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Published LessLoss Reviews Now Number Over 727

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DFPC Series [Original]

Date Added: 10/06/2009 
Introductory Statement by the System Owner

After years of jumping around various components and sources, from Sony, Krell, NAD… I eventually settle with a full Bel Canto system. I am fascinated by their efficiency and overall synergy across different components. Most of my signal and speaker cables are leftover from previous setups as I am very impressed by them initially and continue to enjoy their tonal quality. Obviously, the Shunyata Diamondbacks are the weak link here. They are by no means inferior in anyway, but I do like to experiment with the possibility of high-end power cables to allow the monoblocks to breathe a little more.

I was not always an audiophile. I just loved music, all sorts of music, classical, latina, rock, jazz, you name it. If it’s good music, I would spend the time. I can listen all day on a mono radio as long as it’s playing good songs. I used to hook up my CD player to the guitar amp. Throughout the years, I come to realize the potential of the CD and how good they sounded with better equipment. So slowly, I learned and tried to understand the various components and attempted to piece together what I call a “harmonic utopia”. A system where I can enjoy any type of music, with enough bass to pump up a party, dynamics for Beethoven, lifelike vocals and crystal acoustics. I like to spend more time listening and less time tweaking.

I attend CES in Las Vegas annually and always reserve my last day to explore the high-end audio exhibits. The last few visits, I went door to door in the Venetian suites to realize how much each Audio Equipment manufacturer are so much alike, the same setups, same marketing push, and more than one incident when the exhibitor failed to even proper showcase their own product. As my patience often run short, I am looking for the next big stamp in the market, something impressive at first glance (or listen). Perhaps that’s why I am so intrigue by Lossless, user reviews stating it outperforms the Shunyata King Cobra? That says something.

Component List

- Source: Bel Canto CD2 and DAC3 – XLO Signature 3 AES/EBU Digital

- Amp: Bel Canto Ref1000 – Cardas Golden Cross XLR Interconnects

- Speakers: Dynaudio 25th Special – Tara Labs Air 2 Speaker Cables

- Power: PS Audio Power Plant Premiere

- Power Cables: PS Audio Xtreme Power Plus (to wall), Shunyata Diamondback (Other components)


Review of the LessLoss DFPCs

The unpackaged cables arrived in a well padded travel case. First thing I did was examine each cable for any possible mishaps from traveling and it was obvious that the casing did its job in protecting the contents inside.

According to the website and existing reviews on the web, the DFPC power cables will be impressive right out of the box. Without hesitation, I replace my main power cables (PS Audio Xtreme Plus $250 MSRP) with the DFPC Signature from the wall to the PS Audio Power Plant. Elvis 30 #1s is still in the CD turntable from my last listening session, so I figured, why not.

Voilà! The difference is immediately noticeable. First thing I noticed is the clean solid bass, even from old recordings, the sound is tight and crisp. I don't have a power meter on my amps, but it seems as if the amps are able to breathe a little smoother, and suck up power from the wall at will. Next up, I place on the CD turntable Jennifer Warnes "The Hunter", classic audiophile standard test album. The bass once again overwhelms me, the Bel Canto Ref1000 are driving my Dyna Sp.25s with control and precision.

Am I amazed yet? Not quite yet. Considering the DFPC Signatures are $1149 a piece, adding that the Ref1000 are capable of punching out 1000 Watts at 4 Ohms, the performance is expected. Is the performance better than what I was working with? Yes, definitely.

Round 2, keeping the DFPC Signature connecting the main power source, I replaced the cables to each monoblock (PS Audio Xtreme Statement SC $550 MSRP). This time, I left the system running with moderate volume as I left the house to take care of a few errands. Upon returning, I picked up where I left off previously and auditioned the system using the same music. Here is the tricky part. The DFPC Originals produced a sound that was exceptionally pleasing. It's a sensation very difficult to describe as a technical aspect, but it sounded just right. Music filled the room, vocals projected from center above 5 ft from the speaker plane, slightly higher than eye level, and instruments directed from where they should be. I sat there for hours just listening and enjoying music, not power amps, not outrageously expensive equipment (subjective to some, but obvious to many).

Round 3. Finally, I replaced the last 2 links with the DFPC Mini hooking up my DAC and CD Player. The sound wasn't different, same beautiful music flowed flawlessly through my speakers. Here comes the real test.

Considering the price for entire set of LessLoss Power Cables in use (~$3000 USD), how much better were they compared to my current cables ($1400 MSRP which I purchased mostly used for half the price). I started removing the LessLoss DFPC cables in reverse order than I inserted them. First taking the DFPC Mini out and putting back the Shunyata Diamondbacks. Music flowed as it had previously as I sat and listened for over an hour to some of my favorite test material. Same enjoyable music, without fatigue.

Subsequently, I removed the DFPC Originals and replaced them with the PS Audio Statement SC. This time, I did notice a different. Music wasn't as clean nor alive as I was used to 20 minutes ago. Was it harsh and unbearable, not at all. The bass was solid, highs were smooth, the speakers sang. After another 30 minutes of listening, I still couldn't find nor describe the missing link. Now lastly, I removed the DFPC Signature from the main power source and replaced it with my old power snake. Um... Game Over, no Contest! With the DFPC Signature powering the source only instead of the whole system, all that made music enjoyable was gone. I couldn't sit comfortably through a single track without fidgeting or something attempting to discover the missing link.

Round 5 - A/V Performance. To satisfy my curiosity, I plugged in the DFPC Signature into my Panasonic 42" plasma, sat back in the couch and watched my fiancé browse through some of her favorite HD channels. Picture quality was flawless, grain-less vivid colors, deep blacks and bright whites. Well, it was fun while it lasted, but time to pack up the fun. It wasn't until I repacked all the LessLoss cables before my fiancé questioned me if I had done something to the picture setting on the TV. Apparently, she had noticed a significant decline in picture quality after I removed the DFPC Signature. That's when I know the magic was in the cable, think again. You haven't seen real High Definition until you've seen it with LessLoss.

Between the DFPC Original and the PS Audio Statement SC, I have to give the edge to the DFPC. Considering they are both priced similarly, it's an obvious choice for anyone in the market for a power cord at this price range. The Mini's stand strong amid a target market that's over-flooded with competition. In terms of solid performance, I have not experienced any power cable better than the DFPC Signature. It didn't make your current equipment better, what it does is help you realize the full potential of your current equipment. Now, am I enticed to replace all my power links with DFPC Signatures? Considering my equipment, replacing all 5 power cables would cost me a little shy of $5000 USD, not a small chunk of change. For those of you that have equipment to match and available spending power that dwarfs this amount, do not pass up on the DFPC Signature.

Well Done, LessLoss made a believer out of me.

Music Tested:

- Elvis 30 #1 Hits
- Jennifer Warners "The Hunter"
- Stereophile Editor's Choice Test CD
- "The Wings of a Film" Hans Zimmer
- "Mozart, Night Music" Andrew Manze
- "Wicked" Soundtrack, Original Broadway Cast Claudio Abbado "The Berlin Album"
- Beethoven #9, Claudio Abbado
- Shelby Lynne "Just a Little Loving"
- Sarah Brightman "Classics"
- George Clinton "Greatest Funkin' Hits"
- Jimi Hendrix "The Ultimate Experience"
- Pink Floyd "The Darkside of the Moon"
- Aerosmith "Toy in the Attic"
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DFPC Series [Original]

Date Added: 09/25/2009 
Introductory Statement by the System Owner

Started out in 1990 with a 27" SONY TV, NAK reciever, SSI pro-logic surround processor and Altec Lansing bookshelf speakers all for about $2K. I was hooked after watching Terminator 2 on LD.

Recent addition of Blu-ray player and 60" 1080p plasma have greatly enhanced my viewing experience. Uncompressed audio is like hearing surround sound for the first time all over again. Puts a smile to my face every time!

60/40 in favor of HT. Jazz is my preference when it come to music.

Component List

- Dali Euphonia MS4
- Dali Euphonia CS4
- Von Schweikert Audio TS-350

- JL Audio Fathom F112 Subwoofer
- Sim Audio Titan M/C Amp

- Pioneer Elite KURO PRO-150FD
- Arcam AV600 Receiver
- Placette Audio Passive Linestage Pre

- Pioneer Elite BDP-05FD Blu-ray
- APL 3910 CD Player
- Magnum Dynalab MD-100 Tuner

- Pure Note Cables (RCA ICs)
- Ridge Street Audio Cables (IC from APL to Pre)
- Virtual Dynamics Nite II PC (7)
- Sistrum SP-004
- Sistrum Audio Points 1.0AP1D
- Symposium Rollerblocks Series 2+ Tweak
- Billy Bags 5606 A/V rack
- Sound Anchors CC Stand

Review of the LessLoss DFPCs

After owning Virtual Dynamics Nite IIs for a few years now, I felt that I had found the right PCs. Happiness is finding the right cable as someone once said. I couldn't be more pleased, but I wanted to try the Lessloss DFPCs after all the positive reviews, figuring I had nothing to lose with Louis' "try before you buy" vision.

My choice of music is mainly Jazz and Brazilian. I also like Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Dave Matthews, Jason Mraz, Pink Floyd and a few movie soundtracks. Listening is strictly 2-ch for me. When not listening to CDs, I have my tuner locked in on WBGO 88.3 FM (great late night jazz from across the river in Newark, NJ).

The first thing I try to listen for when auditioning a new cable is a dark background. It's MOST important to me because this allows for better detail, hearing deeper into the recording. Every instrument in the soundstage becomes more focused, more so in its own space.

Midrange becomes more liquid. Switching between the DFPCs and the Nite II, it was all there, but I wasn't prepared for what the LessLoss brought. Background with the LessLoss is quieter, so much so that it seems the soundstage has now deepened. I'm aware that that word is overused, but it really is, in my case. Inserting back the Nites, the soundstage has become "front heavy". With the DFPCs, voices are more natural and relaxed. As much as I like Dave Matthews, his voice can sound a bit like fingernails on the blackboard with the wrong cables, definitely not so with the Nite II and even more organic with the DFPC. The DFPCs have nice body and weight across the board, but I did not confuse it with warmth. They are very neutral in my system. PRaT is excellent.

Cables being system-dependant, one can easily be happy with the Nite II in their system as I was, but IMO LessLoss has really got something special here with the DFPCs. Build quality is top notch. I like the flexible design and the Oyaide 079 plugs. It has everything I like about the Nite II, but is a bit more refined. The music just flows.......

It should be noted that along the 2 Original and Mini DFPCs that Louis sent, there was also a 2m DFPC Signature. The price being twice as much as the original, I did not demo it. I figured "Ignorance is Bliss"!
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DFPC Series [Original]

Date Added: 09/10/2009 
Introductory Statement by the System Owner

My experience with high end cords is limited, so my expectation is to compare the picture quality attributes of all three cables. I currently use your DFPC original on my tv and blue ray, so the signature is what I am primarily interested in looking at. I will do what I can on the audio side, but only have the tv speakers to work with.

Component List

- Pioneer Elite 151
- Pioneer Elite BDP-09FD

Review of the LessLoss DFPCs

I was able to use all the cords on both the TV and the blu-ray player. Some summary thoughts:

All three were excellent for video. The signature cord seemed to pull slightly more color/edge detail from the picture, especially through the TV connection. I was quite happy, though, with the mini and original cords, as they produced a vibrant, saturated, and noise free picture with both cable and blu-ray sources. By virtue of how good they all looked, the mini really stood out for the value.

Since I did not have speakers to test music, I could only listen to audio through the TV speakers. Here, the signature appeared to provide more depth and spatial separation. All three provided great sound, though, considering my limited system capabilities.

I would have liked to have a second signature cable, so as to have my whole system running through them (TV and Blu Ray). I would have been interested in seeing if a cumulative effect (multiplier) would occur and to have a more purist determination. Instead, I could only evaluate the signature directly through the TV, but indirectly through the Blu-Ray - as the TV would have one of the other cables.

I wish I were able to discern more details that I could give you a better list of comparative differences, but things looked so close. Even upon switching out cables for the same scene one after another. Great cables! Thanks again for allowing me to participate.
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DFPC Series [Original]

Date Added: 09/03/2009 
Introductory Statement by the System Owner

I am a retired EE and have been in this hobby since I worked as a summer intern in 1969 at RCA-Consumer Electronics where they manufactured console stereos. I have gone through many permutations of systems since then, always with an eye toward the "best bang for the buck" as evidenced by my original system: Dual/Dynaco/AR/zip wire. I tend to be very skeptical of exotic (expensive) cables, specifically power cables. Having compared several exotic PCs already and not being impressed, I am hoping that Lessloss PCs will surprise me this time.

Component List

- McIntosh MCD500 cd/sacd player
- Sony CDP-101 (THE first CD player...original owner purchased 1983)
- McIntosh C46 preamp
- McIntosh MC501 monoblocks
- Von Schweikert VR5 Anniversary speakers
- Von Schweikert VSA biwire speaker cable
- MIT CVT Term 1 Pro XLRs
- Power Wedge 116
- DIY PCs with Wattgate connectors

Review of the LessLoss DFPCs

"Alice laughed: "There's no use trying," she said; "one can't believe impossible things."
"I daresay you haven't had much practice," said the Queen. "When I was younger, I always did it for half an hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast."

Based on this profundity I've decided to confine my critical listening sessions to the early morning hours before breakfast. Just kidding, but some may swear I took the queen's advice when I say "yes Virginia, there is a difference in power cables". My goal in auditioning this "snake oil" was to prove to myself that as long as a PC delivered 120V+/- (220V for our Euro friends) and sufficient current, it has done its job, end of story. Now I must sheepishly admit that I found switching out PCs on the front end, in my case a CD/SACD player, did indeed have an impact on the sound. I also have learned, at least in my system, that switching them out on my amps both pre and power, had no discernible effect. I had four PCs on hand: my trusty DIY, PS Audio Power Punch (their least expensive model), Shunyata Python CX and the LessLoss, both the Original and the new Signature. Cutting to the chase--I found that the PS Audio cable, even though it has great connectors and build quality, made things sound very much in-your-face, strident and planar. My DIY cables trounced the PS Audio in that regard, smoothing things without any apparent loss of detail. However, both the Shunyata and the LessLoss cables made vocals sound as if they had more body and dimensionality. Interestingly, I found that there was no discernible difference between the LessLoss Original cable and the Signature...interesting because the Original is half the price of the Signature. That observation could very well be system dependent. The LessLoss Original is every bit the Shunyata's equal and at roughly half the price. All the evaluations were made using Diana Krall's "I Could Drink a Case of You" from her Live in Paris cd...acoustic piano and vocal. Check it out if you haven't heard it as it is a superb recording.

In conclusion, I must say that the LessLoss power cords do seem to make a positive difference when used to power the front end of a system. On my sacd/cd player it did give vocals more weight and depth, taking off any slight edges that may have been there. During the A/B process I tried to listen to specific high or low frequency parts of the recording but since our sonic memories tend to be woefully short, that effort was in vain. So my comments regarding vocals were the only way I can describe what essentially is the indescribable, although that never seems to dissuade many of our esteemed audio "reviewers" from resorting the sonic-speak: bloom, air, liquidity...ad nauseum. I swore not to go there so hopefully my use of descriptors weight and depth don't borrow from their over-used rhetoric. I compared the LessLoss Originals to the Shunyata Pythons and thought the results were virtually identical so I'd have to say that if one is considering either, the fact that the LessLoss is half the price of the Shunyata would enter into the purchase decision. One other tidbit of info is that you seldom see a LessLoss PC in the Audiogon classifieds and I would have to assume that there a lots of their cables out there because they do advertise rather heavily.

If you are a skeptic about all this I can certainly understand as I have always been one myself. I am not trying to convert believers here, merely offering what I have experienced. PC substitution should be considered one of the last tweaks in a system and probably only in systems capable of a high degree of resolution. Some may find the sonic differences subtle at best. But the fact remains, when I switched between my DIY power cords and the LessLoss, there was a discernable positive difference, however subtle.
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DFPC Series [Original]

Date Added: 09/02/2009 by Thong Nguyen
I have received my Lessloss DFPC (original) 3 days now, a lot has been said, mostly positive reviews, all I can say is that I am now a converted skeptic!
LOUIS, thank you for a speedy delivery and a wonderful product.
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DFPC Series [Original]

Date Added: 05/27/2009 by Ulrich Peitsch
Dear Louis,
thank you very much for your kind support. Your service has been outstanding and your Products are on par with your outstanding service. LessLoss is a must for anybody looking for the right powercable. I am using 4 DFPCs + 2 Minis and my system did improve very much. You are really taking care of your customers. Thank you!
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DFPC Series [Original]

Date Added: 05/11/2009 by Krisztian Kalasz
Introducing 1 LessLoss (DFPC) into your cherished system will make a noticeable difference - even to a neophyte's ear. My girlfriend certainly noticed. Sound quality much more clear. Stronger, more convincing, natural bass. An overall lifelike presence. Highly recommend it.

If your wallet can allow it, and your partner doesn't kick you out, then go for it. You'll be happy.
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DFPC Series [Original]

Date Added: 04/16/2009 
I don't know where to begin. My face hurts right now from smiling. I have been on a music-listening binge now for the past week and a half and I am truly overjoyed.

I was quite satisfied before with my music system. I have recently gone the music server route (Sonos) and found that it was an improvement in sound as well as in convenience. I knew that the weak link in my system was the digital cable to my DAC (Burr-Brown) and discovered Lessloss in my research on digital cables.

I am a confirmed skeptic when it comes to audiophile stuff. I hear the differences between amplifiers, etc., but those differences are very subtle. I hear the differences between cables, but you really have to listen to hear them. I once owned expensive MIT Terminator speaker cables, and have no regrets about selling them for lower-priced and equally good sounding cables (Blue Jeans). I was intrigued by the Lessloss claims on their website and so, along with the digital cable, I took a chance (because of the pricing) and ordered the power cable too.

Oh my God! I still can't believe this! I hooked up both cables together, so I can't really say which one makes more of a difference, but together, they totally transformed my stereo in a way that I still find hard to believe.

I have a Denon receiver (AVR 4306). I know most audiophiles will turn up their noses, but I don't care--this thing sounds great. And the Audessey room-correction software included in the receiver really makes a difference. The room modes disappear and the bass is incredibly realistic and un-boomy.

When I put these cables in the system, I expected a minor improvement. I have made many changes over the years, and I have learned from experience that improvements are subtle. Not this time! With the power cable going to the receiver and the digital cable between the Sonos (via Monarchy DIP de-jitter device) and the receiver, I was astonished instantly at the improvement in sound. Previously, the sound was "warm" and tonally accurate, but a bit shelved down in the treble (after room correction). When the cables were changed, it was as if the treble had been turned up, but without any harshness. Pardon the cliche, but I heard things that I never knew were there. I listened to many classical and jazz albums this past week and was amazed. This is as good as I have ever heard. In the Wynton/Ellis Marsalis "Peanuts" album (or whatever they call it), for the first time ever, I heard cymbals that sounded like the real thing. I heard depth, reverb, width--but not in an analytical way--it just sounded real. On classical music, for the first time in my life, I get a glimpse of real music in concert.

I hear live music all the time (my sons are world-class musicians) and I have heard some of the world's best musicians in concert. I know what the real thing sounds like. And for the first time I have seen how close reproduced music can come to the real thing!

I have no idea why changing wires works, but it does in this case. In the past, I have found that improvements are most noticeable when you try to go backwards, so I tried it this time--I replaced the new cables with their predecessors. I was astonished that what I previously thought sounded pretty good now sounded almost unlistenable. When I replaced the cables again, I was amazed again. These things are incredible!

Whatever Lessloss is doing is groundbreaking. I have never made an upgrade to my music system that can approach this. And, as a side point, I have never seen any company that provides better customer service--two days from Lithuania to New Jersey at no cost!

This company and its products have my unequivocal recommendation. And this skeptic is now a true believer.

Jim Livengood
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DFPC Series [Original]

Date Added: 02/17/2009 by Joe
Hi,

I thought this cable was decent at your promotional price of $350. AT $595, let alone $795, it cannot compete with the ESP Essence Reference or the Cardas Golden Reference. It is just too rolled off on top and not very dynamic sounding.
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DFPC Series [Original]

Date Added: 02/06/2009 by Johan Pettersen
I recently bought three DFPC for my Hegel system 4A CDplayer, preamp and poweramp. I first tried the DFPC on the power-amp, replacing Nordost Brahma (a very good pc). I immediatly experinced a surprisingly apparent improvement,so I ordered two more for the CDplayer and preamp (replacing power cables from Isotek and Mood). With the whole signal chain powered by the LessLoss DFPC the sound is considerable more realistic and musical, more dynamic, thigter bass, wider and deeper soundscape. Strident distortions and metallic glares are gone. An excellent power cable.
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LessLoss History From the Very Beginnings

LessLoss started its business on Audiogon in late 2007. Within the first couple of month, word about LessLoss spread like wildfire among Audiogon members. Here is the feedback received from our clients during our first year of operation. This is from even before we had our own website.

Louis is one of the best in the business, truly professional and very fast production and delivery. I am very satisfied by your superb service. Many thanks.

Positive by Buyer Sebastian (135) on 07-29-2008

Excellent transaction with Lessloss on dynamic filtering power cord. Good communications & fast shipping. A+++++

Positive by Buyer Sennett (45) on 07-03-08

Bought 3 pc's from Liudas in Jan/08. Outstanding product as advertised. Performance is everything and more than I expected. Kudos to Lessloss cable for a great product. Very highly recommended...A+++

Positive by Buyer Phillykid (33) on 06-19-08

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