PW Orpheus Matched with 64 Audio Tia Fourté
The renowned 64 Audio Tia Fourté is one tricky TOTL IEM that is both extremely dependent and sensitive to the right cable and eartip matching. Oddly enough which the owners of these may have already acknowledged – Tia Fourté refuses to match well with many custom cables that are known to be an all-rounder in sound signature, not bringing out the ideal improvements or offering the right timbre. However, there are still some cables that can execute the difficult task. For example, the Eletech Sonnet of Adam was one of the rare finds that matched beautifully, offering next-level layering and lushness to Tia Fourté.
So how does PW Orpheus Shielding serve Tia Fourté and its notoriously picky nature? Before getting into the details about the sound changes or improvements, Orpheus Shielding melts in with Tia Fourté’s sound signature naturally and surprisingly. Pairing other custom cables would easily diminish Tia Fourté’s original tonal balance or sound signature, yet Orpheus Shielding not only keeps the goods of Tia Fourté but extends things beyond.
Endlessly extending trebles, natural and open-field headroom, and extreme resolution yet fatigue-friendly sound signature are the key points that allowed Tia Fourté to hold its TOTL thrown continuously. However, the rather slim low-mid body would certainly be lacking for those who want an extra fulfilling bass response. That’s where Orpheus does its magic, bringing up the low-mid details and presence naturally without deliberately altering the initial sound signature or timbre. 64 Audio’s Tia drivers are singing up to the ultra highs while Orpheus introduces the hidden details of the ultra lows.
Overall, despite its rather old release date, Tia Fourté still manages to amaze me with its potential. It sounds already just as good as the latest TOTL IEMs, yet it can also be taken to the next level by pairing it with the right custom cables.
PW Orpheus Matched with Subtonic Storm
Storm is a great all-rounder IEM that provides a spectacular bass response that most people couldn’t realize it doesn’t use a bone conduction or dynamic driver. This almost-perfect IEM still has a few cons if viewed from a perfectionist’s viewpoint, and that would be the low-mids. Once paired with Subtonic Storm, the PW Orpheus Shielding seamlessly fuses its unique tone to the Storm’s original sound. The result is a thoroughly neutral and reference sound but now added with more depth, sweetness, and solemn weightiness to the vocals. Another significant change is the mid-range fullness.
One of the strengths of Storm was its wide, expansive vocals that create a gigantic mid-range headroom, yet when compared to other TOTL IEMs (for example PMG Audio Apx, PMG Audio Apx SE, or Oriolus Traillii), Storm relatively lacked vocal density and depth. Orpheus fills up these to the point where Storm retains its original wide-scaling vocals but is now topped with thickness and a fuller body. Lastly, the bass reverbs. While Storm’s specialty for the bass is its accurate, deep, yet incredible agility, the reverbs were a tad lacking.
Well, Storm doesn’t completely lay off the reverbs, though for some tracks I occasionally do feel the need for a deeper, longer-lingering aftertaste for the bass reverbs for the natural decay of the low-ends (speaking only under the summit-fi standards of course). Sure enough, and not surprisingly, Orpheus Shielding does it, as one of Orpheus Shielding’s strongest features is its clean yet extremely prominent reverbs. This not only aids the bass reverbs but also improves the low-end headroom, providing a more grand cornerstone for Storm’s sound.
Matched with PMG Audio Apx SE (Review link)
Adds depth and meatiness to the sound, especially the low ends. The already-thick low-ends don’t get overly thicker, yet it’s still added with density and body, ultimately forming a grand headroom that creates a cathedral around you. It’s Orpheus Shielding’s iconic and unique timbre, and this perfectly matches with this IEM, that extremely rare final piece that would perfect the sound of Apx SE.
The Orphue Shielding’s natural low-end airiness and reverbs work beautifully with Ape SE’s dark background nature, making the bass dynamics even livelier and more realistic to the ears – as if I could almost see the bass grooves dance and flow in sight. Biting into the fluffier mid-bass (yet not muddy or bloated) is another fun to get out of this combo.
Alongside, a very natural and seamless creaminess is added to the vocals. Trebles sound more mature in timbre, not only sounding more lush but the vocal reverbs get “mysteriously” tasteful. The trebles also show a noticeable difference in technicality. While keeping Apx SE’s deep, dark, and solemn atmosphere, the instrumental texture and separation are boosted in clarity.
Verdicts: Twisting Your Thoughts About Musicality
While the way Orpheus Shielding improves/changes the sound is done gracefully and carefully, one thing is prominent: Orpheus Shielding will “Orpheus-rise” the IEM, making the Orpheus Shielding’s sound characteristics make a prominent impact throughout the matched earphone’s sound signature.
This is different from those cables that boost the clarity. Unlike many other cables that primarily aim to boost clarity by brightening or sharpening the sound, Orpheus Shielding takes a different approach. It elevates clarity not through forceful adjustments but through an organic, natural process that respects the IEM’s original tonal balance. The result is a profound transformation where the music feels more alive, emotional, and dimensional—offering a listening experience that is both technically masterful and deeply musical.
What sets Orpheus Shielding apart is its ability to refine every aspect of the sound without disrupting the harmony of the IEM. Whether it’s adding depth and richness to the bass, expanding the mid-range with delicate warmth and airiness, or polishing the treble with a smooth yet vivid texture, the cable enhances every note and nuance.
The Orpheus Shielding isn’t merely an accessory for your earphone; it’s a ground-breaking key that redefines how music is experienced, proving that cables can be as much a part of the artistry as the IEMs themselves. Of course, this is a very niche and “special” product that is definitely not meant for anyone – both price-wise and sound. Its grand and vibrantly musical nuance may result in polarizing results depending on different IEMs and personal tastes. The pricing being basically equivalent to most expensive TOTL IEMs is another significant drawback that holds many people back from even considering a purchase. However, for those seeking the pinnacle of musical perfection from an IEM, Orpheus Shielding is not just a cable – it’s a journey to an entirely new dimension of music and musicality of your IEM.
