Several months ago I compared a latest L4 with volume control and XLR outputs options against my MW Transporter for a week at home. I use my Transporter for a transport into the L4.
1. L4 sounds very good direct to the amp but it's much much better through my VAC Sig MKIIa preamp. More air, 3D ... NO contest! With all the hype and expectations, I was a bit disappointed.
2 I found the aes/ebu digital input interface much superior to RCA. It was quieter, more coherent, better bass ...
3. L4 is very sensitive to PCs. After trying 4, I settled on the Elrod Statement II. Shunyata Python CX is also very good but my friend took it home with him so couldn't do a back to back comparison.
Overall I like the L4 and found it sounds similar to my MW Transporter. L4 has a slight edge in resolution but on some material, it can be too aggressive and forward. I think L4 has potential and if I have time to tweak, it will beat the MW Transporter but NOT enough for me to change.
With this exercise, my friends and I were very surprised how well my tweaked up MW Transporter held up against the L4. Nothing beats a demo in your own system.
1. L4 sounds very good direct to the amp but it's much much better through my VAC Sig MKIIa preamp. More air, 3D ... NO contest! With all the hype and expectations, I was a bit disappointed.
2 I found the aes/ebu digital input interface much superior to RCA. It was quieter, more coherent, better bass ...
3. L4 is very sensitive to PCs. After trying 4, I settled on the Elrod Statement II. Shunyata Python CX is also very good but my friend took it home with him so couldn't do a back to back comparison.
Overall I like the L4 and found it sounds similar to my MW Transporter. L4 has a slight edge in resolution but on some material, it can be too aggressive and forward. I think L4 has potential and if I have time to tweak, it will beat the MW Transporter but NOT enough for me to change.
With this exercise, my friends and I were very surprised how well my tweaked up MW Transporter held up against the L4. Nothing beats a demo in your own system.