When I first got the "First Times", my immediate impression was that the cable was really thick yet surprisingly light. It incorporates the hardware from version 2.0, which gives the cable a more integrated look without being ostentatious. This has always been my view of PWAudio's products. Following the advice of my friend Alex Twister, the owner and reviewer at the internationally renowned review forum Twister 6, I paired First Times with Oriolus Traillii for a priority test. We all know that Traillii's cable is specially tuned 1960s, contributing to its high and unyielding price, deterring many enthusiasts. Although it's said that the actual listening experience of Traillii is indeed commendable, I could sense an enhancement in background darkness and detail resolution when I used First TimeS. My friend Alex described it as lifting the veil of mystique, and I think it's a very fitting description.
It’s hard to imagine that the First TimeS (hereafter referred to as "FT") can further expand and elevate the soundstage compared to the 1960s. Enhancing the background darkness, the amount of information, and clarity, while also being able to significantly improve the soundstage, truly left me speechless. Paired with Canal Works U91 PSTS, the custom-tuned version, FT brings a more three-dimensional soundstage presentation and an enriched detail experience while maintaining the distinctive Japanese tuning style of the U91 PSTS, which is rare. Lastly, in the pairing with the AA MAD24, an Ukrainian fighting national artifact, I was delighted to find a cable that could fully showcase its single-sided 24BA advantages without adding any additional low-frequency.
After more than half a year, I feel that MAD24 is quite particular about cable pairing. Apart from Astral Acoustics Ref-silver that I haven't tested yet, among a host of mainstream flagship cables, only the EFFECT AUDIO Horus 4-wire delivered outstanding performance. An excess of bass turns the sound into that of a basshead, which negatively impacts the listening experience by introducing a suppressive atmosphere, which I dislike.
In subsequent pairings, I also tested other IEMs like UM Mason Fabled Sound, EE Evo & Odin, CW U91 PSTS, VE Elysium Extended, as well as AA MAD24. My conclusion is that FT is highly versatile and doesn't have a particular leaning, I'm of the opinion that this justifies the market positioning of premium copper cables, pricing them on par with the more costly conductor materials such as silver-gold.
I will highlight some specific pairings: UM Mason Fabled Sound (FS), FT, unlike Attila, can make FS's soundstage more spacious and lively, especially in terms of dynamic changes without causing FS to lose its characteristically neutral tuning. When paired with Evo, the bass tightens up a bit which might not be good news for Basshead fans, but in turn, you get an increase in detailed rendering. In person, I'd still prefer to pair Evo with the 1950s Shielding version for its impressive layering in low frequencies.
Earlier this week, I received the First Times Shielding version from PW Audio. Initially, I was worried because I thought that the main advantage of the shielded version would be an improved background darkness, which alongside a higher price might not appeal to many enthusiasts. However, my actual pairing experience showed me it wasn't that simple. Compared to the regular FT, the shielding certainly resulted in an improvement in background darkness. The switch to a Pentaconn 4.4 plug enhanced the analog flavor of the sound, which was expected from the appearance. In reality, the Shielding version of FT offered a different experience rather than just an upgrade compared to the regular version. Like the 1950s Shielding version to the 1950s, the FT Shielding version has a reduced low-frequency presence, highlighting the quality of the midrange. The overall sound and soundstage are more contained compared to the regular version, replaced instead by a gorgeous representation in the high frequencies and a more composed sensation. The treble experience is reminiscent of the Metropolis series but delivers an enhanced level of elegance and control. Leveraging the insights from the ultra-premium Orpheus designs, the shielding version of the FT boasts a significant improvement in the sheer volume of information captured, attributed to a greater surface contact area. I contend that the auditory distinctions between the FT's regular and shielding versions are pronounced, and they transcend simple hierarchical classifications. While the regular version provides an expansive soundstage along with an abundance of detail, the shielding version refines the soundstage to offer richer, more sophisticated highs and a firmer, more grounded auditory presence.
In summary, both the regular and shielding version stand out for exceptional quality. The sophisticated hardware design contributes to a cohesive and subtle visual appeal without compromising on the excellence of the sound performance. The two version exhibits distinct advantages: the regular version is dynamic and robust, while the shielding version boasts a sophisticated and polished aura. They are, in my perspective, admirably suited to carry forward the esteemed legacy of the Century series. I am eager to see PWAudio's continuation in delivering such exceptional products. For those considering a purchase, I recommend them to rely on their own experience, testing the cables with their equipment at physical stores to ensure the ideal match.
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