The Lavricables Master power cable was sent to test and submit my subjective opinion as to whether it makes any sonic differences compared to the stock black cables. I didn’t receive monetary or any other kind of compensation and I don’t use affiliate links. The price of the Lavricables Master power cable is €385.00 ex. VAT for 1.5m length and can be ordered from Lavricables.
Lavricables
Lavricables, a company based in Latvia, was established in 2012 as a hobby. They prioritize the highest quality of their products by utilizing pure silver, which is currently recognized as the most effective conductor. Silver is renowned for its neutrality, resolution, and soundstage openness. Additionally, the braided solid core cable geometry employed by Lavricables helps eliminate radio frequencies and electromagnetic interferences. Moreover, the increased number of cores minimizes skin effect on high frequencies. At present, Lavricables produces cables for headphones, earphones, interconnects, speakers, and power cables. Their product range consists of four lines: Reference, Ultimate, Master, and Grand. For more detailed information, please visit the Lavricables website.
Lavricables Master power cable V3
The third generation V3 of the Lavricables Master power cable is now available, offering several improvements over its predecessor, the V2. In this latest version, the overall silver gauge has been increased, and larger gauge and shape cores have been added. The cable is carefully braided and consists of 20 cores of pure silver, each with a complex geometry. For the active line, 7 cores of 5N solid silver wire (4x AWG28 + 2x AWG26 + 1x AWG26 ribbon) are used, while the neutral line also utilizes 7 cores of the same specifications. These cores are responsible for transferring the AC voltage. Additionally, 6 cores of silver-plated copper with a diameter of 0.3mm are employed for the earth line. The use of 5N silver ensures faster transmission of electrical signals with reduced distortion compared to ordinary OFC material. Furthermore, the separated 20 cores help minimize the skin effect.
The cable is designed without shielding to enhance the sense of air and transparency. Lavricables utilize a woven teflon litz construction to effectively reject RFI and EMI, while also offering low capacitance. The high-grade teflon insulation provides a superior air dielectric and is considered the top choice for insulating bare cables, ensuring safety even with continuous voltage of up to 300 AC. Lavricables highly recommend the Master power cable for utilization in preamps, DACs, streamers, and AB class integrated amplifiers.
Build quality
The Lavricables Master power cable is engineered to withstand heavy-duty use. Its robust outer sheath provides excellent durability and wear resistance, while its flexible nature allows for easy bending without any tangling or deformation. The cable is terminated with high-quality carbon, rhodium plated plugs that not only offer top-notch performance but also have a luxurious appearance. Additionally, heat shrink reliefs are included at the plug entry points to protect against stresses caused by bending. This premium cable is a luxurious and exceptionally crafted product that guarantees both a stunning aesthetic and superior quality.
Cable thoughts
I do not blindly trust all Lavricables products. I use their headphone cables because after excessive testing i have found their transparency appealing and have chosen to use them exclusively as my aftermarket cables. However, each cable must pass my subjective listening tests and prove that it enhances the audio quality before I add it to my collection.
In the realm of audio cables, I approach them with a balanced perspective – not blindly trusting, yet not dismissing them entirely. Subjectivity plays a significant role in the audio hobby, so I conduct my own listening tests to determine if a cable truly improves the audio experience before incorporating it into my setup.
Please note that my evaluation of the Lavricables master power cable is based solely on subjective listening tests and lacks scientific validation. Your own experience with this cable may differ due to personal biases and variations in your audio setup.
Listening impressions
The cable underwent extensive testing for over a month across a range of speaker and headphone systems. Several notable audio devices were utilized during the testing phase, including the FiiO R9, HIFIMAN SERENADE, Auris HA2-SE+, Audiolab 9000N, Lab 12 Integre4 MK2, Hegel H190, Denafrips Venus II and Violectric V380².
I tend to be quite skeptical when it comes to power cables, as they are the final link in the audio chain that I typically address. Despite this, I opt not to use the standard black cables, but instead invest in quality and affordable power cables from a variety of brands.
The question that arises is whether I noticed any significant difference between using a black cable and the Lavricables Master power cable. To be frank, I did detect a subtle sonic enhancement in most of the setups I tried, although the changes were not drastic. Nevertheless, in a well-matched system where all other components are in place, the Lavricables Master power cable can truly elevate the overall audio experience.
More listening impressions
The Lavricables Master power cable provides enhancement particularly in terms of transparency and clarity. It creates a darker background that allows for a more precise focus on intricate details and even the softest notes. Furthermore, this power cable can elevate the sound quality of a high-end audio system by creating a more expansive soundstage, sharper imaging, better clarity, and enhanced layering. When used to power an integrated or headphone amplifier, the Lavricables Master cable can improve dynamics slightly and contribute to a faster transient response. Importantly, this power cable does not introduce any harshness or brightness to the treble frequencies, maintaining the system’s frequency linearity. Additionally, there is a noticeable refinement, particularly in the treble region, where the cable imparts a smooth and velvety quality.
Having a high-quality audio system with transparent and revealing characteristics is essential to fully experience the positive impact of the Lavricables Master power cable. This cable does not possess magical abilities to drastically improve a mediocre system or alter frequencies like an equalizer. However, it can enhance the performance of an already capable system by providing a refined finishing touch.
In the end
Audio cables can be a divisive and highly subjective topic that I usually avoid discussing, so I tend to steer clear of reviewing them. However, when it comes to the Lavricables Master power cable, I was asked to share my honest subjective findings after conducting extensive tests and thus i did. Some elements of the audio chain did show noticeable improvements in sound quality, and honestly, I would be willing to replace the stock cables with the Lavricables Master power cable. Whether it will have the same impact on your audio system is something you will have to discover for yourself.
Copyright – Petros Laskis 2024.
+ Can improve clarity and transparency
+ Can enhance resolution and definition
+ Can help with dynamics
+ Excellent build quality
+ High quality plugs
+ Soft and bends easily
+ Doesn't get tangled or deformed
+ Sophisticated conductor geometry
- A high quality audio system with great transparency is a prerequisite
- Sonic enhancements are not guaranteed in all audio systems
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