LAT International AC-2 Power Cables
LAT International AC-2 Power Cables
[Aug 20, 1998]
Mitchell M. Tallan
an Audio Enthusiast
I've tried many power cords in my system, ranging in price from $100 to $500. Most cords did make some difference, some subtle and some not so subtle. The cords that made significant improvements in one area inevetibly compromised the sound in another area. Most often, I noticed increased dynamics at the expense of tonal balance, with the highs sounding etched or tipped-up. Which leads me to the LAT Power Cord. In my system, this cord attached to my power amp, a McCormack DNA.5 modified by Steve McCormack, improved practically everything at the expense of nothing. Midrange presence, bloom, palpability, timbral truth, and dynamics were increased significantly over the stock, Belden, cord. Soundstage width and depth were increased, but to a lesser degree than the above-referenced aspects.I have recently added another LAT Power Cord to my CDP, a Classe CDP-.5. The change was just as significant as it was with the amp, but in different ways. This time, soundstage depth improved the most dramatically, although palpability and midrange bloom were also increased. Again, there were no detrimental effects at all, and everything sounds natural and balanced. |
[Oct 17, 1998]
Veda
an Audio Enthusiast
I recently had the opportunity to audition 6 different power cords and I found Tek-Line PC-4 to be the most balanced performer. The LAT Int cord has the best transparency and it is also the most forward sounding, but in some systems it sounds too airy with no real definition (except for the highs that is). Because of its "liveliness", this is also the best cord to use with hardcore rock music. Analog junkies may want to try MAS or Tek-Line Quad-PC. Associated components listed in the Tek-Line review. |
[Nov 02, 1998]
Bill H
an Audio Enthusiast
I bought the LAT Power Cord because I needed a shorter length than the standard five or six feet, and I never expected to hear that much improvement in my modestsystem. I was cautioned that it wouldn't sound very good until 100 hours of break-in time, but I noticed significant improvements right out of the box. |
[Nov 24, 1998]
Greg Young
an Audiophile
This is a great product! I have installed 3 into my system (DNA .5 amp, Classe preamp and Theta DAC), and I notice a definite reduction in "noise" (as one other person commented, the music comes out of a blacker background). Less RFI or EMI? Hell, I don't know. I do know that soundstaging is somewhat more precise, and depth and low level detail are more apparent. The biggest difference for me is that I'm able to listen at lower volume levels. I do some late night listening and try keep it below 80db (so others can sleep!), and, with these power cords, I keep finding myself thinking that the volume is too high, but when I check my SPL meter, it's still at a low level. The dyamics in the music seem to "breathe" more easily at lower levels than with the stock cords. |
[Mar 02, 1999]
Walter
an Audiophile
The LAT power cables came two days ago, 4 of them. They were to replace the stock cords of my Taddeo Digital Antedote bought and modifyed by JENA LABS (highly recommended), Joulle Electra pre-amp, and each of MY monoblock Atma-Sphere MA1's. The Transparent ULTRA on my Meridian 508.24 does just fine. Since I have tried cords from other companys that cosat more for one than all four of these I tried not to expect much, but since these cables were recommended by Marrianne at Joule I knew in some way they would be special. Special is not the word. It has been said above--These cable are unbelievable! Greater soundstage depth, LESS forward and more relaxed presentation. Precise pinpoint location of instruments on the stage, now this is great but let me explain this last statement-on Laura St. John's - Gypsy - she plays violin with a piano, she is not a big woman by any measure, a violin almost looks like a viola in her hands. The recording has the violin coming from just in front of the piano and about two feet above, considering her hieght this is about right. I know what you a thinking--power corks did not put her there and you are probably right--but--this level of detail was not present before. There seems to be no drawback I have found--quieter-more relaxed-powerfull--greater extension on the top end. GIVE THESE A TRY. PS-I WONT SAY WHOSE CABLES I SENT BACK--BUT THESE ARE STAYING. |
[Feb 21, 2001]
Andrew
Casual Listener
Strength:
Enhances everything about the sound - simply more musical. Great value compared to the competition. Robust construction and high quality terminations included in the price.
Weakness:
Soundstage could be a touch wider Russ Andrews Accessories was responsible for bringing the importance of mains quality to my attention. I've always been sceptical about how this could influence the sound quality of my Hi-Fi, and it's not something that's talked about often in the UK Hi-fi press. However, with the 3 cables I tested having money back guarantee trial periods, I thought I'd give them a go. Similar Products Used: Russ Andrews Accessories YellO Power, Kimber High Current PowerKord |
[Oct 13, 2001]
Tom
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Better then stock cord, nice construction, warm and robust sound
Weakness:
Not as clear, tranparent, or detailed as some other less expensive PCs, and to close in price to PCs that offer a lot more performance for another ~100$ I bought 3 LAT AC-2s. The LAT PC out performed my Transparent PCs that I had been using. My initial impression was that it was a good value. Its strengths are a fairly quiet background, a robust and warm bass, and smooth mids and highs. Negatives; somewhat heavy and loose in the bass, mids and highs are not well integrated with the bass, and tend to sound more recessed/subdued then the lower octaves. Not unlike the sound of LAT's speaker cables (which I did return). Enter the Absolute PC. I bought three Absolute PCs for 49$ each. Ok, the LAT has a fuller bodied sound, but that is it. The Absolute PCs are much more open, more evenly balanced, and are more resolving. The bass is not subterranian, but is much more articulate and well integrated. And, for a 49$ PC the Absolute PC is very transparent, quite detailed, and smooth. The difference is not subtle. I have also made up some PCs that cost no more then 40$ in parts, and these to have performed better then the LAT. And, if you can swing it, for another 100$ TG Audio's HSRi is much better. Overall an average PC at this price point, and not quite the value it appears to be. Similar Products Used: Coincident CST PC, TG Audio HSRi, Transparent Plus and Super, Absolute, DIY |
[May 23, 2000]
Sean Heisler
Audiophile
Strength:
Dynamics, soundstage enhancement, bass, liveliness
Weakness:
It's slightly forward and airy sound might make this cord taste and system dependent (if you call that a weakness) I bought the AC-2 last fall to use with my integrated amp, at the time a Jolida JD-1701 hybrid integrated. The improvement was dramatic right out of the box. Just as everyone says (despite to the uneducated and immature one star review) this cord brings forth greater dynamics, resolution, more dimension and liveliness to the sound. Compared to my all copper DIY Belden cord, the AC-2 with its silver clad conductors, is livlier, more airy and more forward. I now use this cord with my Audio Refinement Complete integrated, which is a rather neutral to warm integrated inherently, the LAT cord simply brings it to life in a magical way. For the money its a heck of a deal, great build quality too. I don't know how it stacks up against the more expensive cords but I do know it made a large improvement in my system. Highly recommended. Similar Products Used: Belden DIY cord |
[Mar 30, 1999]
Harry
an Audio Enthusiast
Ordered this AC cord after having read all the reviews here, as well as the fcat that LAT offers a 30-day money back should the cable did not perform up to expectation. |
[Apr 05, 1999]
rick
an Audio Enthusiast
What kind of a moron would spend this much cash for so little improvement in their system? I'm returning these and renting 30 DVDs instead. Think about it! What kind of cable runs from your breaker panel to your outlet? Probably 50 feet of .10/ft 14 gauge copper romex. And beyond that 100ft or more of 8 gauge stuff out to a transformer to another transformer ... high frequency noise can't get past a 100,000 microfarad capacitor in a power supply anyway. Buy this product if need to waste money but I think I can find a better place for it. Yeesh! |