User Reviews
Published LessLoss Reviews Now Number Over 697
DFPC Original (legacy)DFPC Signature (legacy)DFPC Reference (legacy)DFPC Series (legacy) (all)Digital Cable (legacy)Firewall (legacy)Anchorwave (legacy)Homage to Time (legacy)Tunnelbridge (legacy)Laminar Streamer (legacy)Bindbreaker (legacy)
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C-MARC Digital Cable
I just received 2 Entropic RCA (with BNCR connectors) digital interconnects. My whole system is LessLoss C-Marc Entropic based. I’m a big fan of LessLoss products. They never fail to deliver what was promised. I ordered the renewed RCA Entropic cables (I used to have the ‘normal’ ones). They connect my Aqua La Diva CD transport to my Chords M Scaler. This is then connected to the Lampizator Pacific DAC. I just listened to some CD’s, and it’s again a clear upgrade in texture, natural timbre, weight, air, definition…
I can only thank Louis Motek for his innovative and creative solutions that keep it a gentleman’s league of pricing. I can only hope other music enthusiasts will discover this brand in general.
Thanks
Nicolas
C-MARC Digital Cable
A year and a half ago I upgraded to a “plain” C-Marc RCA digital, happily finding that it, in terms of musicality and naturalness, considerately bettered the Sound Quality of my upgraded and reclocked USB chain from streamer to DAC with the respectable Curious Enhanced cable. The improvement of SQ was mainly in terms of more naturalness, musicality, and ease of flow in the performance - all well-known LessLoss virtues. The C-MARC gave me countless hours of wonderfully involving listening to all kinds of different music styles for a year and a half and to a much cheaper price than the USB spaghetti chain. Meanwhile I had heard hints of an upgrade with the Entropic Process and had been dying to buy one ever since.
Ten days ago, I finally received the upgraded C-Marc Digital RCA Entropic Process cable by my UPS bicycle carrier (this is Copenhagen, after all!).
The new LL RCAs have beautifully crafted wooden plugs on both ends, and, after having put LessLoss Bindbreaker footers under all my equipment with stunning results last summer, I was anticipating some of their virtues to sort of carry over, hopefully removing micro vibrations normally present in metal plugs of even the finest interconnects.
Spoiler alert: I was not disappointed but overwhelmed by the new baby.
Inserting the new cable fresh out of the bag between my dCS Network Bridge and my Steinway&Sons SL-1, everything in the sound landscape changed immediately for the better - and the change was all but small. Of course, everything bettered over burn-in time but more on that later:
• Greater and more well-defined room - behind speakers, in front of speakers, outside speakers, image height increased to a more believable size, and the sense of air around performers turned much more prominent.
• Much improved resolving of micro detail gave richer textures and greater “transport” of emotions from artists to listener.
• Explosive macro detail with greater ease.
• Overall, the speed of transients on both macro- and microlevel increased which improved the difficult task of combining the ability of your setup to play with the lightness of a fawn when demanded, and conversely being just as heavy-handed and lead-filled on music with such demands whether classical, electro or heavy metal. Not a small task in my book, but oh, so nice.
Regarding burn-in, you can find a lot on that subject in some of the technical writings on the LessLoss homepage, but let me sum up my, and three other well versed audiophile friends’ listening experience with this particular cable. As one of them purchased his own copy simultaneously but did not use it for the first week, we had the rare opportunity to repeat the listening session of the burn-in yesterday. This time not in my Steinway&Sons setup, but in a friend’s very different stereo. In my setup there was as stated an immediate big improvement. A slight rawness disappeared mostly after the first twenty minutes and four hours into the listening session it was hard to find any drawbacks. Still, over the next days the sound kept improving, but there was never any really bad sound during break-in as happens so often with non-entropic cables. Even through my friend’s alternative setup it was, to our ears, extremely easy to hear a replica of what had happened in my music room a week earlier, so we left a very happy friend who was feeling somewhat overwhelmed by the magnitude of correction which he had never quite expected upgrading from the regular C-MARC. Two hours into the session he declared that he was now ready to order Entropic speaker cables from LessLoss as well to replace his much more expensive Chord cables.
The sound, or maybe better the non-sound, of the Entropic Process whether applied to speaker cables, firewalls, power cables or as now interconnects is so consistent that, once you know it and have lived with it, you can recognize it immediately by its ease of flow, musicality, dynamics, and natural sound.
It is imperative for me to state that, in no way are the non-entropic products from LL bad or flawed. On the contrary, they are top products who will serve extremely well in well assembled setups of very high class as well as in more modest setups.
The knack is, however, the Entropic Process seems to add so much out of this World to the equation that I’d advice all of you to step into that universe the sooner the better. The real craziness is that it probably doesn’t add very much, but removes stuff
• That just might be why wizard Louis Motek chose the name Less Loss (meaning more gain?).
• At least, that’s what it sounds like to my ears. A true Zen experience.
Kind regards from Copenhagen
C-MARC Classic Power Cable; Firewall Module
My power cable panel features TWL Obsession, C-Marc on streamer and DAC. The digital or analog interconnections come mainly from Sablon Audio.
I also have two LessLoss Loudspeakers Firewalls, and a C-MARC 640X firewall on the preamp. The second C-MARC 640X that I have just purchased will go directly to the DAC, whose power supply is much less optimized than that of the Innuos Statement.
My goal was to avoid pollution of the power current between digital devices among themselves, and between the preamplifier and the power blocks.
What a success !
On my DAC: immediately: more space, more depth, more precision on attacks, more control on bass, less background noise ...
The music is more immersive ;-))
C-MARC Classic Power Cable
After several trials and configuration changes, I can confirm that the Lessloss cables are really impressive, especially at reducing noise level, improving resolution, increasing low and high frequency extension as well as transients. The soundstage is also greatly improved. The best results were obtained for the power supply of the Antipodes K40 server and for the power supply of the Shunyata and Audioquest conditioners. However, to power the WooAudio 3ES-Elite amplifier, I did not get a satisfactory result. Although very good the sound has become too analytical, a little romance is nice. I am even more impressed with the 640x C-Marc firewalls. They are particularly effective for powering LPSUs that power SOtM switches, the router, and the cable modem. The 640x firewall has also improved the sound quality of the Antipodes K40 server. For the K40 I use a C-MARC Entropic cable coupled to the 640x C-MARC Firewall. The presence and resolution of the whole system has been greatly improved. LessLoss products are a discovery for me. I am very satisfied. They bring a notable improvement in transparency, smoothness and musicality. When I say softness, I am referring to natural, precise, but non-aggressive tones that are very easy to observe with vocals and acoustic instruments. A veil has been lifted and the music vibrates. Congratulations to Louis and the team.
Firewall Module
May 18th , 2021
Hi, finally I have installed the 640x’s in my system (DIY oakwood boxes), one in front of my source and my preamp and the result are very, very nice! I’m not very surprised because I had the opportunity to test one 64x in my system before these. However, with the new babies the sound is more palpable, 3D, organic, liquid and involving (the only parts that have had more impact in the overall sound in my DIY journey are the complete replacement of my coupling caps with V-cap ODAMs).
May 28th
Last evening things really started to change – and what a spectacular improvement! I have totally new experiences with my so familiar music – or, which I thought I knew. Some reviews report they crank the volume up with the Firewall installed – not me… Actually, I have to turn the volume knob down because of the tremendous increase in macro dynamics. – I guess the purer mains have freed up more horsepower’s which now are used for dynamic music amplifying and not noise amplifying? Now I have an huge room without walls, expanded in every direction left, right and back, and also to some extend upwards – and it so defined and controlled – and the bass, yes the bass... Also, I take this as a sign of good quality of my components before the installation, which just were, and hopefully still, are waiting to be released.
I know I have a configuration that you not recommend; before the Firewalls I have some main filters from LC audio, which actually have no ground connection after the filter (however, I have a true ground rod in the garden on the LC filters main side), meaning that the ground part of the Firewall is not active. However, the impact from the Firewalls is to my ears still significant. Yes, I can hear you thinking; just remove the LC audio filter – which for sure I will try later.
On Lois’ recommendation as the next step I ordered 3 x 640x for my amps (and one for my projector).
July 8th
Hi Louis, all my gear now has their own Lossless power conditioner, the result is fine, but the biggest improvement was on my pre and daq. The effect on amps were more subtle, although the bass went tighter. Maybe a little bit more colorful, but not night and day effect.
I tried to remove the LC Audio net filters originally filtering the mains (daq and pre) in front of the new LL640x; big improvement on the daq, but just confusing on my pre – however my pre is by nature not grounded so I suspected maybe it could be explained by that? However, I reinstalled the LC filter on my pre again - in series and in front of the LL640x. Hm, music in focus again and with better dynamics, but after some time I heard a kind of unpleasant sharpness especially on vocals. Strange. I thereafter swapped the mains L and N phase and the sharpness went away – so that inspired me to again remove the LC filter – and now it sounded nice!
So that’s it – now playing purely with LL640x on three power amps (1 to my sub amp), on my daq and pre. Sound is great, but the effect was definitely biggest on my source products. The effects kind of sum up in more “to be there” effect. Of my power amps, the effect on the Crown to the sub was the easiest to hear, not on the bass, but on the higher frequencies??? – could it be the Crown originally polluted the power to my system, which now is cleaned up after installing the LL640x?
Not to forget; the effect on my projector was nice, deeper blacks, more nuances in shadows and dark scenes, more saturated colors, sharper, and more 3D pictures – very impressive effects (– the power cord on the projector is 3.5 m questioning my idea about lack of big effects on power amps?)
Aug 18th
Hi, just to update you on my experience, the sound of my system is now on a new higher level! This happened just some days ago - think the burn in period is much longer than my first expectations! For now, I think the LL640x improve my amps sound equally to my pre and daq!!!
September 20th
Sound is even better than reported Aug 18th, the musicians are in the room. Before boring recordings are now involving and interesting, kind of understanding more of the content and what the musician’s expressions. This has been a great journey, well worth the money spent and the burn in period! Thanks!
Regards, B.Rud, Norway
(Equipment; JBL250Ti, JBL4546 sub with crown xti4004, Zapsolute mk4 118w classA monos, Oppo BDP95, external HD, Vincent SA-T1 tube pre, all components except the crown amp, with upgraded parts).
Bindbreaker Vibration Control Equipment Foot
I have been using the Bimdbreakers since they were first introduced and was surprised at the difference they made when installed on my CD player (CDP) , tube amp and DAC - a marked improvement in definition, depth of sound field and clarity.
When Louis announced the upgrade for the Bindbreaker - with just the dimpled baseplate only - I was initially sceptical and decided to try just a set of 3 for my CDP. They arrived a day ago and was I surprised that they sure as hell delivered - in spades. There was even greater depth and definition with added clarity and some pleasant subdued increase in the bass. I listen mainly to classical music and occasionally some light popular music (Diana Krall, Eva Cassidy etc). Female voices and strings in particular seem to benefit even more.
Well, I've just placed another order for more - Bindbreaker dimpled baseplates that is.
Unlike many audio enthusiasts who regularly upgrade their main audio components ( amps, source components, DAC etc), I have found it more beneficial and economical to upgrade the performance of my system with said LessLoss superb products.
I have no business or personal ties with LessLoss and must stress that my impressions are purely personal.
Bindbreaker Vibration Control Equipment Foot
Quite some time ago, I wrote about my experience with the first Bindbreakers in my HiFi system:
09/01/2019 by Joerg Meinhardt
Since then, there are Bindbreakers everywhere in my HiFi system, just except for the loudspeakers, which need a more stable platform for grandkids and dogs running around and easy moving for speaker positioning.
I am very happy with these 8 sets of 3 Bindbreakers and will always put them on any new device in the future as well.
The sound changes are always similar, no matter which device it is, as my findings from my first review:
- Soundstage deeper
- Better separation of instruments
- Airy open highs
- Cleaner but even more colorful midrange
- More punch, especially in the bass
- More, deeper, and better controlled bass
- Voices especially from a deeper stage position sound more realistic with less distortion
- Less resonances in mid and low range.
The only downside I see, is the required careful handling with setting the device vertically on all feet at the same time. You should not move the device around without lifting from all Bindbreaker feet at the same time. But sometimes the device moves around due to pushing a switch or plugging in a cable. So, I cannot follow the instructions perfectly, but it seems to work ok anyways. A little hint, get yourself some balloon kind of tools, that can be pumped up …“Inflatable Air Cushion Lifter”. Not perfect, but better than plain hands.
Now the news from last week … the new base plates … and how it worked for me.
I immediately ordered all 24 base plates as replacements without testing with some/one first … I trust Louis …
And what was the result for an almost 2000 USD upgrade .. no regrets and very happy:
Indeed more natural sound, especially noticeable with voices, and a much better stage positioning and control, and I would say even lager stage. Overall more natural and articulated.
A great deal for me and big thanks to Louis and his team!! One more reason to trust them :)
But, when I held the first Bindbreaker in my hand (2019), I was curious, why they did not come with these dimples … Without being able to argue, why I would prefer this … But now I know after the explanations from Louis :)
And don’t worry about the mixed colours for the upgrades (top grey, base plate brown). It looks actually friendlier and does not seem to be unwanted or a mistake … I love it !!
Echo's End
When I installed the DAC during the week I hadn’t too much time to take a listen during the week.
As I’m very familiar with the Sound of the Reference DAC over the years, I’m pretty sure to remember how it sounds, especially with extremely familiar discs. Some might say, that this is difficult without direct comparison of the DAC with the older incarnation of Firewall modules to the one that is equipped with the actual new Firewall modules, it is new, you want it to sound better, but that might only belong to your imagination. And that might be the case with other gear, tweaks, cabling, whatever, when the difference in sound is very small. You wish it to be, but you can’t be sure.
Now I listened to my most familiar discs again, and the difference is not subtle, it is simply astounding!
Never would i have thought of such a big improvement, coming with the replacement of the older Firewall modules.
Everything is brought out better, acoustic instruments sound incredibly natural and real. Everything has more depth and contour. It simply sounds more energetic and precise. The reverberation of voices and decaying instruments lingers longer than before. Basses are more profound. And again, I’m hearing a cornucopia of details that were previously imperceptible.
And with excellent sounding discs, my room is flooded with sound, I have the feeling I’m bathing in it. It totally surrounds me.
To me, this is relaxed listening with a quality of the highest degree and this comes without any edginess in the high frequencies.
Funny thing is, that the biggest improvements in sound quality come with those discs which sound already fantastic. The DAC can’t repair what’s gone wrong in the production, recording or the used quality of equipment with mediocre sounding discs. I’ll get an improvement, but not to the degree with already great sounding discs.
The DAC transports music and gets me simply magical bliss. And for the moment I’m absolutely sure that it hasn’t shown it’s full potential, as there are some parts like my CD-Drive and the AES/EBU cable that are not on par with the quality of the DAC.
The DAC with the new Firewall 640x modules is simply awesome!
Now, I’m up to further listening again…
Thanks so much. Have a nice Sunday and best wishes from Dortmund.
Jörg
C-MARC Classic Power Cable
Firewall Module
This is an amazing product, I was surprised at the difference it made. The improvement was immediately noticeable and significant. There is more air around instruments, background is quieter and bass is more defined.
I think this is the best value improvement I have made to my system and being a passive device it will last for ever. Well done on another great product.
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