I would like to thank Lear for providing me with this cable in return for my honest opinion.
Lear C8 Libra modular cable
Lear is a heavy weight in the iem world with an innovative approach to the industry. Perhaps best known for their flagship the LBD4.2, with an advanced hybrid configuration with four balanced armatures and two dynamic drivers; and more recently releasing an iem with their new natro-sound technology, utilizing a new crossover to achieve better frontal projection of sound. This should an ensure an out-of-the-head projection, rather than inside. The technology should be especially useful for watching a screen or in combination with virtual reality.
However, Lear also has a nice selection of cables in various price ranges. The C8 is a midrange offering consisting of a copper and silver-plated copper hybrid design with Teflon reinforcement.
Build
Rather than a regular four braid, the cable consists of four twisted wires in alternating orange and silver colors. A very unique and truly beautiful design, with something of a Persian flair to it, or something like an ornamental pillar in a carrousel with its colorful design and sparkly reflection. It comes with a black plug, which is slim but firm. A little higher, a plastic seal is used as a splitter. Up top, the cable is finished with a black/gray soft memory wire. I’m personally not a fan of memory wire, but its more for aesthetical considerations than practical ones as I’m also not really bothered by it.
Modular system
This version of the C8 comeswith a similar modular system as the CCPH cable I recently reviewed; this particular version is terminated in 2.5 mm trrs, and for a marginal price of $30 two extra adapters are included. One to regular 3.5 trs, and one for balanced 3.5 trrs outputs. This means you can use one cable for multiple sources, balanced or regular, which is either very handy if you either have multiple balanced sources or would like to try them out. The adaptors are miniature versions of the C8 cable, with matching orange/white wires and black connectors.
Sound impressions
The C8 is best characterized as having a clean stage with a U-shaped signature; a clear midrange with transparent treble.
The bass is slightly attenuated, with a bit less sub-bass impact than a regular copper but a very well-controlled mid-bass. Although an overall less authoritative impact, the consequence is less mid-bass air which contributes to a clean stage. Overall the separation is very good, which is well exemplified when paired with an iem like the Solar with its enhanced mid-bass. The emphasis in the mids, is on the upper midrange over the lower and center midrange; vocals sound clear and detailed, but can be slightly distant. In accordance with the controlled mid-bass, notes are slightly leaner as they get less fill from the mid-bass.
The upper midrange and treble however is very transparent, and one of the C8’s selling points. There is a very clear note articulation, and instruments are clearly defined. Overall the C8 offers a good amount of detail.
Comparisons
Audiominor Mahogany Copper
The Mahogany cable is the warmer of the two, with an enhanced mid-bass compared to the more neutral C8’s bass presentation. While the Audiominor’s midrange is the more lush and full sounding, the C8 has the cleaner stage with better separation. The two cables have a similar treble tone, being neither enhanced or laid-back.
CC PH copper iem cable
The CC PH has a similar modular system as the Lear. The Lear’s focus leans toward clarity and note articulation, and instruments have slightly better definition. The CC PH on the other hand is smoother (especially in the upper mids), while also having slightly thicker and warmer midrange. Overall, the Lea’r is slightly more U-shaped and detailed compared to the more midcentric CC PH, which has a fuller and more linear midrange.
Concluding thoughts
With its beautiful and unique design, practical modular system, and clear and transparent signature the C8 ‘Libra’ has selling points for different types of customers; those simply looking for something pretty, to use with alternative sources, or sonic improvement over a stock cable. Or best of all, when all three apply – then one certainly goes home a winner.
Lear C8 Libra modular cable
Lear is a heavy weight in the iem world with an innovative approach to the industry. Perhaps best known for their flagship the LBD4.2, with an advanced hybrid configuration with four balanced armatures and two dynamic drivers; and more recently releasing an iem with their new natro-sound technology, utilizing a new crossover to achieve better frontal projection of sound. This should an ensure an out-of-the-head projection, rather than inside. The technology should be especially useful for watching a screen or in combination with virtual reality.
However, Lear also has a nice selection of cables in various price ranges. The C8 is a midrange offering consisting of a copper and silver-plated copper hybrid design with Teflon reinforcement.
Build
Rather than a regular four braid, the cable consists of four twisted wires in alternating orange and silver colors. A very unique and truly beautiful design, with something of a Persian flair to it, or something like an ornamental pillar in a carrousel with its colorful design and sparkly reflection. It comes with a black plug, which is slim but firm. A little higher, a plastic seal is used as a splitter. Up top, the cable is finished with a black/gray soft memory wire. I’m personally not a fan of memory wire, but its more for aesthetical considerations than practical ones as I’m also not really bothered by it.
Modular system
This version of the C8 comeswith a similar modular system as the CCPH cable I recently reviewed; this particular version is terminated in 2.5 mm trrs, and for a marginal price of $30 two extra adapters are included. One to regular 3.5 trs, and one for balanced 3.5 trrs outputs. This means you can use one cable for multiple sources, balanced or regular, which is either very handy if you either have multiple balanced sources or would like to try them out. The adaptors are miniature versions of the C8 cable, with matching orange/white wires and black connectors.
Sound impressions
The C8 is best characterized as having a clean stage with a U-shaped signature; a clear midrange with transparent treble.
The bass is slightly attenuated, with a bit less sub-bass impact than a regular copper but a very well-controlled mid-bass. Although an overall less authoritative impact, the consequence is less mid-bass air which contributes to a clean stage. Overall the separation is very good, which is well exemplified when paired with an iem like the Solar with its enhanced mid-bass. The emphasis in the mids, is on the upper midrange over the lower and center midrange; vocals sound clear and detailed, but can be slightly distant. In accordance with the controlled mid-bass, notes are slightly leaner as they get less fill from the mid-bass.
The upper midrange and treble however is very transparent, and one of the C8’s selling points. There is a very clear note articulation, and instruments are clearly defined. Overall the C8 offers a good amount of detail.
Comparisons
Audiominor Mahogany Copper
The Mahogany cable is the warmer of the two, with an enhanced mid-bass compared to the more neutral C8’s bass presentation. While the Audiominor’s midrange is the more lush and full sounding, the C8 has the cleaner stage with better separation. The two cables have a similar treble tone, being neither enhanced or laid-back.
CC PH copper iem cable
The CC PH has a similar modular system as the Lear. The Lear’s focus leans toward clarity and note articulation, and instruments have slightly better definition. The CC PH on the other hand is smoother (especially in the upper mids), while also having slightly thicker and warmer midrange. Overall, the Lea’r is slightly more U-shaped and detailed compared to the more midcentric CC PH, which has a fuller and more linear midrange.
Concluding thoughts
With its beautiful and unique design, practical modular system, and clear and transparent signature the C8 ‘Libra’ has selling points for different types of customers; those simply looking for something pretty, to use with alternative sources, or sonic improvement over a stock cable. Or best of all, when all three apply – then one certainly goes home a winner.
