SOLD
This LIO for Sale: Looking for a quick sale for this LIO originally priced LIO $9775; asking $5000. Original owner (not pets, no smoking). Photos posted later or on request. Condition: flawless; I used gloves in rare times I touch it! I have the original packing materials and boxes (dual boxed) and owner's manual.
This LIO is configured with the DAC-2 ($3295) and upgraded to the L2 using Bellerons SPZ super-regulators ($200), the AVC ($1495), the core LIO platform ($2995), MOSFET amp ($895) and a custom headphone configuration that allows the Class A/B amp to power headphones ($895) so the total original cost was $9775 priced direct from Vinnie Rossi. The L2 DAC-2 in my LIO is the same that’s in his new line (starting at $14k without modules).
Other LIOs for Sale: If you know *everything* about the history of the LIO, you may wonder if this LIO has the silent switching; it does! If you look at other LIOs be sure to ask if theirs has silent switching. Also, there is a huge difference between the DAC1 ($895) and the L2-DAC2 ($3295+$200); likely there are very few L2 DACs in LIOs.
My thoughts on this system, it’s seriously the best system that I’ve owned in my 30 years of audio. It drives speakers you might not originally think of particularly well; I’m driving B&W 803s (also for sale) with the LIO. Given the unique power supply, it’s completely silent and sounds superb at low and high listening levels. I started out with the DAC1 and traded it in for the L2 DAC2; the L2 DAC2 delivered the most noticeable improvement on any single component in any audio system I’ve ever had...it’s that good. Feed it a high quality stream, DSFs, FLACs and you will be rewarded. Listening to songs you know very well you will be shocked at the difference the Amp+L2DAC2+(off the grid power supply) you hear in you favorite songs.
Vinnie Rossi’s description of the modules that are in my LIO below:
L2 DAC2 ($3295) and upgraded to L2 ($200) - The L2 DAC is our latest, statement-level d-a converter module that allows music to flow in an effortless manner that mirrors true analog playback with its highly resolving and dynamic, yet non-fatiguing sound signature. No matter if you are playing PCM files from 16-bit/44.1kHz to 32-bit/768kHz or DSD files from DSD64 to DSD512, you will become captivated listening with Vinnie Rossi’s approach to digital playback.
L2 DAC Features:
> 115dB
Bit-perfect playback at sampling rates up to PCM 768kHz (16, 24, or 32 bit compatible), as well up to DSD512. Sample rates are viewable from the front panel display.
* Dual-mono design, with one flagship AKM AK4497EQ d/a chip per channel.
* Fully discrete, pure Class-A JFET analog outputs stage design with cascode constant-current source biasing (no opamps).
* On-board FPGA buffer and femto-reclocking circuitry negates effects of jitter. Isolated input stages.
‘NOS’ (non-oversampling) filter mode with digital filter bypass, as well as a Minimal Phase digital filter mode (selected via the “FILTER” button on the L2 Remote).
* Absolute polarity ‘normal’ / Absolute polarity ‘inverted’ modes (selected via the “PHASE” button on the L2 Remote).
* Belleson Super-regulated voltage feed to numerous ultra-low noise, linear voltage regulators used throughout (for both digital and analog sections).
* “Silent” mute ‘reed relays’ (*barely* an audible click from the board when changing tracks of a different sample rate).
* Inputs: 1 USB, 1 Coax (75-ohm BNC, with included RCA adapter) and 1 TOSLINK (optical).
* Connect up to three devices and switch between them via L2 front panel or the remote handset.
Autoformer Volume Control (AVC) ($1495) - This is a premium volume control option that is an alternative to the LIO RVC (or RVC + Tubestage combo, as it takes the place of the LIO Tubestage module). The heart of this module is the amazing top of-the-line autoformer made by Dave Slagle. It is 100% passive and sonically transparent with the entire signal path consisting of only pure magnet wire and high quality switching elements made by Pickering in England. Full remote control of volume up and down and also right/left balance and mute function.
Notable is the small 1db step size – unheard of for an autoformer or transformer volume control.
Features
* Volume range is -54db on up to +7db
* 1dB step size
* Attenuation range: -54db to +7db
* Full dual mono switching allows for L/R balance control with no additional circuitry
* Balance adjustments in 1dB steps via LIO remote control handset, or LIO’s tablet/phone interface.
MOSFET Amp ($895) - The LIO MOSFET Amp delivers up to 65 Watts per channel of high current (2-ohm stable) power to drive all but the most power hungry speakers with stunning clarity and linearity. Ideal for the listener who favors quality over quantity, the LIO MOSFET Amp is fast on its feet and deeply musical. It conveys the true emotion from your recordings, even at lower listening levels, that few amplifiers can rival. One listen and you will be hooked!
Features:
* Output stage: Class AB, MOSFET
* Power output: 25 wpc @ 8-ohms, 45 wpc @ 4-ohms, 65 wpc @ 2-ohms
* Fed directly from LIO’s high-current, PURE DC-4-EVR ultracapacitor power supply
* Cardas rhodium-plated binding posts
Custom Headphone Amp Topology ($895) - There is no description of this from Vinnie but he did wire this LIO so that the Class AB MOSFET amp is also used to power headphones from the front jack on the LIO. I have very power-hungry headphones (HE-6) that are notorious for being hard to drive and this amp easily drives them. I also have both the 4-pin XLR jack and the TRS jack and switching between the two is super easy.
The following is a description of LIO’s core technologies:
Pure DC-4-EVR Ultracapacitor Technology - The AC power that comes into your home to power your audio system is prone to voltage fluctuations and to picking up noise from household appliances. Both get in the way of maximum audio performance. Many audiophiles use expensive “power conditioners” to reduce the problems – but not eliminate them entirely. We have a better way.
Both LIO and VR120 feature an all-new, patent-pending power supply design that isolates all audio circuitry from the AC mains power.
“PURE DC-4-EVR” technology employs ultracapacitor banks in place of conventional AC power or batteries. While one bank of ultracapacitors is feeding isolated DC current to the audio circuits, the other bank is charging. The audio circuitry is NEVER connected to the charging ultracapacitor bank and is isolated from the AC mains. This approach provides dramatic performance and durability advantages over every other power supply technology – whether AC or battery powered.
Compared to traditional AC powered components:
* LIO / VR120’s audio circuits are isolated from the AC mains
* AC hum and noise is rendered negligible for a “black” background from which the subtlest musical information emerges with clarity
* No need for expensive power conditioners, “audiophile” power cords or dedicated power lines.
* High current supply – as there is no AC to DC conversion inside the component, so LIO/VR120 has no transformers or bridge rectifiers that choke instantaneous current and make noise. You will enjoy greater dynamics with tight, precise bass response along with more open and extended treble.
Compared to battery powered components:
* Super-fast charging time.
* Lifespan rated at 1,000,000 cycles (compare that to 2,000 cycles for the best Lithium battery topologies), so you will never need to replace the ultracapacitors.
* Higher current output to run LIO / VR120’s MOSFET power amplifier.
* Environmentally friendly – uses no heavy metals and has no disposal issues.
* Maintenance free
* Ultra-low internal resistance of < 0.003 ohms per cell – our cleanest, highest-current DC power supply yet!
* No memory effects
Modular Topology - LIO is a modular system that gives you the ability to add features and upgrades at any time. It is designed for long-term ownership, with the ability to easily configure it for your current and future needs.
Unlike conventional high-end audio components, where multiple boxes are connected to each other by costly noise-and-distortion-inducing interconnect cables, LIO offers a modular approach combats planned obsolescence and offers the highest value by consolidating multiple functions into one chassis and power supply. Compare the cost of a well-configured LIO with the cost of similar high performance separate components.
With LIO you can configure a system that perfectly combines all of your current audio needs into one chassis. When you are ready to add functionality or upgrade to new technology, LIO is 100% user updatable via plug in modules (no soldering or special electronics knowledge needed). You never have to take a big loss on a used component sale to get the latest LIO design.
Features:
* Clean and intuitive user interface
* Front panel display, and mode select to view operational data (Volume level, Input source, DAC frequency, Phonostage loading, display on/off)
* Full function remote control included
* Easy to remove sliding top plate for quick access to internal modules
* Dedicated, low noise linear power regulation and isolation between modules
* Small, external ac/dc power adapter – keeps any ac noise away from your music
* User-replaceable front, side, and top plates to allow for the customization of the product aesthetics at any time.
Optimized Signal Path - Some people have come to believe that audiophile grade interconnect cables make systems sound better. We don’t see it that way – a cable’s job is to get signal from Point A to Point B without changing it. A cable can’t improve the sound; it can only avoid making it worse. Very good cables simply get out of the way, but the best cable is no cable!
The kinds of cables that have near-zero signal effect tend to be expensive. A typical system with multiple separate sources would need at least four pair of interconnect cables ranging in total cost from $400 for low-mid-grade to $2000 for high-mid-grade, to many thousands for cost-no-object cables.
LIO has a better way. Each Performance Module is connected to other modules and the LIO’s PURE DC-4-EVR power supply via LIO’s unique motherboard that neatly routes audio signal and power traces. These signal and power paths are extremely short (just a few inches – not meters) to avoid picking up noise from external devices. LIO’s Optimized Signal Path approach also avoids the distortion effects generated by the added resistance and capacitance that even the best cables introduce. With LIO you do not need distortion-inducing interconnect cables at all.
Shielding and Noise Suppression - A vital element for the purest, most accurate and most realistic audio experience is negligibly low noise. Besides its PURE DC-4EVR ultracapacitor power supply, all LIO components and the VR120 Power Amplifier utilize other technologies to ensure that your music emerges from a black background.
There are no power transformers inside the chassis that could induce hum and noise. All performance modules are isolated from each other via their own dedicated linear regulators that are fed from a clean ultracapacitor supply.
LIO’s power grounds, analog grounds, and digital grounds are all isolated from each other and star grounded directly to the aluminum chassis.
External sources can also introduce noise into any component. For example, interconnect cables can pick up radio frequency (RF) and electro-magnetic field (EMF) noise from a variety of sources including common household appliances, audio, video, and computer components as well as cellular and Wi-Fi devices. The integrated nature of LIO means there are fewer interconnect cables in your system, minimizing the possibility of introducing noise. We are fond of saying “the best sounding cable is no cable.”
