AudioCircle
Other Stuff => Archived Manufacturer Circles => Vinnie Rossi => Topic started by: Vinnie R. on 17 Apr 2018, 12:59 am
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All,
I'm back from AXPONA and it was an incredible show! It was probably one of the best (if not "the best") audio show for me in terms of attendance, sound quality in the room, feedback from listeners and their interest in products). 8)
I was fortunate enough to able to demo a new statement product just in time for the show!
The L2 Signature Monoblock Amplifiers
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=178918)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=178914)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=178916)
Rafe Arnott of Part Time Audiophile caught up with me right before the show and I officially "let the cat out of the bag," here:
https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2018/04/13/axpona-2018-vinnie-rossi-has-15000-statement-mono-blocks-and-pre-amplifier-in-prototype-stages/ (https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2018/04/13/axpona-2018-vinnie-rossi-has-15000-statement-mono-blocks-and-pre-amplifier-in-prototype-stages/)
I mention some details/specs in the link above , as well as mention the upcoming L2 Signature Preamplifier. Please understand that details/specs are subject to changes between now and production, but I believe they give a pretty good ballpark idea of what is coming with the L2 Signature line. A new thread about both products as well as website information will be added in about a month. I can't wait to show pics of the L2 Preamplfier - it is such a gorgeous design that ties into the L2 Monoblocks so well! Wink2
Here is the list of what we had playing in Axpona 2018 - Room 486:
Source
- Macbook Air running Roon playback software, feeding USB output to LIO DAC 2.0 (with a myriad of file types, including some excellent DSD tracks from www.nativedsd.com and www.marecordings.com)
Electronics
- Vinnie Rossi LIO DHT Preamplifier with DAC 2.0 module
- Vinnie Rossi L2 Signature Monoblocks (prototypes)
Loudspeakers & Stands
- Harbeth 40.2, 30.2, and P3ESR (all "40th Anniversary Edition," and I switched between them numerous times each day at the show)
- TonTrager speaker stands (for the 40.2 and 30.2)
Cables
All cabling by Triode Wire Labs, consisting of:
- "Seven Plus" Power Cables
- "American" Speaker Cables
- "Spirit" Interconnects
Some pics of the room from the cell phone:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=178920)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=178927)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=178925)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=178921)
Next up, show coverage from the press and attendees ...
- Vinnie
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I was pleased to see that Jason Victor Serinus of Stereophile included show coverage of our room in his "Day 1" reporting:
https://www.stereophile.com/content/jason-starts-axpona-small-and-not-small-all (https://www.stereophile.com/content/jason-starts-axpona-small-and-not-small-all)
For a very different sound, one had only to venture around the corner to the room shared by the Vinnie Rossi LIO preamplifier ($12,500 as configured) and pre-production L2 Signature monoblock amplifiers (shipping in June), Harbeth Monitor 40.2 40th Anniversary Edition speakers ($17,990/pair), and Triode Wire cabling.
The beautiful, liquid warmth on SoundMirror's DSD256 Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra recording of Shostakovich Symphony No. 5 (Reference Recordings Fresh!), as well as the system's realistically lively depiction of piccolo, were a joy to listen to. My just-met listening partner, Franklin Winston of Bowling Brook, IL, insightfully called this a "melt into the music" system.
When I returned from the show, I found an email from a customer who found this on the Audio Shark forum:
http://www.audioshark.org/axpona-138/best-show-ymmv-axpona-2018-a-14101.html (http://www.audioshark.org/axpona-138/best-show-ymmv-axpona-2018-a-14101.html)
aKnyght's Best in Show:
2) Harbeth / Vinnie Rossi -- 30 seconds after walking into this room i fully understood the magic of harbeth speakers. they just immediately grabbed me with their full, rich sound. the 40.2s were of course great but the 30.2s were every bit as good. even the small p3esr pair was outstanding. anyone thinking of getting a pair of harbeths: just do it!
(The Volti / Border Patrol / Triode Wire Labs room was also on his Top 3 list, so Triode Pete's cabling was working magic in both rooms!)
I'll continue to post more coverage as it becomes available, and if you visited our room this past weekend, THANK YOU for being the biggest part of what made this show so exceptional! There seemed to be a higher than usual number involved listeners this year (some staying for quite a long time, and some returning multiple times), which I truly appreciate seeing and who I enjoy interacting with.
Thank you! :notworthy:
Vinnie
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Loved your room Vinnie. My surprise was how big the 40.2 actually is. Superb sound from both of the speakers (P3ESR was not in the system when I listened).
Thank you for setting such a nice room. Easily my favorite.
I read on a blog about a possible streamer. Will this be a separate module, be part of a new DAC module, or some other concept?
Again, congratulations on your Axpona presentation, and very favorable reviews, and your upcoming new Reference line.
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Are the best sounding VR amps ever made Ultracapacitor powered?
For both the L2 components, one can except both the sound quality and build quality/aesthetics to surpass everything that we’ve done in the past. These are both statement components designed from the ground up to compete with more costly competition.
https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2018/04/13/axpona-2018-vinnie-rossi-has-15000-statement-mono-blocks-and-pre-amplifier-in-prototype-stages/ (https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2018/04/13/axpona-2018-vinnie-rossi-has-15000-statement-mono-blocks-and-pre-amplifier-in-prototype-stages/)
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So,it was great hearing vinnies new prototype monoblock amps.
What i noticed was the lightning speed of these amps! Also,they are DEAD quiet,WOW!!!
This was the 1st time that i have heard the harbeth 40.2 really come alive powered by these L2 mono's.
Harbeth is not known to be rock and roll speakers,but man,they rocked. There was a vise grip control over the 40.2 drivers that really woke them up.
Vinnie,your room was best of show for me.
Congrats...
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Also,sonically
Vinnies pre amp and monos are a great match with harbeths,you can really hear the sweetness of this combo.
If you are looking at harbeths,vinnies equiptment is a no brainer.
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Many thanks, decur and Bones13, for posting your impressions from Axpona!
I read on a blog about a possible streamer. Will this be a separate module, be part of a new DAC module, or some other concept?
It was something that I was looking into for LIO last year, but it has been aborted for a few reasons. I decided that going forward, those who want to use a streamer are best off keeping it external to LIO's (or the L2 Preamplifier's) internal dac option.
[With LIO DAC 2.0, I still prefer a direct USB connection from my Macbook to LIO DAC 2.0 and running Roon (that is how I have been doing it at the last 3 shows), but YMMV. With the LIO DAC 1.0, I preferred using a microRendu, but LIO DAC 2.0 has an FPGA buffer / reclock circuit for its inputs that is perfectly happy with a direct USB connection. Of course if you like the idea of using a streamer so you can keep your music server in a different location, then it makes plenty of sense for that purpose...]
Are the best sounding VR amps ever made Ultracapacitor powered?
They are all linear supplies with very-low ESR (equivalent series resistance) electrolytic caps (not ultracaps). The ESR on the higher voltage rails of the L2 Monoblocks is actually even lower with these electrolytics that I am using compared to ultracaps. The reason is because the total ESR of the cap bank on the rails using the ultracaps increases as you add them in series and you need many of them to get these voltage rails (approx. 4 times as many as I use in LIO).
When I later start the new threads for the L2 Monoblocks and Preamplifier, I'll go into more detail about their designs...
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The Audio Beatnik (Jack Roberts) just posted coverage, here:
http://theaudiobeatnik.com/axpona-2018-pictures-day-three-part-1/ (http://theaudiobeatnik.com/axpona-2018-pictures-day-three-part-1/)
(http://theaudiobeatnik.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/L1050566-860x484.jpg)
[Photo credit: Jack Roberts / The Audio Beatnik]
In the Harbeth Loudspeakers and Vinnie Rossi room, I listened to the big M40s, and the sound was very good. I want to congratulate Vinnie for getting the best sound from the big Harbeth’s that I have heard. It sounded glorious!
Thank you, Jack! In that small hotel room it was not easy to pull off, but I'm glad you and everyone who visited enjoyed it!
Vinnie
PS: I failed to mention that I was running the Takutsuki 300Bs in the LIO DHT PRE... they had really terrific synergy with the Harbeth range. :singing:
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I expected the LIO with DAC 2.0 and brand new L2 amps to sound good but not 'that good'. The whole system into any of the Harbeths was silent at pppp, dynamic at ffff, clear and sweet all at the same time. What a combo. If Vinnie's room was not the best at the show they were clearly in the top 3. Bravo Vinnie.
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I expected the LIO with DAC 2.0 and brand new L2 amps to sound good but not 'that good'. The whole system into any of the Harbeths was silent at pppp, dynamic at ffff, clear and sweet all at the same time. What a combo. If Vinnie's room was not the best at the show they were clearly in the top 3. Bravo Vinnie.
Same here, I have DAC 2.0, but with AVC Tubestage.
Last year I listened to SHL5+, and it was a great sounding room, but this year (cannot tell if it was the room or these new monoblocks, most likely the latter), but my jaw simply dropped.
As if my current AMP is struggling a bit at higher volumes, which it actually doesn't, maybe a bit wrong statement, but the way these new monos were driving Harbeths was truly remarkable.
The price of monos is too steep for me, and my wife would file for a divorce, however, the system was as good as it can get.
I came back to that room three times. :D
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Here is the list of what we had playing in Axpona 2018 - Room 486:
Source
- Macbook Air running Roon playback software, feeding USB output to LIO DAC 2.0 (with a myriad of file types, including some excellent DSD tracks from www.nativedsd.com and www.marecordings.com)
Electronics
- Vinnie Rossi LIO DHT Preamplifier with DAC 2.0 module
- Vinnie Rossi L2 Signature Monoblocks (prototypes)
Loudspeakers & Stands
- Harbeth 40.2, 30.2, and P3ESR (all "40th Anniversary Edition," and I switched between them numerous times each day at the show)
- TonTrager speaker stands (for the 40.2 and 30.2)
Cables
All cabling by Triode Wire Labs, consisting of:
- "Seven Plus" Power Cables
- "American" Speaker Cables
- "Spirit" Interconnects
When I returned from the show, I found an email from a customer who found this on the Audio Shark forum:
http://www.audioshark.org/axpona-138/best-show-ymmv-axpona-2018-a-14101.html (http://www.audioshark.org/axpona-138/best-show-ymmv-axpona-2018-a-14101.html)
(The Volti / Border Patrol / Triode Wire Labs room was also on his Top 3 list, so Triode Pete's cabling was working magic in both rooms!)
I'll continue to post more coverage as it becomes available, and if you visited our room this past weekend, THANK YOU for being the biggest part of what made this show so exceptional! There seemed to be a higher than usual number involved listeners this year (some staying for quite a long time, and some returning multiple times), which I truly appreciate seeing and who I enjoy interacting with.
Thank you! :notworthy:
Vinnie
Next up, show coverage from the press and attendees ...
- Vinnie
Vinnie,
Thanks for letting me be part of your fantastic sounding room again! I wish I spent more time with you but I was running around in two other rooms and trying (but failing) to see the other 157 rooms at AXPONA!
You had your MOJO working and your new Mono Block amps are ABSOLUTELY KILLER!!!
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=178936)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=178937)
(Thanks for taking the above pics for me, too!)
Cheers,
Pete
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Hi theobetley and mirekti,
It was a pleasure to have you both at AXPONA, and thank you for your feedback of our demo room! :notworthy:
Hey Triode Pete,
As usual, your cabling helped us get the most out of our system - thanks for teaming up with us this year!
I must have swapped your American speaker cables between the three Harbeth models well over 100 times as many attendees were
curious to listen how they compared. They remained solid and never let me down, and thank you for the custom length that made swapping easy. :beer:
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More feedback of our room, from Computer Audiophile member "austinpop:"
https://www.computeraudiophile.com/ca/audio-shows/axpona-2018-show-report-r707/ (https://www.computeraudiophile.com/ca/audio-shows/axpona-2018-show-report-r707/)
Here are the few systems that stood out to me as sounding great:
- PS Audio mid-priced setup, using their Stellar line, and Goldenear Triton Reference. Surprising lack of glare and very smooth. Used their new P12 (P5 followon) regenerator
- Chord room with Raidho speakers
- Quintessence Audio (local dealer) had 2 excellent rooms:
- Audio Research Ref 6/Ref 160 driving Wilson Alexia 2
- Audio Research Ref 10/Ref 750SE driving Sonus Faber Aïda
- Western Electric electronics driving Gauder speakers
- Rethm Bhaava speakers (under $5k) driven by Audio Hungary (?) electronics with Innuos Zenith SE source. Very impressive speakers at this price point.
- Vinnie Rossi electronics driving Harbeth 40.2. This was possibly my favorite room of the show.
- Really enjoyed the quiet room with the Sennheiser HE-1 $60k headphone system. Finally, a headphone that bests my HD-800S in every possible way. If this were a CanJam, there'd be a line or signup for this setup.
Thank you for visiting and posting your impressions, austinpop!
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Steve Guttenberg "The Audiophiliac" visited and mentioned our room in his quick preview video, here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ipMl7Itd1c (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ipMl7Itd1c)
(Looking forward to seeing more coverage from him, hopefully soon! And check out his ever-growing channel on YouTube)
I also had the pleasure of being interviewed after show hours by Brian Hunter of Part Time Audiophile for his "The Occasional Podcast" series - I'll post a link when it comes out.
Overall, I was very fortunate to have the prototype L2 Signature Monoblocks playing in time for AXPONA. I really wish you all could have seen the L2 Signature Preamplifier (Like the L2 amps, it will be SOLID. It's also a real looker, too! :wink:). I'm still getting it all in order and am aiming to have it in production late June / early July. So far, so good! 8) I'll certainly have some images to share of it in the next few weeks.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=178949&size=large)
[L2 Signature Monoblocks, front/rear view]
Beyond all the gear and the music, I was so thrilled to have such a busy room all 3 days of the show. The traffic rarely let up, and the amount of enthusiasm and excitement in the room was much appreciated and made exhibiting well worth it for me! You guys made me feel like a celebrity (well, a very geeky one at that - LOL)! Thanks again to everyone who stopped over to listening, and I hope to hear more from others when they have time to post their feedback.
More show reports are coming soon...
Vinnie
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Now my imagination is working! Those look great and I just cannot help but totally wonder what the heatsink system looks like.
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When I returned from the show, I found an email from a customer who found this on the Audio Shark forum:
http://www.audioshark.org/axpona-138/best-show-ymmv-axpona-2018-a-14101.html (http://www.audioshark.org/axpona-138/best-show-ymmv-axpona-2018-a-14101.html)
(The Volti / Border Patrol / Triode Wire Labs room was also on his Top 3 list, so Triode Pete's cabling was working magic in both rooms!)
vinnie -
that was an outstanding demonstration... the sound was just so enjoyable, even in those difficult listening conditions. the combination of the LIO DHT preamp, L2 monoblocks, harbeths, and triode wire labs cabling should be in the dictionary for "audio synergy" !
i have to hear more of the LIO DHT preamp -- really amazing... fwiw, the one source and the one pre-amp that i have heard using DHTs are quite special. i think you are at the forefront of something likely to be adopted more widely in the future.
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Hi aKnyght,
Welcome to Audiocircle and the VR forum!
Thanks for visiting and posting your feedback. I agree that there is something very special about using DHT's (and
those TAK 300B's in the LIO DHT PRE are sublime). Just wait until you hear them in the upcoming L2 Signature Preamplifier circuit -
it will be a jaw-dropping experience, especially with the L2 Sig. Monoblocks... Wink2
Glad you enjoyed it - thanks again!
Vinnie
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Hi theobetley and mirekti,
It was a pleasure to have you both at AXPONA, and thank you for your feedback of our demo room! :notworthy:
Hey Triode Pete,
As usual, your cabling helped us get the most out of our system - thanks for teaming up with us this year!
I must have swapped your American speaker cables between the three Harbeth models well over 100 times as many attendees were
curious to listen how they compared. They remained solid and never let me down, and thank you for the custom length that made swapping easy. :beer:
-----
More feedback of our room, from Computer Audiophile member "austinpop:"
https://www.computeraudiophile.com/ca/audio-shows/axpona-2018-show-report-r707/ (https://www.computeraudiophile.com/ca/audio-shows/axpona-2018-show-report-r707/)
Thank you for visiting and posting your impressions, austinpop!
---
Steve Guttenberg "The Audiophiliac" visited and mentioned our room in his quick preview video, here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ipMl7Itd1c (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ipMl7Itd1c)
(Looking forward to seeing more coverage from him, hopefully soon! And check out his ever-growing channel on YouTube)
I also had the pleasure of being interviewed after show hours by Brian Hunter of Part Time Audiophile for his "The Occasional Podcast" series - I'll post a link when it comes out.
Overall, I was very fortunate to have the prototype L2 Signature Monoblocks playing in time for AXPONA. I really wish you all could have seen the L2 Signature Preamplifier (Like the L2 amps, it will be SOLID. It's also a real looker, too! :wink:). I'm still getting it all in order and am aiming to have it in production late June / early July. So far, so good! 8) I'll certainly have some images to share of it in the next few weeks.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=178949&size=large)
[L2 Signature Monoblocks, front/rear view]
Beyond all the gear and the music, I was so thrilled to have such a busy room all 3 days of the show. The traffic rarely let up, and the amount of enthusiasm and excitement in the room was much appreciated and made exhibiting well worth it for me! You guys made me feel like a celebrity (well, a very geeky one at that - LOL)! Thanks again to everyone who stopped over to listening, and I hope to hear more from others when they have time to post their feedback.
More show reports are coming soon...
Vinnie
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Sorry posted in error my bad. Great show as always Vinnie.
charles
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Sorry posted in error my bad. Great show as always Vinnie.
charles
Thanks, Charles!
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Carol Clark of Positive Feedback just posted:
https://positive-feedback.com/show-reports/axpona-2081-photo-essay-part-3/ (https://positive-feedback.com/show-reports/axpona-2081-photo-essay-part-3/)
(https://positive-feedback.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/P1010184.jpg)
[Photo Credit: Carol Clark / Positive Feedback]
Vinnie Rossi LIO DHT preamplifier and L2 Signature monoblock amplifiers. Harbeth Monitor 40.2, Monitor 30.2, and P3ESR 40th Anniversary Editions loudspeakers. Triode Wire Labs power cables, speaker cables, and interconnects. Vinnie is such a nice guy and his rooms always sound so nice.
Thanks for visiting our room, Carol (and Dave)! It was a pleasure to have you both as usual. 8)
Vinnie
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The show coverage continues... this time from Brian Hunter of Audio-Head:
https://audio-head.com/vinnie-rossi-new-statement-monos-and-pre-axpona-2018/ (https://audio-head.com/vinnie-rossi-new-statement-monos-and-pre-axpona-2018/)
Vinnie Rossi has me all tied up with the idea that I have to get my hands on a pair of Harbeths. Why? Because every time I hear his near field presentation at an audio show, it sound like angels singing…
In his room arrangement at AXPONA this year the speakers are placed along the long wall, instead of the far side – reducing the space between listener and transducer to a few mere meters. The image is always tight, direct and unique from almost all the other rooms at the show.
(https://audio-head.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/IMG_0311-1024x683.jpg)
[Photo: LIO DHT Preamplifier with Takutsuki 300B's and internal DAC 2.0 module. New black anodized aluminum front panel and black aluminum buttons / knobs]
[Photo credit: Brian Hunter / Audio-Head.com]
Thanks for visiting, Brian (and the after-hours podcast for Part Time Audiophile)... lots of fun! :guitar:
Vinnie
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Is the aluminum front (in silver) going to be a option/standard going forward? Also, I understand the phono module might be getting improved for the L2 statement pre, is the DAC 2.0 also getting improved soon as well?
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Is the aluminum front (in silver) going to be a option/standard going forward? Also, I understand the phono module might be getting improved for the L2 statement pre, is the DAC 2.0 also getting improved soon as well?
Hi Bones13,
Going forward, LIO front/side panels are offered in both black and silver anodized aluminum options (no more Corian).
Knobs/buttons are also now offered black or silver anodized aluminum.
The latest version for 2018 is as shown above (logo size has been reduced a bit, with red in the middle, and a finer grade of brushed aluminum on the front / sides).
LIO Phonostage as is currently shown on our website is not going away, but there is a new "L2 Phonostage" in the works. It is an entirely new design from the ground-up that I worked on with Brian Lowe of Belleson (yes, it's Belleson super-regulated as well), and I hope to have it available sometime in June. I'll have more info to share about it next month, but the cool part is that it is also compatible with LIO. :)
The "L2 DAC" will be based on the LIO DAC 2.0 module, but with a few sonic upgrades on-board and slightly different firmware to make it compatible with the L2 Preamplifier. I'll have more info about this later as well.
---
Right now I'm still working around the clock on getting L2 Monoblocks into production later next month, and the L2 Preamplifier into production later in June. :hyper:
Hopefully I'll have pics of the L2 Preamplifier to share in a week or two. I hired the exceptionally talented David Evett of Evett Design to work with me on the aesthetic design of both the L2 Preamplifier and L2 Monoblocks. In home audio, Evett worked on the aesthetic design of the recently introduced Spatial Audio X series loudspeakers, as well as a projects with Western Electric and Wavelength Audio. Outside of audio, he has done work for larger companies such as Ferrari and Apple.
I also hired a phenomenal PCB layout engineer for all my L2 Series designs.
We're getting close! :wink:
Vinnie
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How many line level outputs on L2? ...just wondered if it would be similar to LIO so one could send it to L2 monos and subs at the same time.
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How many line level outputs on L2? ...just wondered if it would be similar to LIO so one could send it to L2 monos and subs at the same time.
Hi Mirekti,
Regarding Inputs/Outputs, the L2 Preamplifier will have:
- 2 sets of RCA inputs (unbalanced) and 1 set of XLR (true balanced) inputs
- 1 set of RCA outputs (unbalanced) and 1 set of XLR (true balanced) outputs
- 1 pair of 12V trigger outputs (to connect to the L2 Monoblocks and turn them ON/OFF along with the L2 Preamp
via remote or L2 Preamp front panel power switch).
- L2 DAC will have 1 of each: USB, Coax, and Optical
- L2 Phonostage will have 2 sets of MC, and 1 set of MM
Vinnie
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Thanks Vinnie for all that info. Looks like an exciting summer!
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Huge sound, little speaker?
Yup - with the L2 Monoblocks driving the Harbeth P3ESR 40th Anniversary Edition, we made many attendees
do a double-take when they walked behind the sets of speakers and discovered it was the "baby" P3ESR's that were connected.
https://audiobacon.net/2018/04/19/axpona-2018-show-report-day-2/5/ (https://audiobacon.net/2018/04/19/axpona-2018-show-report-day-2/5/)
Jay Luong of AudioBacon.net posts:
...the Harbeth 40.2 weren’t plugged in when we arrived. However, we were amazed to find out the huge sound was coming from the tiny Harbeth P3ESR! Sweet, textured sound with convincing timbre and dynamics. Tempted to get a pair…
Ok - I'm not talking about big bottom octave reach or strong visceral impact, but they sure sounded like much larger speakers in nearly every other regard, they imaged like champs in the room, and had "reach out and touch" realism in the midrange.
Thank for visiting, Jay!
Vinnie
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Hi Vinnie,
Will the L2 preamp outputs (RCA and XLR) be fixed or Variable, and if they will pass thru the DHT tubes?
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Hi Vinnie,
Will the L2 preamp outputs (RCA and XLR) be fixed or Variable, and if they will pass thru the DHT tubes?
Hi czubero,
The L2 Preamp outputs (both RCA and XLR) are variable. The outputs are indeed from the DHT tube stage (which
really is at the heart of the L2 Preamplifier circuit).
Vinnie
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L2 DAC[/b]" will be based on the LIO DAC 2.0 module, but with a few sonic upgrades on-board
Hi Vinnie
Congratulations on the new products and a quick question. Any plans to pass those sonic upgrades to the LIO DAC 2.0?
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All,
I'm back from AXPONA and it was an incredible show! It was probably one of the best (if not "the best") USA shows for me in terms of attendance, sound quality in the room, feedback from listeners and their interest in products). 8)
I was fortunate enough to able to demo a new statement product just in time for the show!
The L2 Signature Monoblock Amplifiers
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=178918)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=178914)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=178916)
Rafe Arnott of Part Time Audiophile caught up with me right before the show and I officially "let the cat out of the bag," here:
https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2018/04/13/axpona-2018-vinnie-rossi-has-15000-statement-mono-blocks-and-pre-amplifier-in-prototype-stages/ (https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2018/04/13/axpona-2018-vinnie-rossi-has-15000-statement-mono-blocks-and-pre-amplifier-in-prototype-stages/)
I mention some details/specs in the link above , as well as mention the upcoming L2 Signature Preamplifier. Please understand that details/specs are subject changes between now and production, but I believe they give a pretty good ballpark idea of what is coming with the L2 Signature line. A new thread about both products as well as website information will be added in about a month. I can't wait to show pics of the L2 Preamplfier - it is such a gorgeous design that ties into the L2 Monoblocks so well! Wink2
Here is the list of what we had playing in Axpona 2018 - Room 486:
Source
- Macbook Air running Roon playback software, feeding USB output to LIO DAC 2.0 (with a myriad of file types, including some excellent DSD tracks from www.nativedsd.com and www.marecordings.com)
Electronics
- Vinnie Rossi LIO DHT Preamplifier with DAC 2.0 module
- Vinnie Rossi L2 Signature Monoblocks (prototypes)
Loudspeakers & Stands
- Harbeth 40.2, 30.2, and P3ESR (all "40th Anniversary Edition," and I switched between them numerous times each day at the show)
- TonTrager speaker stands (for the 40.2 and 30.2)
Cables
All cabling by Triode Wire Labs, consisting of:
- "Seven Plus" Power Cables
- "American" Speaker Cables
- "Spirit" Interconnects
Some pics of the room from the cell phone:
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=178920)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=178927)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=178925)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=178921)
Next up, show coverage from the press and attendees ...
- Vinnie
Hi Vinnie
In his article of the L2 Sig Pre Rafe wrote
"The tubes will have attractive mesh covers around them to keep hum to a minimum (no matter what accepted tube is used)"
https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2018/04/13/axpona-2018-vinnie-rossi-has-15000-statement-mono-blocks-and-pre-amplifier-in-prototype-stages/ (https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2018/04/13/axpona-2018-vinnie-rossi-has-15000-statement-mono-blocks-and-pre-amplifier-in-prototype-stages/)
Will these covers also fit a LIO DHT PRE, maybe with a bit of modification?
Thanks
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Will these covers also fit a LIO DHT PRE, maybe with a bit of modification?
Hi TimS,
With the L2 Preamp, the mesh covers (and tubes) will be half-way inside the preamp. The mesh cover will rest on a circular metal plate that will attach to the tube sockets, and will be grounded.
For LIO, the mesh covers most likely will not work as well resting on the anodized top cover of the LIO (when aluminum is anodized, the surface of it loses much of its electrical conductivity). But perhaps there will be a work-around for that. I'll look into it after the L2 Preamp launches late June.
Hi Vinnie
Congratulations on the new products and a quick question. Any plans to pass those sonic upgrades to the LIO DAC 2.0?
Thanks, Ole! Yes, after I launch the L2 Preamp (which will have the L2 DAC option), I'll be able to upgrade LIO DAC 2.0 in the same way.
Not sure about cost at this time, but I should have a better idea sometime in June.
---
I have received many emails and phone calls about the L2 Signature Preamplifier and Monoblocks. I will start new threads for them soon enough, with plenty more details (and they will be added to the webpage). I can't wait until they are ready! :hyper:
Thanks,
Vinnie
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Hey Vinnie -
Design direction on the new amps looks quite nice. On the new Preamp: Is now the time to ask a bunch of questions hoping to get some features integrated?
1) Will there be an upgrade in the display compared to LIO? I love how you can name your inputs and have some control over the graphical interface a la audio research's reference line. Input 3 becomes "Oppo 205", New Phonostage module could display your cartridge, load, gain specs, etc... Instead of remembering which dac input is the digital input and which is usb.... they are named what they are so there are no riddles to solve when choosing an input.
Also - this kind of display gives you options down the road to make great improvements via firmware.
2) Also, can you disable inputs that aren't plugged in? When changing between usb dac and phono stage... I don't want to filter through 10 inputs. They are the only inputs connected so it should be one click switching
3) Maintain previous volume used on each input when switching between inputs. Auditioning a new amp or piece of gear is hard when it takes so much time to get to the correct input and then try to volume match
4) I know tone filters a taboo - I like a little extra low end though and a sub isn't always the best answer. Any filtering or tone adjustments on the radar?
5) Make it look like something I want to stare at in the middle of my room for decades to come.
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Hi trev4h,
I'm getting closer to releasing some pics of the upcoming L2 Signature Preamplifier. Possibly sometime next week!
1) As with LIO, the L2 display will be 7-segment LED based (not flourscent backlit LCD readouts). The main
reasons why I prefer this are:
- Lower Noise. The 7 segment LEDs are just that - 7 LEDs per digit. They only run on 5V (as opposed to multiple voltages with other displays), consume very little current, and keep things clean. I can run them, along with all the control circuits (e.g. relays, microcontrollers) on their own dedicated 5V supply (all linear regulated) that is separate from the audio power supply rails to keep those isolated.
- Reliability (never had one fail, and probably won't for a very long time).
- Appearance (I really like the clean, simplistic look of it compared to more exotic displays, but that's just me). I don't want to see
too much "digital tech" on the front of my preamp. Others love that stuff, so it really is a personal preference.
The L2's 3 digits will be larger than LIO's. The window will be larger and a different shape. And you'll be able to adjust the brightness ( continuous adjustment knobs inside the unit), as well as the brightness of the two LEDs on the front (for PWR ON/OFF, and 12V Trigger Outs)... and there still will be a "DARK" mode via the remote if you don't want the display glowing while listening.
I can consider renaming D3 (the USB input) to "USB", and D1 (the optical input) "OPT" , and D2 (the coax input) to "COA" if you think it will be easier to understand. At least the USB input can be "USB", which I think is easier to understand.
2) There are no sensors to detect if a cable is plugged into an input jack or not. So no easy way to skip inputs if they are not plugged in.
The way to do 1 button input switching is to have buttons for every input, but I don't want a bunch of buttons on the front panel or any more added to the remote.
3) This is doable... or perhaps just not changing the volume at all when you switch inputs. Currently, when you switch to phono inputs or dac inputs, it mutes (as they probably will have different gain). I do this to avoid one accidentally having their music play too loud when they switch inputs. But it can be eliminated.
I can change the firmware so it saves the volume setting when you turn the L2 Preamp OFF. Then when you turn it ON again, it will automatically begin at that volume (when you come out of MUTE, as I insist on MUTING during TURN ON and tube warm up to avoid any pops and the like).
4) I have no plans for this.
5) I guess we'll just have to see if I reached this goal when the pics of L2 are ready. :wink:
---
BTW - the volume knobs on the L2 Preamp will be larger (2" vs 1.5" diameter), and we're aiming for them to have what designer David Evett calls "the bank vault" feel. It is his design where there is a spring-loaded ball bearing and many "dimples" machined in behind the knob on the front panel, so as you turn them, you get a very precise feel and click sound.
Each L2 Monoblock, as well as the L2 Preamp, will ship in its own injection-molded hard-case with custom cut foam inserts for maximum protection (They are rated for serious conditions and are water resistant), and many years of use.
More details to share soon...
Thank you,
Vinnie
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It's Friday, and as promised, I have some pics of the upcoming L2 Signature Preamplifier to share. Keep in mind that like the pics of the L2 Monoblocks above, these are quite compressed images to load on audiocircle, but it's a good start! David Evett will be sending me even nicer pics of both the L2 Preamp and Monoblocks for my website next month].
Here we go! 8)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=180205&size=large)
[L2 Signature Preamplifier Front View, w/o Mesh Tube Covers]
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=180202&size=large)
[L2 Signature Preamplifier Front View, w/ Mesh Tube Covers]
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=180203&size=large)
[L2 Signature Preamplifier Back View, w/o Mesh Tube Covers]
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=180204&size=large)
[L2 Signature Preamplifier Front Angle View, w/ Mesh Tube Covers]
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=180208&size=large)
[L2 Signature Preamplifier Top Angle View, w/ Mesh Tube Covers, and showing Mesh Ventilation & engraved logo to match aesthetic of the L2 Signature Monoblocks]
-----
As I mentioned earlier, details are always subject to change, but the following information is the latest that I can share at the moment:
- Just as with the L2 Monoblocks, the L2 Preamplifier is very SOLID (Thick, finely brushed CNC'd aluminum panel construction)!
It's also approx. 3 inches less wide than LIO, but approx. 1.5" taller.
- All circuitry has all been completely redesigned from the ground up.
- With mesh tube covers installed, triodes used in this new circuit are quieter than ever! They can even be internally bypassed with a JFET stage (with a flip of a switch), and there are added gain settings if needed (some users of lower gain tube power amps will appreciate this).
- Output impedance of both SE and BAL outputs is quite low and will have no problem driving loads down to 5kohm with ease.
- Just one switch on the rear-panel to adjust the filament voltage for the various triodes that can be used.
- The left/right Belleson super-regulators for the triode filaments are attached to the 0.5" thick aluminum side panels, so they run cool.
- Top cover mesh (same mesh pattern as L2 Monoblocks) allows for plenty of ventilation.
- The new motherboard PCB layout (4-layer board), as well as power supply PCB layout, we're done by a true layout guru that I hired for this project.
- Firmware is very responsive. New display is larger than LIO, and there are knobs behind the front panel to adjust the display and red LED brightness. Last volume setting is saved when you turn L2 Preamp off and on again. Volume level does not change as you switch inputs. There is a MUTE button added on the front panel. SOURCE and VOLUME knobs are larger and are very solid (we are pressing a bearing into the front panel to secure the shafts), and they will have an awesome feel to them as well (as I mentioned earlier in this thread).
UPDATES, May 18th
L2 Signature Monoblocks:
- All parts (except for the enclosures) are in stock and we have started production!
- Enclosures are shipping end of this month.
- Custom hard cases (pictures coming soon) will be here end of this month.
- Website will have L2 Monoblocks shown and ready to order end of this month.
- Lead-time will be within approx. 3 weeks from when we receive your order.
- Once the L2 Monoblocks are on our website, I'll start a new thread for them here in the VR forum.
- Be on the lookout for an email newsletter by end of this month! If you haven't signed up already, here
is the link to do so: https://www.vinnierossi.com/newsletter-registration/ (https://www.vinnierossi.com/newsletter-registration/)
L2 Signature Preamplifier:
- L2 DAC should be ready end of June.
- L2 Phonostage should be ready end of June.
- Website will have L2 Preamplifier shown and ready to order by end of June.
- L2 Preamplifier enclosures, parts, hard cases, etc. won't be here until early July,
and we should be shipping within approx. 3 weeks from when we receive your order (and subject to change based on demand).
- Once the L2 Preamplifier is on our website, I'll start a new thread for it here in the VR forum as well.
- Lots of more details to share soon enough!
Yeah... it's been busy! :hyper:
Thank you,
Vinnie
-
:o
Looking great!
Can’t wait for more details.
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Wow Vinnie! You are a busy man! I love the look of the L2 pieces and look forward to hearing them at RMAF!
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Thanks, guys!
Even better will be how they sound :wink: :singing:
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Really good looking amps Vinnie!
Will these be offered in silver?
What's the best connection option, RCA or XLR? Are these fully balanced?
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Any trade-in for existing owners for LIO DHT?
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Really good looking amps Vinnie!
Will these be offered in silver?
What's the best connection option, RCA or XLR? Are these fully balanced?
Thanks, Tommy123!
The L2 Signature Preamplifier and Monoblocks will be black as shown (I have no plans at this time to offer them in silver).
Yes, the XLR input/outputs are fully balanced stages. Hard to say which is "best" (depends on the equipment you connect to the L2's inputs/outputs, and how their balanced stages sound compared to their single-ended stages). So definitely try both if you can and then decide what you prefer.
Any trade-in for existing owners for LIO DHT?
Hi lengcm,
I am looking into offering a LIO trade-in program for those who buy a L2 Signature Preamplifier + Monoblock combo. I hope to have all the details figured out in a few weeks...
Thank you,
Vinnie
-
If I use the DAC function (via spdif or USB) on the L2 preamp, will XLR sound better since the signal is fully balanced?
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If I use the DAC function (via spdif or USB) on the L2 preamp, will XLR sound better since the signal is fully balanced?
Hi Tommy123,
You may very well prefer the sound of the XLR outputs. You have to try and compare...
Vinnie
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Vinnie-
Looking at the photos of the new preamp and amp rear panels I see IEC sockets for power cords. Do I assume correctly that no external power supply will be used for these components? If that is the case will you continue to use an external power for the LIO or will that change in the future?
-
Vinnie-
Looking at the photos of the new preamp and amp rear panels I see IEC sockets for power cords. Do I assume correctly that no external power supply will be used for these components?
Hi bernardo,
Yes, you are correct.
If that is the case will you continue to use an external power for the LIO or will that change in the future?
I will continue to use an external power supply for LIO. This *may* change at some point, but is not currently in the works.
Vinnie
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No headphone amp?
X1 outs?
Pretty slick looking and can't wait to hear more about it but I have to admit I like the one box solution.
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No headphone amp?
X1 outs?
Pretty slick looking and can't wait to hear more about it but I have to admit I like the one box solution.
Hi tme110,
There are no headphone output or Spatial X1 options.
The L2 Signature Preamp will only have the following two add-on module options:
1) L2 DAC
2) L2 Phonostage
Vinnie
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Hi Vinnie,
Exciting always to hear about your new products.
How much “better” do you feel the upcoming L2 preamp with monoblocks are compared to the LIO DHT?
Thanks!
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I am not Vinnie but as an owner of a LIO I can tell you Vinnie has moved the transparency needle with the new products. I heard the new stuff at Axpona and all I can say is that everybody in the room had nothing but the highest praise of the new stuff. The dynamics were best I heard that day. Soundstage was walk into and sit down to listen to the orchestra. Clarity on a par with anything I heard at Axpona. If you are thinking of going this way you will not be disappointed.
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Hi Vinnie,
Exciting always to hear about your new products.
How much “better” do you feel the upcoming L2 preamp with monoblocks are compared to the LIO DHT?
Thanks!
Hi sbj23,
Thank you!
The upcoming L2 Signature Preamplifier + Monoblocks are substantially better than LIO DHT Integrated. These are not
small refinements - these are both entirely new designs from the ground up (except for the L2 DAC module, which will be based on the LIO DAC 2.0 module). Once I post all the details, I'll have more to say about them...
I am not Vinnie but as an owner of a LIO I can tell you Vinnie has moved the transparency needle with the new products. I heard the new stuff at Axpona and all I can say is that everybody in the room had nothing but the highest praise of the new stuff. The dynamics were best I heard that day. Soundstage was walk into and sit down to listen to the orchestra. Clarity on a par with anything I heard at Axpona. If you are thinking of going this way you will not be disappointed.
Theobetley's feedback above (thank you, Ted!) is based on listening to a pre-production pair of L2 Signature Monoblocks (fed from a LIO DHT Preamp) at Axpona 2018 last April. He and his friend have both been to my room at numerous shows, and immediately heard (as did many other show attendees who are very familiar with LIO) what the L2 Monoblocks deliver... and that was without the L2 Preamplifier! :o
The L2 Preamplifier takes performance a lot higher (Its new DHT circuit is proving to be not only be incredibly quiet with all the compatible DHT's, but it is showing the subtle, and not so subtle, differences between them even more).
I appreciate all your interest, and especially patience, as I finalize L2. This has taken far more time than anything else I have designed, and I want to get it all as perfect as possible before going into production. I hope many of you will be able to experience the L2 System at RMAF in October (in two different rooms this year!). RMAF 2018 will be my "official" L2 release show. 8)
Back to work for me! :whip:
Vinnie
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Hi lengcm,
I am looking into offering a LIO trade-in program for those who buy a L2 Signature Preamplifier + Monoblock combo. I hope to have all the details figured out in a few weeks...
Thank you,
Vinnie
HOPE YOU OFFER SOME OF THE TRADED IN LIO'S FOR SALE....!!!!
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HOPE YOU OFFER SOME OF THE TRADED IN LIO'S FOR SALE....!!!!
Hi gene9p,
Yes, that is the idea. :idea: 8)
Vinnie
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:D
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UPDATES, May 30th
L2 Signature Monoblocks:
- All parts (except for the enclosures) are in stock and we have started production of sub-assemblies.
- Enclosures are expected to arrive at the end of next week.
- Some of the custom hard cases (pictures coming soon) have arrived and more on the way in a few weeks.
- VR website will have the L2 Monoblock page up and ready for processing orders by end of next week.
- Lead-time will be within approx. 3 weeks from when we receive your order (so they'll be shipping by end of June).
- I'm working on taking measurements and will add them to the Specifications section of the website.
- Once the L2 Monoblocks are on our website, I'll start a new thread for them here in the VR forum with all the latest
details.
Please keep in mind that although I'll have the L2 Monoblocks on our website by end of next week, the page (and the entire VR website, for that matter) will be cleaned up more over the summer, and with new images.
L2 Signature Preamplifier:
- L2 Preamplifier enclosures, parts, hard cases, etc. will not be here until end of July. As we get much closer to this time, I'll have the L2 Preamp webpage / ordering info added, and we should be shipping within approx. 3 weeks from when we receive your order.
- L2 DAC should be ready end of July.
- L2 Phonostage should be ready end of July.
- Once the L2 Preamplifier is on our website, I'll start a new thread for it here in the VR forum as well.
LIO Trade-In's
I'm figuring out the details and hope to have more info next week. Please email me if you have trade-in questions.
- Be on the lookout for an email newsletter by end of next week regarding L2! If you haven't signed up already, here
is the link to do so: https://www.vinnierossi.com/newsletter-registration/
Thank you,
Vinnie
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Now when I read there would be a LIO trade in program I think I might be in trouble.
Is the price list for preamp, its modules and monos set?
Also, what is trg button on peamp for?
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Now when I read there would be a LIO trade in program I think I might be in trouble.
Is the price list for preamp, its modules and monos set?
Also, what is trg button on peamp for?
Hi mirekti,
I'm actually working on the webpages for both L2 products this weekend.
The TRIG button on the L2 Preamp turns ON/OFF the dual 12V Trigger Output jacks on the rear panel (which can be used
to remotely turn on/off the L2 Monoblocks or any other product with a 12V Trigger Input).
So if one is using the L2 Preamp + Monoblocks, they can turn ON/OFF all together with the press of the PWR button on the remote
handset (or the PWR button on the L2 Preamp front panel).
The L2 Signature Preamplifer will cost $14,995. L2 DAC will add $3,495. L2 Phonostage will add $3,495.
The L2 Signature Monoblocks will cost $14,995/pair.
More information on all of the above will be coming soon, along with information on trade-ins (yes, there will be a LIO trade-in policy!).
L2 discussion threads here on the VR forum are also coming soon. 8)
Vinnie
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Price is not outrageous. I figure the L2 phono and DAC will cost about the same in the LIO, and my figuring, the L2 is about 5K more than the LIO with DHT + headphone amp. Guess I better sell some gear, because I think I would go the L2 route, even if I have to space out getting the modules.
Dang you Vinnie, I was figuring you would price your new stuff far enough out of my price range that I would not even pay attention.
Congrats on getting this stuff going. I get the feeling you are quite excited about your new products. I will continue to look forward. I have been researching awhile. There are a few DACs with pre-amp function, but one or the other is usually compromised. There are very few good pre-amps with the highest quality phono sections anymore. The industry seems to want you to stay with multiple boxes, just what I am trying to get out of.
Will there be any silver in the L2 series? Or Black only? I like the look of the silver front, with black top and knobs of the LIO.
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Well, I have heard the monos and DHT combo at Axpona, and it was really, really great. I could only imagine sound in my room if I upgraded from AVC/Tubestage to L2 combo, but the price is way out of my ballpark. We are talking about Lexus ES price range, and if I trade in, a Toyota Camry.
One thing is sure. I like my LIO, and I bet those who can afford L2 combo will be thrilled.
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Hi Vinnie,
Thanks for the reply! Great to hear that the L2s will be a substantial improvement.
Looking at the design, I’m assuming the preamp and monoblocks can’t be stacked on top of each other. What do you expect heat generation to be like? Could they be stored inside a cabinet, as the LIO can?
Thanks!
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Looking at the design, I’m assuming the preamp and monoblocks can’t be stacked on top of each other. What do you expect heat generation to be like? Could they be stored inside a cabinet, as the LIO can?
Hi sbj23,
The L2 Preamp and Monoblocks cannot be stacked on top of each other. You can stack just the Monoblocks
if you are trying to save some space.
You can store them all inside a cabinet -if- there is some space around the units, and the cabinet is not fully enclosed (you don't want to trap heat inside). Otherwise, I do not recommend doing so.
L2 Preamp's power consumption and heat generation should be somewhere "in the ballpark" of LIO DHT PRE, but much better spread out over a far thicker aluminum enclosure design and much improved ventilation to keep internal temps lower.
L2 Mono's will only get warm if you are playing at sustained loud volumes into lower impedance speakers. Otherwise, their thick
aluminum enclosure does a good job at spreading the heat so you probably won't even feel them get that warm at all.
I'll be adding power dissipation specs to both L2 webpages soon enough.
---
Also, I started the L2 Signature Monoblocks discussion thread, here:
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=158150.0 (https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=158150.0)
L2 Signature Preamplifier discussion thread also coming sometime this month.
Thanks,
Vinnie