IN-AKUSTIK Referenz LS-1203
Speaker cables
The Referenz range of InAkustik is a brilliant example of German legendary precision. It starts with packaging - each single connector is protected by a special plastic cover in a fabric bag. Plus there are white gloves provided with the set. This should assure the buyer that he gets something like a Porsche with the purchase.
Function and form
The In-Akustik Referenz LS-1203 are built around a hollow polyethylene tube. Around this tube OFC strands are spirally wound, with their total cross section achieving 9 mm2. The individual conductor strands are sealed in foamed PE dielectrics. The shielding braid is radially arranged around a synthetic core. InAkustik tride to make the whole design as airy as possible - thus the cables are very lightweight, still they are very resistant against EMI noise.
Bass management
I could not give the cables proper burn-in time with music due to other reviews waiting in a queue, so used Blue Horizon Pro-burn cable cooker to speed to process up. Before the critical listening the InAkustik received an equivalent of 300-400 hours of music. I think it was enough for the PE core to start melting.
Clarity & delicacy
Tonal accuracy
The Referenz LS-1203 speaker cable is a good cable, with fast bass and celar highs. It is slightly euphonic as it favours frequency extremes, rather than being strictly neutral. When I compared the InAkustik against my own references, Krautwire Fractal and Audioquest Redwood, the LS-1203 was not as good in imaging. It was quite good in depicting the lateral soundstage, but I missed that organic feel, the glue between the musicians that keeps them together. Though the InAkustik highlighted the performers, they were individuals, rather than members of a band or an orchestra. Also the depth was slightly compressed - the InAkustik favoured forward presentation.
Spatial resolution
The last movement of Leos Janacek's Taras Bulba suite (Reference recordings) was beautiful, however. Horn glissandos were brilliant without sounding etched or thin, though the cables' balance was apparent. The InAkustik Referenz may be excellent if you are looking for a bit more light in your audio system - give it a listen and let your ears decide.
Recommended resellers
Eurostar Ostrava, Dobřejovice u Prahy, tel. + 420 323 606 877
Jasyko, Brno, 541 210 108
Manufacturer's website: http://www.in-akustik.de
Associated components
- Sources: Aaccuphase DP-78
- Amplifiers: Accuphase A60, Accuphase A70
- Interconnects and speaker cables: Krautwire Fractal, Audioquest WBY, Audioquest Redwood, Cardas Clear
- Loudspeakers: Bowers & Wilkins 802 Diamond
- Power cables: Nordost Valhalla, Block Snakeblock
- Power conditioning: Nordost Thor (modified)
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