Han Sound Audio is a Taiwan-based company that manufactures high-quality upgrade cables for headphones and in-ear monitors (IEMs). They started selling the first model, “Magic” in 2011 under the HiSound moniker and then the popular Muse in 2012.

But it was in 2017 at CanJam Singapore when I first became familiar with the brand, which had since changed their name to Han Sound Audio. Since that time they’ve become a popular and respected source of IEM cables. Moving forward and today we’re reviewing the Han Sound Audio Agni MK2, the 2nd generation of this high-purity OCC silver upgrade cable.

Han Sound Audio website: http://www.hansoundaudio.com/

Agni is considered the mouth of the gods and goddesses

Wikipedia

This sample was provided for the purpose of an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own, based on my experience with the product.

Han Sound Audio Agni MK2 Review

Prior to testing, the Agni MK2 unit used for this review was run-in for 72 hours using the Telos QBT machine, courtesy of BKK Audio.

Package and Accessories

The Agni MK2 comes in Han Sound Audio’s classic black box. On the top is the brand logo in silver and on one side of the box, there is a white sticker displaying the model name, connector and plug type. Inside the box, the cable is nestled in a circular, black foam insert with a thin layer of foam on top of the cable itself for extra protection. Apart from the cable, the only other thing in the box is a leather cable wrap, embossed with the brand name.

Build Quality and Design

The Agni MK2 is an extremely classy looking cable with a premium feel. It’s a 4 core braided design, from the source termination to the Y-split, after which it transforms into 2 dual twisted cores. Each core is sheathed in a clear UV-PVC jacket.

The gauge is 26 AWG for each wire and interestingly, the cores are made by twisting 2 different sizes of high-purity OCC silver (4-wire/8-wire) in concentric circles around a DuPont Kevlar 200d element to increase the strength of the structure.

Unlike the original Agni which had a Furutech plug, the MK2 uses HanSound’s own plug, which is available in 2.5mm/3.5mm/4.4mm sizes. The 2.5mm balanced plug is made with phosphor bronze material and the 3.5mm and 4.4mm balanced plugs are tellurium copper material.

Components

I chose a 2.5mm source termination along with 2-pin IEM/CIEM connectors. So, what you’re seeing here is the gold-plated phosphor bronze 2.5mm plug with branding in white print on one side. The plug also has a lightly-textured honeycomb pattern that is smooth but aids when gripping the plug while plugging in or disconnecting. There is no visible strain relief here which I find a bit strange for a premium cable and hope it does not cause any durability concerns later on.

The Y-split is the iconic Han Sound Audio one, with a tapered lower end and chiselled top end with the brand logo in the middle. Unlike the earlier version which was all silver-coloured, this one has a black band in the middle with a white logo. There’s also a matching rectangular metal chin slider with rounded sides.

There are no memory wires or pre-formed ear guides, meaning the Agni MK2 can be worn either down or over-ear. At the top, the metal connectors appear to be unchanged from the older version with their polished finish and white and red coloured ring on the left and right sides respectively.

Handling and Aesthetics

Apart from its fantastic audio qualities (more on that later), the Agni MK2 has some of the best ergonomics I’ve seen in an upgrade cable. As I mentioned earlier, it feels premium in the hand; the UV-PVC jacket has a nice thickness to it making it not only feel hardy but the extra girth just makes it look even better.

At the same time, it is exceptionally supple and drapes really nicely. There are no kinks, nor is there any springiness or awkward twisting. Additionally, the MK2 is resistant to tangling, it’s lightweight and has no microphonics. Simply put, the Agni MK2 is a joy to use in terms of handling.

Sound Impressions

If there ever was a perfect cable for my many warmer IEMs, the Agni MK2 fits the bill. I love a warmer tonality plus the extra weight, body and musicality it brings with it. But apart from a pleasing tonality, my other must haves are transparency and resolution. The MK2 brings all the right characteristics to the party and it’s a party that I hope never ends.

What pure silver cables are universally expected to do is to increase resolution and the MK2 checks that box with a flourish. Silver is also often considered to be more analytical and it’s here where the Agni MK2 contradicts itself because while it does improve resolution remarkably well, it’s also absurdly smooth, even when paired with brighter IEMs.

Perhaps this oxymoron of “smoothly resolving” is partly a result of the MK2’s increased bass extension. By that, I don’t mean an increase in the quantity of bass. In fact, if anything, the bass is tighter with better control. But the improved extension inadvertently adds a touch of extra body while maintaining the same definition and control.

In the midrange, the Agni MK2 increases transparency and resolution, making everything sound a bit cleaner and purer. The background becomes blacker but the transients and decay feel unchanged, so there’s no loss in musicality. The MK2 does a sweet number on vocals too, granting improved clarity and uncompromised richness. In Riverside’s “Under The Pillow”, the articulation of the softer style vocals is improved and the guitars have added texture.

On the subject of texture, the treble gets more of it too, along with more definition and control. The effect this has on staging is very positive and with a capable monitor, results in a more holographic and engaging stage.

Select Pairings

For testing, I used both the Soundaware M2Pro and Sony NW-ZX300. With the Sony DAP, I also needed a 2.5mm-4.4mm adapter. As noted at the top of this article, the cable was run-in for 72 hours using the Telos QBT machine prior to testing.

Empire Ears Bravado

The Bravado is a monitor that continues to surprise me when tested with different cables. Compared to the stock EA Ares II cable, the Agni MK2 sounds more refined with better bass control and a more balanced overall tonality. The extra treble texture gives the stage extra stability and a holographic feel. Midrange is rich and smooth with great resolution and transparency.

LX-Ear Pluto

The Pluto is a very warm and mid-bass centric 4BA IEM. The Agni MK2’s tighter bass goes a long way in reining in this boisterous monitor’s low end. Guitars in the midrange are crunchier and the mids, in general, have increased transparency. Better treble texture helps the high frequencies to better contrast with the aggressive bass and also improves imaging and stage stability.

Custom Art FIBAE Black

The FIBAE Black is another inherently warm IEM that gets a really tasty boost with the Agni MK2. The mid-bass notes become less rounded and more precise, while the midrange sees an increase in resolution and a cleaner presentation. The Black’s treble sounds a little better extended and airier too, slightly expanding the dimensions of the soundstage in the process.

M-Fidelity SA-50

With the SA-50 I hear more mid-bass definition like I can hear the skin on the kick drum better with the MK2. Sub-bass is more textured with better extension. The SA-50 already has a very resolving midrange on its own but paired with the MK2 it goes to a whole other level. Treble is more defined and for some reason, the SA-50 is the only monitor I tested that sounds brighter than usual with the Agni MK2. Instrument separation and 3D staging are off the charts with this combination.

Conclusion

The Han Sound Audio Agni MK2 is a visually striking cable that also handles extremely well. I love the fact that its extra girth makes it look and feel (and sound) so substantial but it remains very supple and comfortable to use.

What really surprises me is how well it works with all types of sound signatures, from warm and thick to neutral or even bright. Without a doubt, the Agni MK2 is a sterling (pun intended) pure silver upgrade cable and one that I highly recommend.