Topic: Liquid Lightning MK II LL2 Impressions (Read 18631 times)

Marvey · « **Reply #30 on:** April 16, 2013, 12:27:17 AM »

The demo LL1 certainly did not compete against the T2DIY or Orpheus at the micro-meet we had. I wouldn't say the LL1 is shit as I have recommended it to other people for use with the 009s. The relative weaknesses of the LL1 IMO are as follows in no particular order:

Lack of resolving ability relative to BHSE, T2DIY.
Slight lack of microdynamics compared to BHSE. On the level of the KGSSHV.
Not as precise or articulate as the BHSE, T2DIY, KGSSHV, etc.
A smoothed over slightly forgiving sound - on the refined and polite side - which was not to my taste.

Tonally, I much preferred the LL1 over the BHSE with the 009. With the 009, I was willing to sacrifice the what the BHSE did really well to avoid the raspy treble of the BHSE and get the better bass and overall macro-dynamics of the LL1. With the 007mk1, the BHSE is very good and would probably be my preference.

I've never directly compared the LL1 to the KGSSHV, but to be frank, I've never cared for the KGSSHV. It's control over the STAX drivers is unprecedented, but it renders music with no soul. It's as if subtle aspects of music get omitted. My ambivalence toward the KGSSHV and criticism of how it sounds "flat" is well known around here.

As to the massive improvements of the LL2 over the LL1 demo I had, I too am dumbfounded at how this could be possible with "tweaks" to reduce stray capacitance. It's my understanding from Alex, that these were not exactly simple tweaks, and I would rather defer to him.

IMO, the LL2 unit I heard is a better amp overall compared to the KGSSHV or BHSE. The reason is because it renders the fine detail and microdynamic contrasts which the KGSSHV and to a lesser extent, the BHSE, are not able to do. I even think the LL2 in these two specific attributes may be a hair better than the T2DIY. Although the T2DIY is better than the LL2 in several other ways: precision (bass), openness (nothing can touch this aspect of the T2 except maybe the Electra with good tubes on a good day), macro-dynamics, etc.

Bottom line is that Alex did a great job on the LL2. It's a great amp not because of prejudice or bias, but because I feel it sounds great. I don't think it's about personalities and the amp builders, I think it's just that there wasn't much of a choice before.

Marvey · « **Reply #31 on:** April 16, 2013, 12:57:34 AM »

Quote from: n3rdling on April 16, 2013, 12:06:56 AM

It being a prototype at the time potentially changes a lot, though. It's much easier to tell somebody you don't like their unfinished, in-progress work than their final design, even in a polite way. Would you have said the same thing if that was the production version? Honest question.

Yes.

Because the Electra at 2012 THE SHOW was essentially the production version to be priced at $2800. Anax and I told him it sucked. Craig gave us lame excuses "well that guy over there liked it." Then he asked us, "well, would you guys buy the BHSE or Electra", and we answered "neither". Then he said "fuck you". Then I said "fuck you", come over to my place and listen to the T2DIY. After a couple more "fuck yous", where the T2DIY also told Craig "fuck you", he decided to make major changes to the Electra. Keep in mind this was almost a year ago.

The thing with Craig is that he knows when his stuff sounds like shit. He just tries to test us to see what he can get away with.

Quote from: n3rdling on April 16, 2013, 12:06:56 AM

Regarding atmosphere, I agree that HC has one that would definitely keep a non-regular from posting positive things about certain manufacturers, but it takes some time to create that sort of environment. Not that I think CS would ever get so venomous, but CS is still relatively young. I think if a non-regular came here and said what I said regarding CS having a bias towards certain manufacturers, there'd be a bit of a dog pile going on but I know most of you guys so I probably get a little slack.

We absolutely have bias with certain manufacturers. I would say that we are on friendly terms with Craig, Jason, Donald, Alex (and some others). It doesn't prevent us not liking their products or recommending products from others. I don't care for the Asgard 1 and to a lesser extent the Lyr (although at that price, it's is hard to beat, and it's still better than a Burson HA160.) Donald knows I don't care for the Sonett 1. I've also criticized aspects of the Stratus and Gungnir. I've been well known not to care much for the LF.

Whether the dog-pile happens depends upon how someone presents themselves. If people can qualify their reasons for liking or disliking something, especially in a detailed way and in a comparative sense, I don't think they have anything to be worried about. Generally, the dog-piles happen when people come in and try to show off how smart they or and promote a certain agenda rather than to truly contribute. Honestly, I'm really happen when some random person comes in and says I heard X and I like/hate it for X and Y reasons. How do you guys feel?

MuppetFace · « **Reply #32 on:** April 16, 2013, 01:34:30 AM »

Quote from: Mr.Sneis on April 15, 2013, 11:34:54 PM

Just fired off an email to runeight, is it hard to get in on these types of things?

Let him know what source you plan to use with it and what stats you own. I suspect he's looking for people who can write detailed impressions and / or people who are in the market for a high-end stat amp.

Mention that you can post impressions on both head-fi and changstar.

Tari · « **Reply #33 on:** April 16, 2013, 01:38:20 AM »

And for goshsakes do not tell him you are a jinx on the gear that goes through your place. These guys are really superstitious about that kind of stuff.

Mr.Sneis · « **Reply #34 on:** April 16, 2013, 02:39:42 AM »

Well he got back to me asking if I was part of the Gilmore group. Not quite sure what that meant but I said I respect the Justins Headamp brand and which many amps are of KG designs and that I am not the type to slander anyone either way. Also said I am a good standing member of CS, HF, and HC and wish everyone would just get along.

Hope this doesn't hurt my street cred!!

Why would anyone be a jinx on gear exactly? Crazy talk!

Tari · « **Reply #35 on:** April 16, 2013, 02:44:41 AM »

He's talking about the dedicated obsessive fans of Gilmore Girls on HF. Alex is a die-hard Dawson's Creek fan and will fight you if you think Gilmore Girls is better.

Yeah, he basically doesn't want to send out his 5K amp for free to someone who wants it for the express purpose of trashing it, especially seeing how concerted group effort essentially assassinated it the first time around. You should be good to go.

Mr.Sneis · « **Reply #36 on:** April 16, 2013, 03:11:46 AM »

B...but... I am a Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan!

I think I'm good to go then, looking forward to hearing the amp if I make the cut.

Anaxilus. · « **Reply #37 on:** April 16, 2013, 03:17:23 AM »

Yes. Craig was intent on selling that as a finished design, that's why I let him have it. It looked exactly like the amp that was just brought to the last Bay area meet. That was not the original prototype, but a pre production design. Craig's been known to play games with us seeing what he can get away with at a certain price point. Also, why do think the Monolith is being sold as a kit and not a finished product? We ripped it to shreds and told Craig to go buy a Schiit amp instead. Not really a problem w/ the amps design but the components and price point he was aiming for hit too far below the mark we thought. At least now you can populate the boards however you like and make an uber Monolith to compete w/ the Darkstar if you want to.

Is someone forcing you to use the E90? Let's see what happens at the next meet when you bring your SR5 and the 950 is plugged into the Electra.

Marvey · « **Reply #38 on:** April 16, 2013, 03:46:42 AM »

Quote from: Mr.Sneis on April 16, 2013, 02:39:42 AM

Well he got back to me asking if I was part of the Gilmore group. Not quite sure what that meant but I said I respect the Justins Headamp brand and which many amps are of KG designs and that I am not the type to slander anyone either way. Also said I am a good standing member of CS, HF, and HC and wish everyone would just get along.

Hope this doesn't hurt my street cred!!

Why would anyone be a jinx on gear exactly? Crazy talk!

Although I haven't spoken much to him concerning these issues, Alex is just exercising an overabundance of caution. Put it this way. A while back, someone @HF had asked my about what amp to pair with the 009. I asked him some questions about his DAC, his musical preferences, his sonic preferences, where he was willing to compromise, etc. Based on the answers, I recommended to him the LL. The retort I got back was something to the effect of "No to LL. I don't want it to explode like a Singlepower amp." I'm not exactly sure where stuff like that comes from, but I have some ideas. And I'm sure Alex does too.

Maxvla · « **Reply #39 on:** April 16, 2013, 03:51:17 AM »

I think we're pretty fair around here. There are certainly conflicting viewpoints, not the group-think of HC, and we exist in more or less a harmonious state, and are welcoming to new viewpoints no matter how strange they are (like mine, as Mike well knows). There is certainly a tendency to try products from DNA/Schiit/EC if you browse here regularly, but I think the atmosphere here is open enough that you can say you didn't like a product from them and not be tied to a horse and dragged out of town.

Wish I could give on-topic input, but even though I had opportunity with the LL2 at Austin, I'm not interested in stats atm so I didn't bother.

Author Topic: Liquid Lightning MK II LL2 Impressions (Read 18631 times)

Marvey

Re: Liquid Lightning MK II LL2 Impressions

Marvey

Re: Liquid Lightning MK II LL2 Impressions

MuppetFace

Re: Liquid Lightning MK II LL2 Impressions

Tari

Re: Liquid Lightning MK II LL2 Impressions

Mr.Sneis

Re: Liquid Lightning MK II LL2 Impressions

Tari

Re: Liquid Lightning MK II LL2 Impressions

Mr.Sneis

Re: Liquid Lightning MK II LL2 Impressions

Anaxilus.

Re: Liquid Lightning MK II LL2 Impressions

Marvey

Re: Liquid Lightning MK II LL2 Impressions

Maxvla

Re: Liquid Lightning MK II LL2 Impressions

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