes a very considerate and refreshing design. The area inside is ample for the cable, together with one in every of your favourite IEMs to slot in.
Efficiency Impressions
The next sound impressions of the Impact Audio CENTURION II Cable had been accomplished utilizing Softears Enigma, 64 Audio Fourte, and THIEAUDIO Valhalla alongside my primary supply, Lotoo’s PAW Gold Contact.
Abstract
I’ve at all times been a believer in aftermarket cable rolling. Certainly, a cable can not change the inherent tuning of an IEM, however typically a couple of pairings create fantastic synergies and might play a significant function in the way you understand the cables.
The enhancements and refinements are sometimes delicate, however they will nonetheless make a noticeable distinction in the way you understand the general sound.
The CENTURION II lives as much as its flagship standing, touching and tweaking practically each a part of the tuning and delivering a really immersive listening expertise.
The instant adjustments I discover are a cleaner and darker background, which makes the presentation really feel extra refined, together with impeccable readability that comes with out including brightness or introducing any sense of peakiness.
The CENTURION II carries a timbre that feels pure but refined, balancing readability with a way of realism. The midrange, supported by the silent background, comes throughout as very detailed whereas nonetheless holding on to its pure musicality.
In contrast to many high-end cables, the CENTURION II doesn’t add any further heat to the combination. As a substitute, its power lies in pushing the readability and backbone so far as doable with out changing into sharp or fatiguing, which makes the main points simpler to understand.
It doesn’t have an effect on the frequencies in a subdued approach; relatively, the cable performs an augmenting and supporting function, serving to to retain the originality of the sound. It feels as if the bounds of each frequency vary are being pushed, including nothing synthetic however solely extra richness and expansiveness to the general supply.
Timbre
The CENTURION II provides a layer of richness and pleasure to the combination by extending the low finish and bringing refinement to the midrange and treble.
The bass feels tighter and extra managed, and reveals higher texture and particulars. The sub-bass delivers further pleasing rumble and depth, giving the general bass a stronger and extra strong basis.
The mid-bass has a contact extra bounciness and a satisfying weight and presence to every observe. The bass sounds greater, spreading wider throughout the stage and giving the music a fuller, extra open really feel.
The midrange has little to no coloration, but it’s the space that I discover getting essentially the most profit. The extent of refinement I skilled is unparalleled; it feels virtually like lifting a veil off the midrange.
You get extra particulars coming by, and the notes sound fuller, smoother, and extra pure, which supplies the midrange a sharper and extra outlined character.
Devices similar to guitars, pianos, and violins sound extra exact, and vocals stand out with clearer edges and higher separation, making the midrange really feel cleaner and extra participating general.
Even the faintest of particulars are dropped at life with the CENTURION II, including a way of realism that feels instant and noticeable.
The treble has further sparkle and air, taking its efficiency near the sting. Excessive-frequency notes come throughout a bit taller, with extra power and element, but they keep easy.
This offers the treble a refined and prolonged really feel with out ever sounding pressured or too ahead. The treble additionally resolves very properly, making it simpler to listen to small nuances.
Even in busy tracks, when many devices compete for area, the CENTURION II retains the treble settled and properly managed.
Staging & Imaging
The CENTURION II brings a really transformative influence on the technical efficiency of all of the IEMs I paired it with. The soundstage sees some widening with a contact extra depth and peak, giving the presentation a larger sense of area.
This expanded stage permits devices to unfold out extra naturally, with placements that really feel each extra exact and holographic. If you have already got a formidable staging in your IEMs, the CENTURION II will push it even additional, making a grander and extra immersive presentation.
The imaging advantages immediately from this wider and deeper stage. Devices and vocals are positioned with extra accuracy, making it simpler to pinpoint their positions.
Layering additionally sees a transparent enchancment; every instrument has extra air and respiratory area round it, leading to stronger separation and a much less congested combine.
The treble performs an necessary function on this openness, with its added decision and air bringing a delicate sparkle that enhances the general sense of area. S
maller particulars come alive, flowing extra effortlessly and giving the music a pure, refined liveliness. Notes carry higher depth, and the additional air across the devices creates a convincingly open sound subject.
Click on on web page 2 beneath for my really helpful pairings and chosen comparisons.
