Question regarding upgrade from a NVA 3m set LS6 loudspeaker cable to a 3m set of TSCS loudspeaker cable
post by eagwok33 » Sat Jan 13, 2018 6:26 pm
David Whistance recently reported very accurately and competently about his experience with the TSCS vs. LS6. To give another perspective, here are my thoughts about these cables:
A little bit over a year ago, I purchased a pair of NVA LS6 loudspeaker cables via Richard’s ebay store. The LS6 in my system, connecting my DIY SE tube amps or DIY First Watt M2 clone with my 3-way horn ls system definitely shines; there is a plus in musicality, energy transfer of acoustic and electrically amplified instruments, more liveliness, room ambience and resolution in comparison to my long-term favorite ls cable, the Kimber 4TC. The Kimber in comparison sounds accurate but a lot drier and less musical as well as less energetic.
Now, the TSCS pair I ordered in November 2017 via the HFS forum (and which Richard made and sent to me the week before X-Mas) are definitely something special. Right from the start, I realized that the TSCS delivers more of everything in my system in comparison to the excellent and musical LS6. The strong point of the LS6 in my system definitely is the mid-range. The mid-range is slightly on the warmer side compared to the not burned-in TSCS, and this warmth makes music reproduction in my near field listening to my 3-way horn system especially pleasing. It’s like you are “bathing” in pure mid-range joy with the LS6!
From the start, the TSCS conveyed a more transparent reproduction of music, with more detail plus more stage width and depth, which in my system - to my ears - is the result of its exceptional resolution and fine detail in the treble region. In this area, the TSCS is definitely exceptional!
At the start, the TSCS in comparison to the LS6 felt more unforgiving to recorded material. So, records which are cut and recorded a tad hotter, like some of the “brass oriented” Blue Note Jazz LPs of the end 50s / early 60s, sounded more authentic than I was used to with my horn ls system. But clearly, a real-life brass section listened to in a near field environment sounds amazingly powerful. An indication that the brass sections in these legendary Blue Note recordings are rendered truthfully by the TSCS!
(On my New Orleans trip some years ago, I walked twice with a Second Line, so had the brass-section near-field live experience -> this was unforgettable regarding the dynamics of music, especially brass instruments, in real life!
![Dance :dance:](./images/smilies/eusa/dance.gif)
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After now three weeks with listening one to four hours a day, I can report that the TSCS has improved further (the listening for the last two weeks has been without my NVA phono 2 as it is currently being converted by Richard to the MC version; so, the only NVA product in my current chain is the ls cables). The TSCS is by all means a fantastic ls cable.
To my ears, it is definitely a big improvement over the excellent LS6. The TSCS is the best ls cable I have heard in my system - of that I’m certain. You get more real life from your LPs and CDs played through your system with the TSCS in the chain. Acoustic instruments are portrayed with this natural ambience, which makes listening to music so captivating. And the biggest improvement the TSCS brings to the party I call “atmosphere” of the music reproduced. The musicians seem to be with you in the room and live recordings sound more alive (e.g. LP, Ryan Adams - Live at Carnegie Hall). There is a “breathing” of/between the musical notes played (I can’t describe it better), which is kind of “spooky real” -> this is so cool!
For example, to listen to piano music with this cable is just magical and pure joy
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon/smile.gif)
(e.g. Beethoven piano concert No. 5 - “Emporer” Concerto, Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli, Wiener Symphoniker / Guilini, DG 2531 385, Live Recording).
To sum up:
For the money, the LS6 is a bargain and a tip for every music lover who wants to improve the musical qualities of his system. And it doesn’t have to be an NVA system.
The TSCS though is definitely a further improvement. Is it worth roughly 2.5 times the price? For me a clear yes, as the improvement is noticeable – you only need to listen to a good piano recording (see above) with a system with high resolution and compare both cables then you will understand the difference between the superb valued LS6 and the amazing TSCS. As I want to listen to my preferred music as lifelike as possible, for me the TSCS is a logical upgrade, no doubt! In the so-called “high end audio world of diminishing returns” the TSCS is an exceptional and truly musical performer – a real keeper!
My conclusion:
For everyone, who seriously is into audio and has a resolving system, the TSCS and its musical qualities are a must have. Period! So, consider exploring it for yourself.
Happy Listening!
Norbert