2. cables
  3. 1392295492

A New Superstar Power Cord

I am not wont to gush over audio components or cables. I have been involved in audiomania too long and have seen too many stars of today evaporate the next week. But I do have to gush about a PC I just bought new for full price -- the LessLoss DFPC Reference. I have no relationship whatsoever with LessLoss, other than having owned the original DFPC and then a few Sigs.

20 minutes out of the box, connected to my preamp, and I am very impressed -- and after some 40 years as an audiophile, I do not impress easily. More to follow after I experiment with different sources and longer burn-in, but there is an IMMEDIATELY audible sense of greater quietude, more natural and "present" voices, and greater, more organic instrumental detail. And the LessLoss Ref cord replaced one of the stars in the PC firmament, which lists for 2.5x the price. This could be a game changer. I thought the DFPC Signature was a great PC, but the Ref is an entirely new dimension. It is also a physically beautiful cord, and aesthetics count. Kudos to Louis Motek., the designer, who also is a perfect gentleman to deal with.

For $1,824, I feel a bit larcenous! I need to calm down.

Neal
nglazer

Showing 3 responses by mcondon

mcondon
235 posts
 
I am demoing the CH Acoustic X-20 now. Despite all the good word of mouth, I am not finding them to be all that special so far...not terrible at all, but not strikingly better than many other cheaper cords I have lying around. Considering the price, I expected to be much more impressed by this cord. I recently bought a used HiDiamond P4 -- based on all the Audiogon forum "buzz" -- that I am surprised to say I like a lot better. I am slated to receive a loaner of the Lessloss Reference cord from the Cable Company next week.

My experience just confirms how system dependent power cords and all cables really are.
mcondon
235 posts
 
A small update on my CH Acoustics X-20 demo. The system sounded a tad polite and bass shy when I was using one of the two demo X-20s between my Bel Canto transport and my BPT power conditioner. I decided to try plugging the CH X-20 directly from the Bel Canto into the wall, and the resulting sound is more open and extended. I am still not sure I will prefer the X-20 to the HiDiamond P4, but now it's a closer contest. I will say the X-20 is an extremely accurate sounding cord. I don't think it is going to add warmth or tone down a bright system.

I am still waiting for the Lessloss and Silent Source demos from the Cable Company. So I may have to make a purchase decision based on memory, since my 14-day trial of the X-20s ends early next week.
mcondon
235 posts
 
Another update on the CH Acoustic X-20: I am now plugging my components directly into the wall. Compared to the HiDiamond P4 on my digital source, the X-20 is the clear winner. It offers better dynamics, better detail, and a more open soundstage.

On my integrated amp, the HiDiamond P4 is the best sounding cord I have heard so far, but it is definitely more forgiving and bass heavy in my system than any other cord I have tried to date. Overall, I get the impression that the P4 may be best suited for bright or lean sounding components or systems.

I am still waiting for my loaner of the LessLoss Reference cord from the Cable Company. I look forward to finally hearing it this weekend.
More to discover