Vortex Cables
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**Lavinia** is a name with interesting origins:
1. In **Roman Mythology**, Lavinia was the daughter of Latinus and the second wife of Aeneas. Lavinia is “legendary mother of the Roman people”.
2. It is also used as a **female given name**.
I was able to demo Vortex cables- Vortex Lavinia, Alida and Seraphina. Thanks to Nate @Natesdailies
.I will mostly focus on Vortex Lavinia here.
Composition:
Lavinia: Shielding: Silver-plated 5N OFC ,
Core: 4N Pure Silver, Gold-plated OCC Copper, Gold-plated 4N Silver , Palladium-plated 4N Silver
Alida: Gold plated 4N pure silver & Silver plated 5N LC-OFC(shielding)
Seraphina: (i)Shielding: Silver plated OFC Copper
(ii)Core: Silver Plated 6N OCC Copper
I think Lavinia is unlike usual silvery-cables, very balanced with also good soundstage, somewhat similar to Nylon PW like Attila. Slightly organic timbre as well. I like the fact that this cable is not too sensitive with hissing, even with sensitive IEM like Astra.
Bass is natural and well-done.
DAP: WM1AM2, dx300 max ti( better match with high-end extension).
So, Lavinia is a “Pass” for me.
Don’t think these cables were properly burnt-in.
Comparison with specific pairings:
Dx 300 max ti (Low gain)(or M9+ Low gain) -- Flipears Astra ( 16 driver quadribrid, 1BC+1DD+10BA+4EST. Mine is a prototype. It will be launched soon, prob in this year)(Azla Xelastec)
1. Flipears Astra
- **Aeneid**
(=a Latin epic poem that tells the legendary story of Aeneas, a Trojan who fled the fall of Troy and travelled to Italy, where he became the ancestor of the Romans)-Thinner sound line with more detail retrieval and ethereal high-end extension. Very refined.
- Sub-bass leaning bass, overall good.
- Vocal/mid slightly close and has a special 3D sound feel.
- **Lavinia**:
- Less hissing with sensitive IEMs like Astra.
- Thicker sound line, similar to Ibasso DAP DX300 Max Ti vs. Shanling M9+.
- Lavinia provides nice analogue timbre while not missing high end FR/ details.
I preferred Aeneid for slightly warm Astra with Dx300 max Ti. But, for M9+ use, more darker background(less hiss) Lavinia was the only option and sound was very enjoyable- this is because Astra is a very sensitive IEM picking hiss, similar to VE7.
Sony WM1A M2(High gain) -- Cables -- Nostalgia Camelot (New Symbio W eartip)
2. ** Nostalgia Camelot**:
- **Avalon(stock cable)**: Dynamic sound with organic timbre, good for Camelot.
- **Seraphina**: Cooler, less dynamic, and slightly unsatisfying due to less copper timbre/ light sound sig
- **Lavinia**: Thicker sound line than Avalon, good detail without sacrificing hybrid characteristics. I preferred Lavinia over Avalon in this combination. Probably, Lavinia may be even better match than Nostalgia Lancelot cable for Camelot, as some report Lancelot's high end FR extension is slightly limited.
Shanling M9+(Low gain)--Cable -- U6t(Azla Max ASMR eartip -- smaller bore than Azla Max, slightly bass-leaning tip)
3. **U6t**:
- **Alida**: Balanced and enjoyable, but Vortex's unique quiet background is slightly weak.
- **Seraphina**: Very good balance, excellent high extension, and decent low end.
- **Lavinia**: Slightly more bassy, coppery feel, and good soundstage.
I preferred Seraphina for U6t, which is slightly warm IEM along with above ear-tip and DAP matching.
Shanling M9+(Medium gain)--Cable(Penn Ear compatible with Full ConX set)--Acoustune Sho Mk2 (Stock ACT5 OFC chamber)(Nostalgia XWB eartip)
4. **Sho Mk2**:
- Stock 3.5: Balanced, soft, good detail retrieval, and well-done bass.
- **Lavinia**: Adds immersiveness, thicker sound line, increased detail retrieval without harsh treble. Bass quality improved.
It feels like the fog has cleared, compared to stock SPC 3.5mm cable.
- Elevated Sho Mk2 to TOTL level, impressive detail retrieval and enjoyable female vocals.
- A remarkable combination with immersive sound and rare detail retrieval for a single DD IEM. I could enjoy later part of Coldplay 'Fix You', as Sho Mk2 has slight fun soung sig (Bassy) along with other prowess.
M9+(Low gain)--Cable -- U4s ( Nostalgia XWB eartip with an O ring made from unused TRN T2(?) eartip stem)
5. **U4s**:
- **Alida**: Balanced, great for relaxed listening.
- **Lavinia vs. Alida**: Lavinia offers higher detail, better low/high frequencies, and immersion. However, occasional slightly harsh treble noted. Lavinia feels more hi-fi, but Alida is better for relaxed listening.
Remember, these impressions are subjective, and personal preferences play a significant role. Enjoy your audio journey!
My preference: Balanced, value both bass and high-end extension, and oh vocals. Usually listens to vocal songs.
Lately, enjoying slightly thick SQ of Shanling M9+
Disclaimer: No financial association with any of the company above
Lately, enjoying slightly thick SQ of Shanling M9+
Disclaimer: No financial association with any of the company above
raylu
amazing review brother
Amazing Experience with Vortex Cables: Lavinia and Minerva
In the modern-day earphone market, choosing a good cable has become not only an option but a must-have for high-end IEM gear, especially for those IEMs priced way up to $2k USD. It becomes important and fun to try other different cables, and the choice of cables holds paramount importance. As an avid audiophile myself, I've had the pleasure of exploring the sonic landscapes sculpted by Vortex Cables, particularly their flagship offerings: the Vortex Lavinia and the Vortex Minerva. Notably, these cables are exclusively available at Musicteck if you want to buy them in the US or EU.
Since there are too many Vortex cables to review, considering the time and to avoid making my post too boring, I will specifically focus on the Lavinia (current flagship) and the Minerva (special US limited edition) for this review. I will slightly mention the other two cables, the new Seraphina and the co-flagship Alida, as I have my gear with me to review these amazing Vortex cables. A special shout-out to their owner, Oscar, who is a nice guy and guides me through all of their products, letting me know what's behind their thoughts and the theme of Vortex Cables.
I will be using SP3000 GOLD + Tsuranagi with Murakumo IC to listen to my IEMs as usual: Noble Viking (Damascus), Fitear Creator (DC ti) ( we are using extra fitear to 2pin connectors to review ), and Le Jardin (Mason FS). I will also have Brise audio Shirogane 8w and PW Orpheus shielding these two super flagship-level cables to compare with the Vortex Cables, especially for Lavinia and Minerva.
Tsuranagi (left) Murakumo ic (middle) Sp3k gold (right)
Noble Viking with Shirogane 8w (left)+ UM Le Jardin with Orpheus Shielding (right)
Vortex Lavinia:
We started with the Vortex Lavinia cable, which is their current flagship-level product. Crafted with precision and a profound passion for sonic perfection, the Lavinia stands as the epitome of audio refinement. As I unboxed this marvel, I was immediately struck by its elegant packaging, indicative of the attention to detail that Vortex dedicates to its products. The package comes with a black outer box, but the inside is what surprised me. It comes with a blue leather big case with the nice clean Vortex logo on it. Not only that, more importantly, the inside accessories that attracted me in the box. It comes with a leather pad that you can put either your IEM or cables on for protection purposes, and also having a full set of ConX inside the box with a leather case that was surprisingly very convenient and useful. You can literally put all sizes of IEM inside and with a good size that can easily be placed in your pocket for outside use. I can already see the detail coming out just from its open box experience, which is something I usually won't get from a mid-fi cable brand. It, at least, already feels premium to me, and surprisingly all the Vortex cables come with the same premium packaging in every one of their cables, even the ones at a cheaper price.
The Lavinia boasts an impressive specification, featuring shielding composed of silver-plated 5N OFC and a core comprising 4N Pure Silver, Gold-plated OCC Copper, Gold-plated 4N Silver, and Palladium-plated 4N Silver. Its 20.4 AWG gauge size ensures optimal signal transmission and sonic purity, promising a listening experience like no other.
Priced at $759, the Vortex Lavinia positions itself as a premium offering within the audio cable market. Yet, despite its mid-tier pricing, it delivers flagship-level performance, rivaling cables priced significantly higher. Its build quality is exemplary, featuring premium all-metal hardware with a unique design and ergonomic shielding material for optimal comfort during extended listening sessions.
When it comes to sound analysis, the Vortex Lavinia exceeds expectations. I was immediately immersed in a sonic landscape characterized by exceptionally dark backgrounds, deep sub-bass, natural timbre, and an expansive soundstage. It elevates the listening experience to unprecedented heights, showcasing Vortex Cables' dedication to excellence.
In terms of sound analysis, the Vortex Lavinia sets a new standard for audio fidelity. With an exceptionally dark background, deep sub-bass, and natural timbre throughout the midrange to upper treble, the Lavinia elevates the listening experience to unprecedented heights. Its soundstage is noted for its height and depth, enhancing the overall immersion and realism of the audio playback.
Vortex Minerva:
Transitioning to the Vortex Minerva, I encountered yet another marvel in audio enhancement. Despite its relatively lower price tag of $459, the Minerva doesn't compromise on quality. Designed for audiophiles seeking premium performance without breaking the bank, it stands as a testament to Vortex's commitment to democratizing high-end audio accessories.
The Vortex Minerva boasts a structure of multi-strands Litz with coaxial shielding, featuring materials such as 4N OCC Silver and Silver Plated 5N LC-OFC. Upon unboxing, I was impressed by its elegant packaging and the inclusion of high-quality accessories such as a magnet-style carrying case.
Its ergonomic design and lightweight construction ensure effortless handling, while the use of ConX connectors facilitates easy swapping to accommodate various in-ear monitors (IEMs). And it is not only because of conveniency for using Conx, Oscar (Vortex Owner ) explain to me that all because of the thinker sound coming out from conx compared to other connectors, it one of the elements that being tuned with vortex, and that is why all vortex iem cables are only building in conx because it is special tuned with Conx.
Sound-wise, the Minerva impresses with its neutrality and minimal coloration, resulting in a darker background, enhanced bass control, increased clarity, and boosted technical performance. The Vortex Minerva received acclaim for its remarkable performance and value proposition. The user praised the cable's ability to enhance the sonic characteristics of their audio setup, noting improvements in dynamics, instrument separation, and overall coherence. Their review underscores Minerva's position as a standout choice for audiophiles seeking high-quality audio cables at a reasonable price point.
Vortex Seraphina
Just wanna slightly talk about this new release cable and what is special about it, I bought it when its first released with the Minerva limited edition cable to pair with my W audio 5 for daily use, like I said, vortex cables has always beyond my expectations, the quality of the cable it definitely worth the money.
"Seraphina" is an entry-level but high-end litz-structured cable belonging to the Vortex's C.F.S. series, akin to Lavinia. It maintains the signature look characteristic of all Vortex cables, but with a blue and black colorway. By employing the Shielded Twins Pair structure inherited from Lavinia and integrating the latest Litz Type 9 definition concept, it establishes a unique Ultra Twins Pair structure.
"Seraphina" represents the first overseas limited cable in the series, employing 6N OCC single crystal copper plated with silver for its main core, ensuring balanced frequencies and versatility. Despite initial skepticism regarding the commonality of its core material, "Seraphina" impresses with its speed and coordination upon use.
I particularly enjoy using it with my mid-fi IEMs, especially with the VE7. It preserves the original tuning of the VE7 while maintaining balance and delivering good sub-bass notes, resulting in an overall fascinating sound.
Compared to with Shirogane 8W and Orpheus
Normally it is not normal to compared cables if there are in different price range, but I think consider Vortex placing Lavinia into their Flagship level tier, I will love to have it compared with some of my best cables.
Vortex Lavinia vs PW Orpheus
Haha, I know that when I decide to compare these two cables, there will definitely be questions from people, because these two cables currently have a huge price difference, even up to over $4000. However, I believe that since one is currently the flagship-level cable from Vortex, it should also be compared with a flagship-level cable.
PW Orpheus is a pure copper cable that I quite like. In addition to its multi-structure shielding, it can produce very deep bass without altering the original headphone tuning, adding a bit of warmth, and has an extremely black background and a huge soundstage. Its most important feature is the rare high-frequency extension among traditional copper cables, along with warm and magnetic mid-frequency performance. Although its price is indeed excessively high, there are indeed not many cables that can match it, at least in the realm of copper cables.
Although Vortex Lavinia is not a traditional copper cable like Orpheus, it basically uses a special silver-plated shielding structure and a mixed structure combining pure silver, copper, gold-plated silver, and palladium-plated silver. It also has very deep bass and a similarly holographic soundstage due to the mixed copper and shielding. However, due to cost considerations, Lavinia is only configured to use 2 cores to complete, so I think it lacks the comprehensiveness of Orpheus in terms of details. But one advantage is that I can immediately feel the upgrade brought by Lavinia headphone cable. When paired with Le Jardin or Viking, I can immediately feel the extremely black background and very magnetic vocal performance. Especially when paired with headphones that already have high resolution, it is absolutely comparable, possessing flagship-level cable qualities. Especially when paired with headphones with dynamic driver units, you can feel the strong and powerful elasticity and spatial sense in the low frequencies. So it can be imagined that Viking would be more suitable than the all-armature Le Jardin, but I must also emphasize that if you prefer a more analytical cable, Lavinia may not be so suitable for you, after all, the overall flavor is stronger. You will feel the strong and mellow midrange and powerful low frequencies, but in terms of quality, there is still room for improvement compared to the super flagship-level Orpheus. Personally, I hope Oscar can quickly release super flagship-level cables to amaze me even more.
PW Audio Orpheus Shielding: Positioned at the premium end of the price spectrum, PW Audio products justify their cost through exceptional performance and compatibility with high-end audio equipment, appealing to enthusiasts seeking uncompromising audio reproduction.
Vortex Cables Lavinia: Vortex Cables strive to offer competitive pricing relative to other high-end cable manufacturers, providing excellent value for their performance and compatibility with a wide range of audio setups, making them an attractive option for audiophiles seeking quality without exorbitant costs.
Both the PW Audio Orpheus Shielding and the Vortex Cables Lavinia represent top-tier offerings in the realm of audio cables, each with its unique strengths and characteristics. Choosing between them ultimately depends on individual preferences, budget considerations, and specific audio setup requirements.
Vortex Lavinia vs Brise Audio Shirogane 8 wires
Again it is not super fair to compared these two cables since its in different price range, but Shirogane is also the top tier cable you can get in the market right now, I believe it is important to share thoughts by comparing to the best cable.
When paired with Shirogane and Mason FS, it's one of the best combinations in the world. The rich details, smooth midrange, and high-density performance combined with bone conduction effects always give me the best immersion in jazz, classical, and Mandarin pop music. However, on the flip side, the heavier cables and not-so-comfortable wearing experience, as well as the very expensive price (MSRP $3500 USD), don't make it particularly outstanding in terms of value for money. This is where Lavinia's special features come into play. At a relatively cheaper price (MSRP $900 USD), it can still maintain flagship-level sound. However, of course, there is still a slight gap compared to the Shirogane 8W. The overall sense of space, soundstage, and amount of detail in the sound are still somewhat lacking. Personally, I think comparing it with the Shirogane 4W would be much better in this regard. But unfortunately, I only have the 8W version of the cable at hand. In the future, if I have the opportunity, I will definitely do an A/B comparison with the 4W version.
The Brise Audio Shirogane 8w is acclaimed for its amazing treble extension, vast 3D holographic stage, and smooth yet detailed presentation. On the other hand, the Vortex Cables Lavinia is praised for its balanced presentation, clarity, and detail retrieval. While both cables offer high-quality sound reproduction, they may cater to different sonic preferences.
Both the Brise Audio Shirogane and the Vortex Cables Lavinia exhibit excellent craftsmanship and durability. The Shirogane features a redesigned and visually appealing design, with improved ergonomics compared to previous Brise cables. Similarly, the Lavinia is noted for its high-quality materials and construction, contributing to its overall value proposition.
In conclusion, my experience with Vortex Cables, particularly the Lavinia and Minerva models, has been nothing short of extraordinary. These cables represent a culmination of meticulous craftsmanship, advanced engineering, and a deep understanding of audiophile preferences.
Starting with the Vortex Lavinia, it stands as a testament to the company's commitment to excellence. From the premium packaging to the intricate design and materials, every aspect exudes quality. The sonic performance of the Lavinia is remarkable, with a dark background, deep sub-bass, natural timbre, and an expansive soundstage, elevating the listening experience to unprecedented heights. Despite its mid-tier pricing, it competes with cables priced significantly higher, showcasing Vortex's dedication to delivering flagship-level performance at an accessible price point.
Transitioning to the Vortex Minerva, I found another gem that doesn't compromise on quality. With a more accessible price tag, the Minerva offers audiophiles premium performance without breaking the bank. Its neutral sound signature, minimal coloration, and enhanced technical performance make it a standout choice for those seeking high-quality audio cables at a reasonable price point.
Furthermore, the introduction of the Vortex Seraphina adds another dimension to the company's lineup. Despite being an entry-level cable, it doesn't skimp on quality, delivering balanced frequencies and versatility at an attractive price point.
Comparisons with other top-tier cables like the PW Audio Orpheus Shielding and the Brise Audio Shirogane 8w highlight the strengths and unique characteristics of each product. While there may be slight differences in sound signature and presentation, both Vortex cables hold their own against some of the best offerings in the market.
Overall, my experience with Vortex Cables has been exceptional, reaffirming their position as a leader in the audio cable industry. Whether you're a seasoned audiophile or a newcomer to high-end audio gear, Vortex Cables offer a compelling combination of performance, quality, and value that's hard to beat.
Special Thanks to Vortex Owner Oscar and @MusicTeck again for being patient answering all my questions so I can be able to finish this review
In the modern-day earphone market, choosing a good cable has become not only an option but a must-have for high-end IEM gear, especially for those IEMs priced way up to $2k USD. It becomes important and fun to try other different cables, and the choice of cables holds paramount importance. As an avid audiophile myself, I've had the pleasure of exploring the sonic landscapes sculpted by Vortex Cables, particularly their flagship offerings: the Vortex Lavinia and the Vortex Minerva. Notably, these cables are exclusively available at Musicteck if you want to buy them in the US or EU.
Since there are too many Vortex cables to review, considering the time and to avoid making my post too boring, I will specifically focus on the Lavinia (current flagship) and the Minerva (special US limited edition) for this review. I will slightly mention the other two cables, the new Seraphina and the co-flagship Alida, as I have my gear with me to review these amazing Vortex cables. A special shout-out to their owner, Oscar, who is a nice guy and guides me through all of their products, letting me know what's behind their thoughts and the theme of Vortex Cables.
I will be using SP3000 GOLD + Tsuranagi with Murakumo IC to listen to my IEMs as usual: Noble Viking (Damascus), Fitear Creator (DC ti) ( we are using extra fitear to 2pin connectors to review ), and Le Jardin (Mason FS). I will also have Brise audio Shirogane 8w and PW Orpheus shielding these two super flagship-level cables to compare with the Vortex Cables, especially for Lavinia and Minerva.
Tsuranagi (left) Murakumo ic (middle) Sp3k gold (right)
Noble Viking with Shirogane 8w (left)+ UM Le Jardin with Orpheus Shielding (right)
Vortex Lavinia:
We started with the Vortex Lavinia cable, which is their current flagship-level product. Crafted with precision and a profound passion for sonic perfection, the Lavinia stands as the epitome of audio refinement. As I unboxed this marvel, I was immediately struck by its elegant packaging, indicative of the attention to detail that Vortex dedicates to its products. The package comes with a black outer box, but the inside is what surprised me. It comes with a blue leather big case with the nice clean Vortex logo on it. Not only that, more importantly, the inside accessories that attracted me in the box. It comes with a leather pad that you can put either your IEM or cables on for protection purposes, and also having a full set of ConX inside the box with a leather case that was surprisingly very convenient and useful. You can literally put all sizes of IEM inside and with a good size that can easily be placed in your pocket for outside use. I can already see the detail coming out just from its open box experience, which is something I usually won't get from a mid-fi cable brand. It, at least, already feels premium to me, and surprisingly all the Vortex cables come with the same premium packaging in every one of their cables, even the ones at a cheaper price.
The Lavinia boasts an impressive specification, featuring shielding composed of silver-plated 5N OFC and a core comprising 4N Pure Silver, Gold-plated OCC Copper, Gold-plated 4N Silver, and Palladium-plated 4N Silver. Its 20.4 AWG gauge size ensures optimal signal transmission and sonic purity, promising a listening experience like no other.
Priced at $759, the Vortex Lavinia positions itself as a premium offering within the audio cable market. Yet, despite its mid-tier pricing, it delivers flagship-level performance, rivaling cables priced significantly higher. Its build quality is exemplary, featuring premium all-metal hardware with a unique design and ergonomic shielding material for optimal comfort during extended listening sessions.
When it comes to sound analysis, the Vortex Lavinia exceeds expectations. I was immediately immersed in a sonic landscape characterized by exceptionally dark backgrounds, deep sub-bass, natural timbre, and an expansive soundstage. It elevates the listening experience to unprecedented heights, showcasing Vortex Cables' dedication to excellence.
In terms of sound analysis, the Vortex Lavinia sets a new standard for audio fidelity. With an exceptionally dark background, deep sub-bass, and natural timbre throughout the midrange to upper treble, the Lavinia elevates the listening experience to unprecedented heights. Its soundstage is noted for its height and depth, enhancing the overall immersion and realism of the audio playback.
Vortex Minerva:
Transitioning to the Vortex Minerva, I encountered yet another marvel in audio enhancement. Despite its relatively lower price tag of $459, the Minerva doesn't compromise on quality. Designed for audiophiles seeking premium performance without breaking the bank, it stands as a testament to Vortex's commitment to democratizing high-end audio accessories.
The Vortex Minerva boasts a structure of multi-strands Litz with coaxial shielding, featuring materials such as 4N OCC Silver and Silver Plated 5N LC-OFC. Upon unboxing, I was impressed by its elegant packaging and the inclusion of high-quality accessories such as a magnet-style carrying case.
Its ergonomic design and lightweight construction ensure effortless handling, while the use of ConX connectors facilitates easy swapping to accommodate various in-ear monitors (IEMs). And it is not only because of conveniency for using Conx, Oscar (Vortex Owner ) explain to me that all because of the thinker sound coming out from conx compared to other connectors, it one of the elements that being tuned with vortex, and that is why all vortex iem cables are only building in conx because it is special tuned with Conx.
Sound-wise, the Minerva impresses with its neutrality and minimal coloration, resulting in a darker background, enhanced bass control, increased clarity, and boosted technical performance. The Vortex Minerva received acclaim for its remarkable performance and value proposition. The user praised the cable's ability to enhance the sonic characteristics of their audio setup, noting improvements in dynamics, instrument separation, and overall coherence. Their review underscores Minerva's position as a standout choice for audiophiles seeking high-quality audio cables at a reasonable price point.
Vortex Seraphina
Just wanna slightly talk about this new release cable and what is special about it, I bought it when its first released with the Minerva limited edition cable to pair with my W audio 5 for daily use, like I said, vortex cables has always beyond my expectations, the quality of the cable it definitely worth the money.
"Seraphina" is an entry-level but high-end litz-structured cable belonging to the Vortex's C.F.S. series, akin to Lavinia. It maintains the signature look characteristic of all Vortex cables, but with a blue and black colorway. By employing the Shielded Twins Pair structure inherited from Lavinia and integrating the latest Litz Type 9 definition concept, it establishes a unique Ultra Twins Pair structure.
"Seraphina" represents the first overseas limited cable in the series, employing 6N OCC single crystal copper plated with silver for its main core, ensuring balanced frequencies and versatility. Despite initial skepticism regarding the commonality of its core material, "Seraphina" impresses with its speed and coordination upon use.
I particularly enjoy using it with my mid-fi IEMs, especially with the VE7. It preserves the original tuning of the VE7 while maintaining balance and delivering good sub-bass notes, resulting in an overall fascinating sound.
Compared to with Shirogane 8W and Orpheus
Normally it is not normal to compared cables if there are in different price range, but I think consider Vortex placing Lavinia into their Flagship level tier, I will love to have it compared with some of my best cables.
Vortex Lavinia vs PW Orpheus
Haha, I know that when I decide to compare these two cables, there will definitely be questions from people, because these two cables currently have a huge price difference, even up to over $4000. However, I believe that since one is currently the flagship-level cable from Vortex, it should also be compared with a flagship-level cable.
PW Orpheus is a pure copper cable that I quite like. In addition to its multi-structure shielding, it can produce very deep bass without altering the original headphone tuning, adding a bit of warmth, and has an extremely black background and a huge soundstage. Its most important feature is the rare high-frequency extension among traditional copper cables, along with warm and magnetic mid-frequency performance. Although its price is indeed excessively high, there are indeed not many cables that can match it, at least in the realm of copper cables.
Although Vortex Lavinia is not a traditional copper cable like Orpheus, it basically uses a special silver-plated shielding structure and a mixed structure combining pure silver, copper, gold-plated silver, and palladium-plated silver. It also has very deep bass and a similarly holographic soundstage due to the mixed copper and shielding. However, due to cost considerations, Lavinia is only configured to use 2 cores to complete, so I think it lacks the comprehensiveness of Orpheus in terms of details. But one advantage is that I can immediately feel the upgrade brought by Lavinia headphone cable. When paired with Le Jardin or Viking, I can immediately feel the extremely black background and very magnetic vocal performance. Especially when paired with headphones that already have high resolution, it is absolutely comparable, possessing flagship-level cable qualities. Especially when paired with headphones with dynamic driver units, you can feel the strong and powerful elasticity and spatial sense in the low frequencies. So it can be imagined that Viking would be more suitable than the all-armature Le Jardin, but I must also emphasize that if you prefer a more analytical cable, Lavinia may not be so suitable for you, after all, the overall flavor is stronger. You will feel the strong and mellow midrange and powerful low frequencies, but in terms of quality, there is still room for improvement compared to the super flagship-level Orpheus. Personally, I hope Oscar can quickly release super flagship-level cables to amaze me even more.
PW Audio Orpheus Shielding: Positioned at the premium end of the price spectrum, PW Audio products justify their cost through exceptional performance and compatibility with high-end audio equipment, appealing to enthusiasts seeking uncompromising audio reproduction.
Vortex Cables Lavinia: Vortex Cables strive to offer competitive pricing relative to other high-end cable manufacturers, providing excellent value for their performance and compatibility with a wide range of audio setups, making them an attractive option for audiophiles seeking quality without exorbitant costs.
Both the PW Audio Orpheus Shielding and the Vortex Cables Lavinia represent top-tier offerings in the realm of audio cables, each with its unique strengths and characteristics. Choosing between them ultimately depends on individual preferences, budget considerations, and specific audio setup requirements.
Vortex Lavinia vs Brise Audio Shirogane 8 wires
Again it is not super fair to compared these two cables since its in different price range, but Shirogane is also the top tier cable you can get in the market right now, I believe it is important to share thoughts by comparing to the best cable.
When paired with Shirogane and Mason FS, it's one of the best combinations in the world. The rich details, smooth midrange, and high-density performance combined with bone conduction effects always give me the best immersion in jazz, classical, and Mandarin pop music. However, on the flip side, the heavier cables and not-so-comfortable wearing experience, as well as the very expensive price (MSRP $3500 USD), don't make it particularly outstanding in terms of value for money. This is where Lavinia's special features come into play. At a relatively cheaper price (MSRP $900 USD), it can still maintain flagship-level sound. However, of course, there is still a slight gap compared to the Shirogane 8W. The overall sense of space, soundstage, and amount of detail in the sound are still somewhat lacking. Personally, I think comparing it with the Shirogane 4W would be much better in this regard. But unfortunately, I only have the 8W version of the cable at hand. In the future, if I have the opportunity, I will definitely do an A/B comparison with the 4W version.
The Brise Audio Shirogane 8w is acclaimed for its amazing treble extension, vast 3D holographic stage, and smooth yet detailed presentation. On the other hand, the Vortex Cables Lavinia is praised for its balanced presentation, clarity, and detail retrieval. While both cables offer high-quality sound reproduction, they may cater to different sonic preferences.
Both the Brise Audio Shirogane and the Vortex Cables Lavinia exhibit excellent craftsmanship and durability. The Shirogane features a redesigned and visually appealing design, with improved ergonomics compared to previous Brise cables. Similarly, the Lavinia is noted for its high-quality materials and construction, contributing to its overall value proposition.
In conclusion, my experience with Vortex Cables, particularly the Lavinia and Minerva models, has been nothing short of extraordinary. These cables represent a culmination of meticulous craftsmanship, advanced engineering, and a deep understanding of audiophile preferences.
Starting with the Vortex Lavinia, it stands as a testament to the company's commitment to excellence. From the premium packaging to the intricate design and materials, every aspect exudes quality. The sonic performance of the Lavinia is remarkable, with a dark background, deep sub-bass, natural timbre, and an expansive soundstage, elevating the listening experience to unprecedented heights. Despite its mid-tier pricing, it competes with cables priced significantly higher, showcasing Vortex's dedication to delivering flagship-level performance at an accessible price point.
Transitioning to the Vortex Minerva, I found another gem that doesn't compromise on quality. With a more accessible price tag, the Minerva offers audiophiles premium performance without breaking the bank. Its neutral sound signature, minimal coloration, and enhanced technical performance make it a standout choice for those seeking high-quality audio cables at a reasonable price point.
Furthermore, the introduction of the Vortex Seraphina adds another dimension to the company's lineup. Despite being an entry-level cable, it doesn't skimp on quality, delivering balanced frequencies and versatility at an attractive price point.
Comparisons with other top-tier cables like the PW Audio Orpheus Shielding and the Brise Audio Shirogane 8w highlight the strengths and unique characteristics of each product. While there may be slight differences in sound signature and presentation, both Vortex cables hold their own against some of the best offerings in the market.
Overall, my experience with Vortex Cables has been exceptional, reaffirming their position as a leader in the audio cable industry. Whether you're a seasoned audiophile or a newcomer to high-end audio gear, Vortex Cables offer a compelling combination of performance, quality, and value that's hard to beat.
Special Thanks to Vortex Owner Oscar and @MusicTeck again for being patient answering all my questions so I can be able to finish this review
