Anyone else tried the Acoustic Systems Liveline?


A pair of Franck Tschang's tuned interconnects (see Six Moons reviews) are still breaking in, in my system, but they have already "stomped" my Harmonic Technology Magic 2, HT Pro-Silway III+, and Van den Hul Orchid. While I don't have any at present, from memory I'd also say that they handily vanquish the Nordost Valhalla and Kubala-Sosna Emotion interconnects in my system. They are not HiFi spectacular, but are the most musical and least electronic sounding cables I've ever heard. Interestingly, several recording that have always sounded compressed and confused in spots, which I just attributed to the recording, are rendered cleanly for the first time with these cables and no other system changes.
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Fla, the Fusion Audio Romance IC is more romantic sounding. It has a lush, rich tone but it is not veiled, muddy or slow like typical romantic sounding ICs. It has good extension on both ends and makes music sound really full and present. That is its USP. It actually adds tube like character to the presentation, with instruments sounding big and bold. However it is definitely colored. It is not neutral to the tone. What you hear is a larger than life presentation. I would say every audiophile should listen to the Fusion in his system at least once. It is like savoring an exotic dish. You may or may not like it that is a different topic.

OTOH, the Crimson doesnt do anything to change the sound, if at all I have not yet noticed it. It is more extended on both ends and the extension comes across clean and airy. It is also more transparent and a little more see through. I would say if you want to add some extra life, color, romance, vigor, presence to the sound, go with the Fusion. If you think your system has it all and you just want to listen to your system un-adultrated go with the Crimson.

Both the interconnects are smooth and musical so it is left to your system's balance and your preferences
Knghifi, I am not saying Crimson is the best cable. I was rather more impressed with my previous Fusion Audio cable. It did more things to please me !!
However I realized that if I want more tube-like sound I am better off adding a tube component to my system rather than using cables which tries achieve that "effect". So I am in the process of adding a tube source to my setup. Please read my other posts on this topic on the digital section. That is how I moved on.
Pani, There is no BEST component but just personal preferences. Every component has a sonic signature and I agree components should not be chosen as a substitute for a sound. If you want a tube sound, get a tube component. Good luck in your adventure.
Pani, I agree with your description of the Livelines. I find it funny that none of the professional reviews mentioned the tonality of the cable.
Macdude,
The tonality of the liveline was singled out as one of it`s greater strengths by the Stereo Times reviewer and all 4 of the reviwers for 6 moons over a 2 year period.I find the tone and timbre of the liveline simply superb, as apparently many other users of this cable feel the same based on the numerous posts on this thread(vast majority). It just did`nt fit for you and pani, nothing pleases everyone.It`s the best I`ve ever had and I hope you find a cable that meets your needs.