I have compared it to Nordost Valhalla, Elrod Statement and 2S, LessLoss Sig, an Audience cord whose model # I am not sure of, and Kimber PK10 Palladian.
The sound is smoother (with no loss of detail) and more natural, with more burn-in. In fact, even on analog FM (on a modded Sansui TU 9900), I am hearing instruments on familiar songs, that I had not noticed before. This really is a nice experience.
Neal |
To JMCgrogan2,
I actually think very highly of the Valhalla cords and find them different from the IC's which I also have in BR system. I find them more neutral and fuller bodied than IC's and eminently liveable.
I don't listen to an IC or PC for specifics, to be candid. First, I close my eyes and see if I say to myself: "That sounds really good." Then, I spend some time listening for irritating factors, e.g., too little bass, this or abrasive top end, pronounced mid's. Then I just spend some time and see if the smile continues.
So I cannot say if the soundstage or depth is better or worse then Elrod's; I can only say the LessLoss Ref is a step up IN THE GESTALT from what I have heard. I cannot imagine others not, at a minimum, being impressed. Whether y'all run out and buy one is a matter or personal taste and finances.
Cheers.
Neal |
At least one set of reviewers heard the same dramatic improvements that I did with the LL Ref PC's. From the 6Moons review in the current (no pun intended) edition:
"In conclusion we have to say that the LessLoss DFPC Reference is completely true to its nomination [as a reference]. Once this cable is used in combination with a source, the complete system benefits more than a new piece of equipment will achieve."
These reviewers are not wont to dispense with gratuitous encomiums, and in fact cited a deficiency in measured test results when first measuring noise allowed by this PC. (The designer effectively explains the anomalous results in a post-script to the review.) So, for about $1800 new and delivered, I think these PC's are one of the greatest values in the high end audio realm. (Again, I have no direct or indirect financial interest in LL.)
This ends my public service announcement!
Neal |
About a week on -- It's A-live!
To be candid, I am embarrassed to gush, but I simply cannot get over the startling audible improvement in my system from the insertion of one PC at the preamp. Last night I was listening to WFUV FM in NY, a listener sponsored station. They were playing Dylan's Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues from the epic album Highway 61 Revisited. I have heard this song hundreds of times, on my present and predecessor systems, in the car, etc. I thought I knew every note and instrument on this track, which has a lot going on instrumentally. But no!
Through a black wall of silence, I heard for the first time that there were TWO pianos, not just the one Al Kooper played, with distinctly different tones. Mike Bloomfield's guitar licks were more mellifluous, subtle and well-placed than I had ever realized. And I heard Dylan's breaths between his lines.
What more can I say for now about the LessLoss DFPC Ref, other than that I ordered another one. And I almost never buy new components. I have been at this mania for over 40 years, and to me this is a breakthrough product. No other cord or cable has had such a profound effect on the sound in my system.
I am finished gushing for now. No promises there will not be more when the cord is fully burnt in.
Again, I have no association whatsoever with LessLoss and receive no benefit of any kind for these comments, other than sharing a great experience with others, to give whatever weight they choose.
Neal |
Will do, Lak. Per Louis Motek's suggestion, the next one (due in tomorrow) would serve best placed on my PS Audio PWD Mk II DAC, where I think a Nordost Valhalla now resides. The comparo should be interesting.
Neal |
LessLoss DFPC Sig #2. installed on PS Audio PWD MkII DAC. Have not had much time to auditon or burn in, but short-term experience slightly different so far from awe-inspiring Sig #1 used on preamp.
On DAC, eerie sense of quiet, crystalline clarity, detail and soundstage, but so far a bit on the "lively" side of what I was accustomed to with Valhalla PC. Not unpleasant or uncomfortable, and in fact may be a bit of a veil lifting, but we'll see if burn in leads to smoother, less "up front" sound. I listened to soundtrack of Philip Glass's Mishima, and there are some wind chimes and other delicate sound effects that I had simply never heard before. Sent chills up my spine.
Will report further, but this is fun!
Neal |
Lak is right. And these are too new for there to be any on used market.
Neal |
Ptss and Tbg,
Have you compared the LL Ref to the cords you list, under whose sonic (and perhaps physical) weight I surely will be crushed? I am always interested in the actual auditory comparisons others make.
Neal |
I am sure there are many PC's out there that will "crush" whatever other PC any of us have ay any given nanosecond, and we drive ourselves crazy enough with IC's, PC's, speaker cables, digicables, etc. All I know is the LL Ref now has 100 hrs on it and my system has never sounded more natural or more "alive." So I will stay with this lover for a while as we get to know each other better, although there may be greater beauties out there.
That said, I am interested in the High Fidelity PC's as I find the IC to be a game-changer, but they are not even remotely affordable new.
Neal |
Jazz,
I have not auditioned or compared the HD P4 to any other cable. I bought the LL Ref based on prior experience with LL cables and I am happier every day that I did. I am sure the P4 is excellent but there are only so many hours in the day.
The Valhalla PC is almost the equal of the LL Ref in the sense that they are both superior cords and I can (and have) lived happily with the Valhalla. But the Valhalla is not quite as "natural" sounding as the LL Ref and on my Main Rig, a little too "full bodied." Never thought I would say that about Valhalla, but true for the PC.
Regards,
Neal |
Mcondon,
I will look forward to your impressions. Please note that in my experience, in can take at least 25-50 hours for it to open up. Mine have about 50-75 now and are really sounding groovy!
Neal |
As the originator of this increasingly rambunctious and off-message thread, I will note that after about 75-100 hours, the LessLoss Ref PC has imposed an almost eerie black silence on the background to music, such that vocals and acoustic instruments have an ethereal realism and presence. Listening to Eric Andersen's Blue River put me back in The Bitter End in the late '60's.
These puppies are the real thing. Not saying there are no other champions; can only comment on what I have and actually have heard.
Neal |
JMC,
Yes. Set and forget!
Neal
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