I'm with Pubul57 on this one.
The Lightspeed has been provoking debate since its inception. Here in Australia, it has had a long gestation period, with some loving it and others the opposite. Similar to what happened over on Audio Asylum I recall. As a 5 year user of one, my experience has been one of many ups and downs through a multitude of systems and components. I now realise many of the downs have been brought about by my own attempts to best it. After all, how could a tiny little $500 black box compete with others costing in the thousands ? Plus it's made in Australia and we all know the best audio equipment comes from overseas - right ?
Those who know me will be aware I have gone through a multitude of gear in the last 5 years. Mainly due to selling on eBay for others with much deeper pockets than I, allowing me the chance to experiment endlessly.
I have directly compared the Lightspeed to the following; (excuse me if I get the model designations wrong )
1. Audio Research SP11, SP10 LS3, LS8, LS2
2. CAT Signature
3. Supratek Chardonnay, Micrex M1.
4. Mark Levinson 380S
5. NuForce P8
6. Musical Fidelity SP3
8. Various Volume Controls in the many CD Players I have used.
9. 3 or 4 home brew preamps, both valve and SS.
10. Gryphon MK II
11. Placette TVC
(Thats about all I can recall for now, but I'm sure theres more)
The most recent comparison was with an Australian designed and made ME25 Preamplifier into a pair of EL34 Monoblocks, into my JBL 4350's. Once the impedances were matched to allow the Lightspeed to operate correctly ( along with 1m interconnect of course), there was no contest. The Lightspeed was cleaner, more transparent, better soundstage and dynamics etc etc etc. Needless to say, the ME was moved on. There was no loss of bass response, or any of the common downsides of Passive Control.
Anyway, the point I'm trying to make is this; Whilst the Lightspeed can be compared to all the above by inserting it into a system already optimized for another preamplifier, to get it to really shine, the system MUST be optimized for Lightspeed use. Often the Lightspeed may sound "brittle: or "shrill" when first used, until the impedances are matched correctly. When I did this, the Lightspeed COMPREHENSIVELY beat out all the above.
This system matching is the difference between the Lightspeed sounding just "good" vs sounding incredible. I have heard it sound pretty good driving 3m plus interconnects, and have done it myself on occasion. But, I have always had large gains when the system is configured properly to suit it.
IMO, using buffers defeats the purpose of having the Lightspeed, altough I'm happy to be proved wrong. I'd rather spend the cost of the buffer in changing the amplifier impedance to suit the Lightspeed. In some cases, in my experience, this has been less that 20 minutes work !
And lastly no, I do not have a financial interest in Lightspeed production and while I do know George well, I'm not into B.S'ing others based solely on that.
IMHO, for the cost, its an absolute no-brainer ........
Cheers
Scott |
In regards to comments on the Morisson Elad.
I too read the hype a few years ago and searched long and hard to find one. I then had a custom power supply built to suit our 240 Voltage here in Australia.
I had it in the system for several weeks, constantly A-B'ing against the LS. The best overall description I can give the Elad was it just sounded "duller" in all areas. This was irrespective of cabling lengths or impedance matches/mismatches.
However, I sold it to an aquaintance who still uses it to this day and actually prefers it over my LS, in his system !
As stated elsewhere, the LS is not for all and can be a harsh taskmaster indeed. It will make you "lift your game" and requires your whole system to be in order, to show it's best.
Easily worth the effort - IMHO |
Grannyring, thanks for that - I wondered if that was what you meant !
Cheers
Scott |
"I agree Anthony, as enjoyable as several $10-$20,000 combos I had here over the past 5-7 years. With the right speakers, the LS-A/RM10 combo($2,400 list)is incredibly good and competitive with just about any pre/amp combo out there, at any price"
Just my 2 cents worth in agreement with the above. Having recently listened to the LS inserted into an expensive system with Halcro Monoblocks (approx AUD $60K)and both Wilson 7's and 8's, I can vouch for the LS's ability to play in any company and far exceed it's modest price/appearance.
Cheers
Scott |
"06-16-10: Grannyring
Scott, that would only be in a small room with highly efficient speakers. I assume that combo won't play at 95db in a larger room with speakers under 90 db efficient?
I also assume that combo would never have the dynamic impact of a more formidable set-up. Say 300-500 watt monoblock amps and an active tube preamp with killer drive and scale"
Sorry Grannyring, but nothing could be further from the truth, in my experience. In fact I recall using the LS with a Gryphon DM100 and Gryphon Encore (500 w) into Usher AC 20 speakers of about 92db. This was in a large, well damped room. Dynamic impact was there in spades and no loss of detail or presence either.
At that time, I recall I had an Audio Research SP11 on hand for comparison. It lasted about 2 days before the LS went back in. All this and there were no mods to either of the Gryphons to match impedances for the use of the LS !
My JBL 4350's will approach 125db according to the literature. The LS normally sits at about 10-11 o'clock. Past 2 becomes painfull, literally.
Cheers
Scott |
We just let you guys in the Northern Hemisphere do all the groundwork ...... :-) |
Georgelofi "So now you'll only find them in car stereos and midfi home equiptment"
And certain speaker manufacturers (who shall obviously remain nameless here), that like to boost those frequencies for the "startle factor" in demos .... seems to work too, as people are still paying the big $$'s for their products ? |
Here's my 2c worth, after noticing this thread had recently come back to life.
Most good quality high end cdp's are close to each other in sound quality and don't colour the sound much at all. Except for some tube output ones - they can be all over the shop.
This leave us with the interconnect colourations. So, why throw a $14,000 bandaid at a pair of $100 interconects, wouldn't it be saner to change the interconects? |
This is the part I like ...
"2. The recording and the information embedded in the medium - digital or analog. This is the limit of the musical information that can possibly make its way through our gear to our speakers to our ears. This contains all the musical information that is possible - including the ever popular audiophile attributes of soundstaging, dynamics, warmth, bandwidth and bloom. Any musical information you hear that is not inherently in the recording as embedded in media is a distortion and no part of the source as defined here. Pleasant though these distortion might or might not be, they are pixie dust that has been spread over the music and no part of the original performance mediated through the recording process - whatever they are, they are not part of the musical source. The LSA only touches this source to the extent that the 3rd-sense of source does not interfere"
This sums it up nicely thanks Pubul57. After that, as stated, its personal choice as to what one does with this information - Colour it, reproduce it as "accurately" as possible or any variation in between.
If accurate reproduction is the end goal and the LSA is in the chain, then everything else has to be (a) Up to that standard, or better and (b) Optomised to work together in terms of impedance and gain. |
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Yep, another "normal" comment from a first time Lightspeed Owner !
Mine's coming up to it's 7th year of use now. Still haven't found aything to beat it for a single input Attenuator, when correctly implemented.
Cheers
Scott |
Nice “long” review Richard, and I wholeheartedly agree with all you said.
I’ve had my Lightspeed going on ten years now, and even with many system changes can’t find any preamp, active or passive, that betters it.
And George, I wonder if there’s been any tweaks since I’ve owned my Lightspeed that you’ve found, power supplies etc etc?
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Thanks for the link to the TeraDak, it’s cheap for what you get, I ordered one and will let you and others know what it’s like compared to the standard linear wall wart.
Also how well do you think a battery 12v supply will go in comparison against the standard wall wart or the TeraDak?
Thanks.
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Those batteries are cheap, there are so many different ones to choose from, which would you recommend?
I’ll get one of these as well, as they say one of the purest form of power, is battery power.
And over two week of listening between charges, is not too much hassle.
Thanks.
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Nope, no banning for George !
He’s a reformed man these days 😉
I bought the business from him last year & we’re just starting to gear up for production again.
Cheers
Scott
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Welcome to the club esmith904 !
Your description kind of mirrors what I remember mine was, more than 10years ago now. I’d thought I was doing well with my system. Big Infinity Speakers, couple of Krell amps and a Cal CL-15 HDCD/CD player. I’d used a variety of solid state and valve preamps, including Musical Fidelity, Audio Research SP10 & 11 and most memorably, a very "microphonic" Supratek valve Pre. Some were great, some less so, but all imparted their own coloration to the sound.
I actually borrowed my first Lightspeed from a friend. On first sight, it wasn’t impressive at all compared to the monsters I’d used. But connecting and listening dispelled any concerns I’d had on the appearance. As you say, clarity, cleanliness and dynamics are there in spades. I don’t care what it looks like, I bought one there and then. At the price, it’s one of the real bargains in high end Audio and let’s face it - they’re few and far between!
I don’t know whether we’re in a "secret"club any longer, as I see more and more comments on it here and over at DiyAudio as well.
Anyway, nice to see another happy Lightspeed’er on here! |
BTW: esmith904
You can also try to power it using rechargeable battery power, (links are somewhere here to get one on eBay).
Most (including me) say it’s better than the wall wart, but there’s not much in it, just a feeling.
As they can’t explain what’s better, but it’s definitely worth doing as they are cheap to get.
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Thanks George & thanks for the kind words.
I’m a passionate audio guy of 60. I’m very proud to have this opportunity with a product I’ve used personally for over 10 years.
George has kindly agreed to remain on in a support role & I'm fortunate to have his knowledge to call upon when needed.
I have some future plans for the Lightspeed, but for now the focus is on supporting existing owners & getting production up & running, once Covid allows.
Cheers
Scott |
Hello one & all,
As the new owner of the Lightspeed Attenuator business, I’m looking for some suggestions from those more knowledgeable.
Im planning on offering several different Lightspeed models, to give folk options that’ll allow it to integrate better into different systems.
A remote control is an obvious addition, as are multiple inputs. However, I’d be interested in any other suggestions or ideas.
Cheers
Scott |
Definitely. Balanced connections are on the list for options.
Cheers
Scott |
Great ideas, thank you. I intend to?continue offering the original model as well as developing models with optional features. I’m also considering a trade in/upgrade program for existing users, so they can also take advantage of these new features.
Cheers
Scott |
Hello one & all,
The Lightspeed Attenuator journey continues !
Sourcing reliable, quality parts in our crazy world is certainly interesting….
At least at first, we’ll be offering the standard models ie The Single Level Control along with the Dual Level Control as an option.
Most importantly, if you have any ideas, constructive criticism, opinions or tips, please don’t hesitate to let me know.
Lastly, a new website is coming where you’ll find everything Lightspeed related in one place, with a clear & straightforward layout.
Cheers
Scott
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Well, it’s been a minute, but Lightspeeds are now available for purchase again !
we have limited stock, but exactly the same as George’s original design.
Future releases & models will have added function, but for now we’re sticking with what we know works.
Happy Listening
Scott
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Charming …
Considering this is a Lightspeed discussion & the Lightspeed itself has been unavailable for some time I thought a post here was appropriate?
No links or numbers are mentioned.
Im sure the Mods will let me know if inappropriate …
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