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Author Topic: Cavalli Liquid Lightning and LL2?  (Read 681 times)

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takato14

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Cavalli Liquid Lightning and LL2?
« on: June 25, 2015, 01:32:09 AM »
Paraphrased from shoutbox:

Has anyone heard the Liquid Lighting? A friend of mine is getting a 009 and while he does have a placeholder amp lined up, he wants to know his final upgrade path from the get-go.

He doesn't want to deal with the build time of a BHSE, but he also hates warmth with a burning passion, so tubes (and thus any Woo stuff) is out of the question. The new all-solid-state LL2 is what I suggested to him, but he responded with reports of it sounding midcentric (limited bandwidth) and the output capacitance mucking up the low end. I can't seem to find much info on here so I figured I'd just make a new thread.

The main things I'd like to know is whether or not the LL2 sounds good with the 009, and whether or not it's colored sounding. It'd also be helpful to know how the LL2T and the LL2 compare, as well as how both compare to the original model.

His preferences are Q701, Ety ER-4S, and such, so from what I've heard about it the 009 should be a decent match for him. But warmth is his mortal enemy, and if there's a coloration in the sound somewhere, he's gonna be annoyed by it.

TL;DR: is the LL2 perfect Y/N? if N, what is perfect?
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Marvey

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Re: Cavalli Liquid Lightning and LL2?
« Reply #1 on: June 25, 2015, 03:49:55 AM »
I think he'd like the LL2 with the 009 if he hates warm. Most people prefer the LL2 with the 007 and LL2T with the 009. When cold, the LL2 was a bit bright with the 009, but after the amp was left on for a bit, just right... silky treble. Comparatively, BHSE is leaner in the bass. Woo WES is not just warmer and rolled, but down right gooey. WES also sounds weird depending upon volume knob. Dunno, maybe he might like the BHSE.
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dBel84

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Re: Cavalli Liquid Lightning and LL2?
« Reply #2 on: June 25, 2015, 04:32:24 AM »
The LL2 (both versions) is a stellar performer and has great synergy with the 009.

My totally unbiased opinion
.. dB

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Out Of Your Head

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Re: Cavalli Liquid Lightning and LL2?
« Reply #3 on: June 25, 2015, 05:20:50 AM »
Full disclosure that I know the designer of this electrostatic amp, but I just thought I'd throw this out there...


Of course I am talking about the Vostok Sound ES-21 solid state electrostatic amp/dynamic headphone amp/DAC combo.


No one has heard the latest version yet, but hopefully a few pyrates will hear it with the SR-009's this Sat at Changfest. Depending on the impressions, it might be an option. Of course if it sucks, I am sure they'll let us know!


The price is under $5K. It also has user replaceable DAC boards and they plan on offering various DAC chip options. They mentioned CS4398, AK4490, and [/size]ES9018S as possible options.[/color]
Anyway, it's a total unknown, but I thought their last version was pretty good. I'll let you know about the latest version this weekend.


I can tell you that this amp will definitely not be rolled off, tubey, syrupy, etc. The designer is all about detail and super low distortion. He hates the Stax 007t amp.


Where is your friend located? I could also arrange a loaner of my unit if he's interested.  PM me or e-mail me: info at fongaudio.com


What about the EC Elektra? I don't have any experience with it, but I am sure Marv can fill you in unless it's not allowed now that he is MOT.
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n3rdling

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Re: Cavalli Liquid Lightning and LL2?
« Reply #4 on: June 25, 2015, 05:59:37 AM »
Your friend is welcome to PM me on HF
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anetode

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Re: Cavalli Liquid Lightning and LL2?
« Reply #5 on: June 25, 2015, 06:36:55 AM »
The LL2 is better with the 007 than the 009, IMO. Don't know about the LL2T.
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takato14

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Re: Cavalli Liquid Lightning and LL2?
« Reply #6 on: June 26, 2015, 06:24:55 PM »
Thanks for the help guys. So, the general gist I'm getting is that the LL2T does have some slight warmth compared to the LL2?

I'll keep an eye out for impressions of the Vostok, Out Of Your Head. Thank you.

Quote from: n3rdling on June 25, 2015, 05:59:37 AM
Your friend is welcome to PM me on HF
uhh, for what, exactly? lol
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Marvey

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Re: Cavalli Liquid Lightning and LL2?
« Reply #7 on: June 26, 2015, 06:55:19 PM »
Quote from: takato14 on June 26, 2015, 06:24:55 PM
Thanks for the help guys. So, the general gist I'm getting is that the LL2T does have some slight warmth compared to the LL2?

Bass seems same, but treble is more laid back with 2T. Again, I didn't have a problem with the LL2 and 009; although many people I've noted do prefer the 007 / LL2 pairng and 009 / LL2T pairing.

I actually prefer the LL2 to the LL2T. Another alternative is KHSSHV. He might be able to get one readily available from Spritzer in Iceland: http://mjolnir-audio.com/?page_id=14

Just giving you all the possibilities.
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