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[twister6]

Glad I got that balanced single crystal pure silver cable now

 
For FLC8S, right?  I just wish Forrest would use standard 2pin connectors
 
Btw, tried ZEN 2.0 in balanced, and not digging it at all.  I get a bit overwhelmed with imaging, too wide to focus on instruments an vocals.

 

[nmatheis]

For FLC8S, right?  I just wish Forrest would use standard 2pin connectors

Btw, tried ZEN 2.0 in balanced, and not digging it at all.  I get a bit overwhelmed with imaging, too wide to focus on instruments an vocals.

Yup, you guessed it, Alex. A prototype balanced silver cable for FLC IEM.

 

[redrising98]

   
I'm using TWau 2.5mm trrs wired with 3.5mm adapter.  This is gold plated pure silver, a bit pricey.  TWag pure silver is cheaper and also good.  Plus, there are many other alternatives with even cheaper solutions, while Whiplash a bit higher in the food chain because of thickness of conductors and purity of the material.  But you can probably get something cheaper from Ted headphone lounge or maybe toxic cables?  For ADEL stuff, silver plated is not as good, I would suggest silver.

Interesting you mention SPC vs pure silver.  I have the norne theriums (pure silver) as well and didn't really like them with the u10s.  They sound awesome with my ASG2.0s but shifted the u10s a bit far towards the treble while somehow taking away some of the crispness (seems contradictory I know).  Much prefer the SPC BTG starlight cables with the U10s.  The whiplash modular system seems interesting... sorta wish people would standardize the balanced output nowadays.  I'm seriously considering learning to solder at this point lol

 

[twister6]

 

  I want to add, since I also received L3 today and had about half an hour of playing with it (on burn in now overnight):
 
- Build quality is worthy of L&P name, just like scaled down version of L5 Pro, with a little different metal finish, though keeping L5 Pro as it's flagship that cost more.
 
- Sound signature is neutral-brightish - great for your neutral and warm headphones (excellent pair up with PM-3 and OMNI and ZEN 2.0 and R70x), but not so much for bright/revealing/analytical (like EL-8C or T5p 2nd gen or DN2kJ) unless if you select one of the "warmer" EQ presets (no EQ adjustment, just included presets like with L5 Pro).
 
- Enough power to driver 470 ohm R70x, or 320 ohm ZEN 2.0 as well as PM-3/EL-8C/OMNI - but demanding and high impedance headphones will push the volume closer to the max with not as much headroom left (45-55 clicks out of max 60).  With IEMs/CIEMs and efficient headphones you are in a sweet middle with plenty of headrooom.
 
- Balanced output - simply WOW!!!  Balanced 2.5mm TRRS port implementation has better separation than AK120ii, N5, and PAW 5k.  I'm very impressed.  Actually when you compare 3.5mm SE vs 2.5mm Balanced ports, the sound is not just wider but a little more dynamic and with improved transparency.  Also in balanced, you get a benefit of additional power boost.  I might just end up using L3 only as a balanced source to enjoy some of the IEMs/CIEMs (pair up with U12 is very good).
 
- GUI is very similar to L5 Pro with a few differences, but I'm sure it's still a work in progress.  Also, not yet gapless or EQ adjustment or playlist support.

 
That's probably why the X2 sounded better on L3. 

 
Hmm. Should I grab the Fidue A83 MMCX Balanced Cable from Penonaudio for my CIEM? 

 

 
Based on your signature, if you like that IEMs/CIEMs with BaX cable, you should be fine with Fidue Balanced cable (I have this cable too, gotta check it out).  But the link in your signature points to FR capture with 7k spike which heading toward sibilance territory.  All a matter of personal ear sensitivity, I'm allergic to "high" frequencies

 

[twister6]

 

   
I'm using TWau 2.5mm trrs wired with 3.5mm adapter.  This is gold plated pure silver, a bit pricey.  TWag pure silver is cheaper and also good.  Plus, there are many other alternatives with even cheaper solutions, while Whiplash a bit higher in the food chain because of thickness of conductors and purity of the material.  But you can probably get something cheaper from Ted headphone lounge or maybe toxic cables?  For ADEL stuff, silver plated is not as good, I would suggest silver.

Interesting you mention SPC vs pure silver.  I have the norne theriums (pure silver) as well and didn't really like them with the u10s.  They sound awesome with my ASG2.0s but shifted the u10s a bit far towards the treble while somehow taking away some of the crispness (seems contradictory I know).  Much prefer the SPC BTG starlight cables with the U10s.  The whiplash modular system seems interesting... sorta wish people would standardize the balanced output nowadays.  I'm seriously considering learning to solder at this point lol

 
Balanced output is standard 2.5mm TRRS, A&K wiring (every AK dap, Cayin N5, Lotoo PAW 5k, L&P L3, and upcoming iBasso DX200 and AM3 module for X7).  Only HFM pushes its own 3.5mm balanced wired connection, adapted by GeekOut and also "secretly" implemented in PM-3 headphones.
 
True, there is no set rules for spc vs pure silver and how it pars up with headphones, definitely a different synergy with different headphones and their corresponding sound sig.  Too many variables in that equation

 

[ronnel0918]

 

 I want to add, since I also received L3 today and had about half an hour of playing with it (on burn in now overnight):
 
- Build quality is worthy of L&P name, just like scaled down version of L5 Pro, with a little different metal finish, though keeping L5 Pro as it's flagship that cost more.
 
- Sound signature is neutral-brightish - great for your neutral and warm headphones (excellent pair up with PM-3 and OMNI and ZEN 2.0 and R70x), but not so much for bright/revealing/analytical (like EL-8C or T5p 2nd gen or DN2kJ) unless if you select one of the "warmer" EQ presets (no EQ adjustment, just included presets like with L5 Pro).
 
- Enough power to driver 470 ohm R70x, or 320 ohm ZEN 2.0 as well as PM-3/EL-8C/OMNI - but demanding and high impedance headphones will push the volume closer to the max with not as much headroom left (45-55 clicks out of max 60).  With IEMs/CIEMs and efficient headphones you are in a sweet middle with plenty of headrooom.
 
- Balanced output - simply WOW!!!  Balanced 2.5mm TRRS port implementation has better separation than AK120ii, N5, and PAW 5k.  I'm very impressed.  Actually when you compare 3.5mm SE vs 2.5mm Balanced ports, the sound is not just wider but a little more dynamic and with improved transparency.  Also in balanced, you get a benefit of additional power boost.  I might just end up using L3 only as a balanced source to enjoy some of the IEMs/CIEMs (pair up with U12 is very good).
 
- GUI is very similar to L5 Pro with a few differences, but I'm sure it's still a work in progress.  Also, not yet gapless or EQ adjustment or playlist support.

 
That's probably why the X2 sounded better on L3. 

 
Hmm. Should I grab the Fidue A83 MMCX Balanced Cable from Penonaudio for my CIEM? 

 

 
Based on your signature, if you like that IEMs/CIEMs with BaX cable, you should be fine with Fidue Balanced cable (I have this cable too, gotta check it out).  But the link in your signature points to FR capture with 7k spike which heading toward sibilance territory.  All a matter of personal ear sensitivity, I'm allergic to "high" frequencies

Checked the balanced out mmcx cable and found out it was made of copper (silver plated). Is that a good thing for L3? I haven't checked the cable used by Linum on their BaX series.

Will wait for your impression.

My ears are not that sensitive that's why I can hardly hear sibilance past that mark. I think that's a good thing so as to avoid future upgrades. lol


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[JohnYang]

Like Tony said earlier, this is a more bassier sound than L5 Pro. Actually, brighter sound too! So it has a very dynamic and well separated neutral/slightly bright sound signature.
 
It reminds me a lot of what L5(not L5 Pro) sound like originally, but L3 sound a lot more dynamic and has more loosen(as oppose to too tight) bass presentation. Overall is really coherent and it outshines my L5 Pro in some music genres.
 
I have been told that this is still not the final production and they plan to go the extra mile and improve the sound a bit more for the production unit.

 

[redrising98]

Balanced output is standard 2.5mm TRRS, A&K wiring (every AK dap, Cayin N5, Lotoo PAW 5k, L&P L3, and upcoming iBasso DX200 and AM3 module for X7).  Only HFM pushes its own 3.5mm balanced wired connection, adapted by GeekOut and also "secretly" implemented in PM-3 headphones.

True, there is no set rules for spc vs pure silver and how it pars up with headphones, definitely a different synergy with different headphones and their corresponding sound sig.  Too many variables in that equation

Also pono/Ayre/Sony use the dual 3.5trs. Oh this hobby is so full if variables... Seems to really mess with the soundscience people for sure though heh

 

[HirschiAUT]

Originally Posted by twister6 /img/forum/go_quote.gif
 
*snip*
 
 (excellent pair up with PM-3
 
*snip*

That is awesome information for me
 
I am right now in the process of getting my hands on a PM-3 as my new portable headphones, and plan on using them with the L3
 
Now i just need to get a soldering iron and start building a balanced cable

 

[twister6]

A few random replies without quoting.

Keep in mind that PM3 3.5mm earcup socket is balanced wired by HIFIMAN standard, not A&K.

It's not about which type of cable to use with L3 but rather which wire type will pair up better with your headphones. Don't go crazy spending too much money on upgraded cable

@John, my L3 definitely got less bass than L5 Pro. Let me check in the morning after burn in. I have it now with ibasso dummy burn in cable load on max volume running overnight.

 

[ronnel0918]

Do you guys have a Chord Mojo? Could you please take a photo side by side with L3? I am very much interested also on how it would look like when stacked.


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[JohnYang]

Do you guys have a Chord Mojo? Could you please take a photo side by side with L3? I am very much interested also on how it would look like when stacked.


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I am borrowing a Chord Mojo from my friend in a few days, would be able to answer your question by then.
 
I think Lieven also has a Chord Mojo and hes getting a L3, so he would be able to help you out as well.

 

[JohnYang]

Think I will make a L3 impression thread to keep better track of the specifications and impression.

 

[nmatheis]

Think I will make a L3 impression thread to keep better track of the specifications and impression.

Great idea!

 

[Ultrainferno]

Do you guys have a Chord Mojo? Could you please take a photo side by side with L3? I am very much interested also on how it would look like when stacked.


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I will do so as soon as the DHL guy arrives. Mojo is waiting for his new play buddy
 

   
I am borrowing a Chord Mojo from my friend in a few days, would be able to answer your question by then.
 
I think Lieven also has a Chord Mojo and hes getting a L3, so he would be able to help you out as well.

 
as soon as DHL arrives!
 
Alex, isn't this supposed to be an IEM DAP, why are you trying full sized headphones with it?