With the ASI, music is on 24 X 7...
HiFi Rig: ASI Liveline power cable + Cambridge Audio Cxn +
ASI Liveline Reference IC + Quad 405 MK2 + Cat5 + Piega Classic 3.0
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Pani, I agree with you about the Crimson Musiclink. I did replace my Musiclink between the DAC and preamp with the Teo Liquid Cable STD Mark 11. It is much better and at 8 times the price it should be. It's the best IC I've heard and definitely better than the Liveline. I still have the crimson between the preamp and the amp. For the price, it has no right to be this good. If you can try a Teo you should. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. It's expensive but I was lucky enough to find a used pair for $1,000. What a bargain that was. |
Bigkidz,
Agree with your description of the Coincident linestage.One clarification, it has no resistor in the signal path.
Regards, |
The preamp in Pani's system uses metal film resistors & metallized polypropylene capacitors plus an Alps volume control. I have never heard on but based on my experience so far, the metal film resistors are used for speed and clarity with an ALPS volume control. Comparing this to Charles1dads Coincident DHT preamp, they are completely different sounding. Transformer coupled DHT already has a clarity and tone that most capacitor preamps cannot offer and the Coincident also uses a TVC volume control that offers resolution that the ALPS cannot even approach. BTW Charles, you should consider using Shinkoh resistors in the preamp. I have found them to offer the most emotion of all of the resistors that I have tried. In the preamp that I designed, you can switch between 6 different resistors so that you can tune the sound to your preamp without having to choose a cable to taylor your system sound.
Happy Listening. |
Knghifi is right. I dont own an Einstein preamp. In fact I have only heard it once in a showroom. I own a tube preamp from a boutique brand called Acoustic Portrait. It is not at all forward, it sounds very close to a Shindo Auriges preamp. We did an A-B in my previous setup and it was really difficult to tell them apart. |
03-10-11: Jwm
If Pani has an Einstein Preamp their sound is very foward, clean and detailed. I could see why he may not like the ASI. One is blaming the cable when they maybe should be blaming the source.
Jwm (Threads | Answers | This Thread) Pani auditioned an Einstein CD player and don't own an Einstein preamp. I think Liveline works well with Einstein. A local audiophile replaced his all Stealth Indra/Dream with Livelines in his Einstein MK60 OTL amp, Acapella LaCampanella and I think Shindo preamp early last year and have no desire to change. |
If Pani has an Einstein Preamp their sound is very foward, clean and detailed. I could see why he may not like the ASI. One is blaming the cable when they maybe should be blaming the source. |
Pani, while we're at it... and since the thread is duly hijacked anyway...
Have you heard the offerings from Q-audio or from Tellurium Q? The latter were awarded Product of the Year (2010) by HiFi+. Both lines are quite affordable.
Also, do you know much about the construction and design of the Crimson stuff? No info on Austin Hifi's website... |
Well Silkworms sounded somewhat too lush and golden to my ears and clearly lacked bass definition. It was colored, simply put.
Yamamura is nice, especially the Millenium 6000. The digital cable is extrmely good. The analog cables sounded a bit rounded and slow to my ears. Tones were very good, soundstage was superb, airy and open but it has that tendency to round off edges and makes for a relaxed listening for any kind of music.
Crimson has none of these issues. It just sounds right. |
Pani, how does the Crimson compare to the Silkworms and Yamamura? |
Yes, PCs are total game changers which is very dicey to handle. I am planning to try out the Lessloss power cords soon as I have been "reading" that they dont alter the signature sound. |
Thanks Charles1dad, same to you as well. |
Pani, hope the Crimson IC works out for you.
I agree with your assesement on Einstein ... great stuff! When I was in the market for a preamp, the Tube MKII was on my short list.
I also agree with you about PCs ... been playing around with differnt PCs (foil, hybrid ...). It's amazing how one PC can totally alter the sound of my system. I know my system is sensitive but ... I don't understand it and always felt as long as a PC is not current limiting, it should be fine but NOT true. Crazy! :-) |
Pani,
Glad to hear you have found an IC that fits your system. If you`re as please with it as I`m with the liveline, then for sure the quest is finished.
Happy and long term listening pani.
Best Regards, |
Knghifi and Charles1dad, If you look at all my cable related threads, I have never asked a question about speaker cables, never ever....do you know why ? Simply because I found a cable which doesnt leave its signature on the overall sound, even if it does it is extremely faint and inaudible. Thats it, I have never touched it since then.
Unfortunately, with interconnects it has not happened that way till recently. Same with power cables. Almost everything that I have tried in IC and PC had its signature loud enough for me to be pissed off within sometime. So, at some point in time I started believing that there is no point trying to find such a "no-nonsense" cable, rather I am better off selecting a cable which has a signature that I can live with and hence I started my quest to get a warm sounding cable. That is how I got to try Fusion Audio, kCi Silkworm, Yamamura etc. Anyway, fortunately someone recommended a Crimson RM Musiclink and the way he described the sound struck a chord with me and I ordered one. You know what, you may not see another interconnect related thread from me for a long time :). It is exactly what I was looking for, no-nonsense clean cable which does everything in an audiophile book well.
BTW, I also realized the importance of having a top quality tube source in the chain after listening to an Einstein Audio CD player, so I sold my Reimyo DAC and now looking out for a high quality tube CDP/DAC, again something that doesnt have a strong signature. So, it is not that I am not looking at my system and just blaming the cables, if I do that I am only foolong myself. Moreover, whenever I get a new cable, I take it around to couple of my audiophile friend's place as well to hear it in different systems and every time (100% i.e) my findings in my own system resembles the findings in their system even though they use totally different equipments. |
Gotta agree with Pani on this one. Out of all the interconnects I've tried, the Livelines effect on my system was the strongest. It's not subtle at all. Definitely a must audition unless you are buying it used and can afford to resell it. |
Pani,
In all honesty Knghifi may be on to something. In numerous threads you`ve expressed a desire for a cable that`s warm,lush toward the romantic. Could it be possible you are seeking some degree of correction/compensation for some aspect in your system? And perhaps the liveline exposed it due to it`s high resolution, just a thought. I do hope you find what you`re after.
Best Regards, |
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 is a common observation and also common sense that most people dont write or even visit threads about products that they dont care much about. Hence you normally see most of these "boutique product" threads filled with praises and appreciation of the products concerned...since it is mostly visited by people who found something special about the product and something worth mentioning. People who thought the product is passable mostly do not spend time on such threads, I mean it is understandable right ? Personally I have bought numerous products based on such appreciation threads and most of them turned out to be dud in my evaluation. So the "vast majority" you are talking about is nothing special to this product or this thread IMO. I dont want to undermine your assessment or anything, just wanted to highlight human behavior. |
Pani, It seems you are changing cables every few months, have you consider the problem is not cable but something else?
At one time my system sounded great but just didn't click. I changed amps, cables, tubes, DAC and finally replacing the SF Line3SE+ with a VAC preamp, everything clicked and it was MAGIC!! I kick myself for selling my beloved Krell amp ... boy if only I change preamp 1st would save me lots of $$ and headaches. Now I'm a true believer the preamp is the heart of a system. Good luck! |
Knghifi, all I am trying to say is Livelines have an extreme sound so it becomes EVEN MORE important to audition them before buying. Just like a Cardas Golden Cross which tends to have extremities on the warmer side.
Yes, "ideally" every component in audio should be bought after home audition but practically speaking the fact that we have so many threads here on Audiogon where people keep asking for suggestions means that there is a lot of blind buy as well. My suggestion was not to do that with Livelines as much as possible. Its characteristics are not moderate IMO. |
Knghifi,
That`s my conclusion also, I just think the liveline is exceptionally true to the source and has great resolution ability.With my system the cables come off as pure and organic. Last night I listened to Dexter Gordon "Tower of Power" and also the Chet Baker`s "The Itallian Sessions". Good grief! unbelievable 3D palpable you are with them presence. Quite remarkable and a whole lot of fun. YMMV. |
03-04-11: Pani
While I will not debate on the tonality of the Livelines, I will just say that it MUST be auditioned before buying to see if it falls into your camp of signature sound. It definitely has polarized impression. Not for everyone.
Pani (Reviews | Threads | Answers | This Thread) Name me one component where an auditioned is NOT encouraged before a purchase and is FOR everyone? Don't take this negatively, like any revealing component, it will highlight any flaws in ones system. |
While I will not debate on the tonality of the Livelines, I will just say that it MUST be auditioned before buying to see if it falls into your camp of signature sound. It definitely has polarized impression. Not for everyone. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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. |
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 |
03-01-11: Charles1dad
Knghifi,
I can except pani`s choice of cables, differerent ears,taste,system, perception etc. He`s found what works for him. I, like you have settled down with the liveline.If pani is as happy with his cable as we are with our ASI, he should be off the merry go round as well.
Charles1dad (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread) Of course Charles1dad, Pani can use whatever works for him. We all have different systems, taste ... I have no problems with it. That's NOT the point of my post. I'm making a general comment on all audiophiles with the upgradesis syndrom. |
Knghifi,
I can except pani`s choice of cables, differerent ears,taste,system, perception etc. He`s found what works for him. I, like you have settled down with the liveline.If pani is as happy with his cable as we are with our ASI, he should be off the merry go round as well. |
03-01-11: F1a
Thanks Pani:
Please describe the differences between the Crimson and your former Fusion Audio Romance. And thanks for the tip on the Monarchy Audio re-generator!
F1a (Threads | Answers | This Thread) This is funny. In this crazy hobby, the next one is the best and greatest ... no end in sight ... this INCLUDES myself. Got to say as far as IC and speaker cables goes, I'm off the bus and have desire to hop back on anytime soon. |
Thanks Pani:
Please describe the differences between the Crimson and your former Fusion Audio Romance. And thanks for the tip on the Monarchy Audio re-generator! |
BTW, Crimson comes with a return policy.
I normally never buy a cable new and never ever at the list price. This one I bought new and at its list price, thinking that anyway I can return it unless it blows me away...and guess what, I am ordering one more pair (at the list price:) ) to go from my pre to power. |
Fla, I have not tried the speaker cables. But I know they use the same cable for their interconnect, speaker cable and digital cable. I have tried it as an interconnect and a digital cable and in both the applications it is fabulous. When I say it is fabulous it doesnt have an wonder tone or a ghostly huge soundstage...it just sounds like it doesnt leave a signature of its own, the tone-timbre is dead on, soundstage is wall to wall when the recording has it else it is just nice and extends from outer edge of speaker to speaker. Background is very clean, not the kind of cleanliness which you see in some heavily shielded cables which almost always takes away something from the music as well. It is just very clean with all the music intact. Another outstanding thing about this cable is its PRAT. It is among the best in the business in keeping PRAT intact. Apart from all this, I have never missed anything in the detail department but it doesnt sound hyper detailed like some silver cables. IMO every little detail is there and presented the way it was intended. Clean taut bass and open airy highs with natural hue like an excellent tube equipment. In the end it sounds like nothing. You have to listen to this my friend. |
Pani:
Have you tried or heard the Crimson speaker wire as well? If so, any thoughts? |
Macdude, my observations is exactly the same as yours. Tonally it had too much edge and lacked warmth, while sounding too live. Subtlety was out of the window.
I would strongly suggest you try a Crimson RM Musiclink interconnect. It will blow you away with its true to timbre, natural warmth, musicality, realistic soundstage and amazing PRAT. For the price $360, it is an extreme bargain. It just sounds like nothing. |
Macdude,
There`s no audio component or accessory I`m aware of that suits everyone, it`s not realistic(and eplains so many brands and endless choices available). You always must trust your own ears and response to audio items. For me the Liveline is a remarkable product, it`s effect on my system is stunning! in your case it was`nt. Thats the way it goes. |
Voice of dissension here. I had the ASIs and I didn't like what they did tonally to my system. Also, they have a "live" sound to them that I'm not sure I liked. I was speaking with another audiophile who had heard them and had the same impression.
After I left them in for awhile, my ears became more accustomed to them, but it still wasn't my preference.
I did find it wonderful as a digital cable and can recommend it for that application.
I remember Srajan Ebaen of 6moons unequivocally recommending them, but I wouldn't recommend buying these without an audition. |
Vicks7, looks like we were on the same journey. After reading 6moon's Zu Varial review and corresponded with Srajan Ebaen, I bought a pair of Varials and SURPISELY it blew away all my more expensive ICs. BTW, Zu Ash is an excellent digital cable too.
I was planning to try Crystal Ultra next and Srajan suggested ASI Liveline and the rest is history plus it save myself lots of $ :-) |
In my system, hard to say which impacted my system more as I introduced both the IC and speaker cables at the same time. I had been using Zu's top of the line IC previously (which I found to be excellent) but the ASI IC has resulted in an even more natural sound. |
Thanks Knghifi for your reply. I have one set DAC to linestage and that sure made an impact. I`ll certainly be adding more in the near future. The speaker cable does`nt show up on audiogon often it seems. |
From my experience, I found the SC made the most impact, then IC between amp to pre, lastly pre to dac.
Also if you have bi-wired speakers, throw away the jumpers and get 2 separate runs. The improvements are simply amazing.
BTW, some ASI owners are claiming the black and blue shrink wrap liveline is the latest version. That's INCORRECT! There's only ONE version and Franck is just introducing new color options. |
Vicks7,
Wow, the Tango speakers must sound really special.Which impacted your system more, the IC or the S.C.? One pair of IC in my system and it easy to notice the improvement. |
I use some of the power cords in the demo system here to good effect. Dealer disclaimer. |
I have also been using the IC and speaker cable for quite some time with the Acoustic System Tango Speakers. Agree with many posts above - very natural sounding cables with great detail and tone.
Also very satisfied. Has anyone used the power cables? |
I came across this old thread quite a while ago and the enthusiasm for the liveline impressed me. The 6 moons and the Stereo Times reviews were flat out raves.This cable stayed on my mind for the past 5 months more or less. Well I got a 1 meter pair IC between my DAC and linestage and it`s simply fantastic!The tone reproduction,dynamic energy and resolution is top tier with just beautiful harmonic overtones and a full weight and pure natural sound of instruments and voices.I listen to acoustic jazz 90% of the time and man oh man! trumpet,saxes,drum kits,vibraphones and piano sound so present and realistic.Lots of energy and presence into the room, yet everything stays relaxed and unforced.Franck Tchang did a masterful job in making these superb cables.The past 2 years I`d used the PS Audio Transcendent solid core silver 18ga. which is truely an excellent IC, and I had prefered it to any other cable in my system. The tonality and timbre preservation of the livelne is extraordinary. |
My whole system is wired with Liveline cables. I can go on for pages about tonality, soundstage and details it is all there in spades. Bottom line, the Liveline speaker cables in my system sounded better than my long time favorite Stealth Hybrid MLTs and I consider those one of the best price/sound speaker cables I tried. The Liveline ICs replaced Stealth Metacarbon and those do not need any introduction. Also another thing I like about Liveline that they are very flexible and not so visible with highest WAF. My second system now also wired with Livelines ICs and speaker cables. Considering their cost I think the Livelibe cables a bargain. I am not a dealer, just a very satisfied customer. |
Jimi_p, are you going to try Liveline spkr cables?
First I replaced my SR Apex Bi-wire with Liveline and cheap jumpers. Friends familiar with my system were stunned by the improvements. They repeatly asked is spkr cable only thing I changed.
Now my system is all liveline. I'm using 2 single runs for bi-wiring and a HUGE improvements over single+jumpers.
Surprisely Liveline is the 1st cable that I found works equally well with both SS and tube.
If anyone needs an EXCELLENT Liveline dealer, contact me with PM. |
I replaced a 1m Acoustic Zen Silver mkII with a Liveline. No looking back. Amazing Cable. I got a pair from Barry Konigs, Transparent Audio. He can be contacted at 484 547 6799. He located in PA.
I just ordered a 6m run XLR to replace my other Acoustic Zen Silver mkII. |
Ok. I'll try to find them to compare! |
