I've been the custodian of the LS-80s this past week or so, they have now moved on to more rural pastures.
I was quite critical when it came to the LS40's, they certainly didn't match the level of performance I have gotten used to over the years, and definitely not a match for the Cardas cables I currently use but I approached the LS80's with an open mind, however within the first couple of seconds of listening to one of my reference albums (John Smith - Headlong) it was apparent the LS80's where definitely something special.
Throughout a week of listening and switching between my Cardas Golden Cross and a set of Van Damme Hifi cables, one of the main things that struck out from the LS80's is their vast and 'wow' factor sound stage. They really are double decker bus wide in that department. I have heard this type of soundstage before with some speaker cables, but often when this happens there is a reduction in the body of the music to create this, leaving me shortchanged for midrange warmth and body - being a folk music/valve kinda guy, this is a definite no no for me! The LS80's however, don't sacrifice body for expanse so this takes them up there with the masters of cable design, Cardas, as that is a characteristic that George Cardas made possible in his higher end cables...but the LS80's are cheaper than the higher end Cardas in todays values - so that makes them the VW Golf GTI of cables - does everything the big boys can do, at a price that is more affordable, attainable while looking bloody good and commanding respect from those that 'know'.
Where I found the LS40's to be somewhat blurred on the edges, muffled almost at times, none of this was the case with the LS80's - much the opposite, each instrument is defined without hard edges, there is no smearing, no blurring but also no over the top emphasis - it all sounds natural, studio monitor production good. One could feel this may sound a little manufactured, and you could be right, good partnering may be a factor, but with my Prima Luna Evo and an Aqua La Voce S3 DAC, there was a real ambience together that just sounded special and kept me listening for hours constantly popping my head up thinking 'ooo that sounded good'. This is the first cable I have ever been able to do that with since purchasing my Cardas (which make me do that every day!) - normally I spend less than an hour with a new cable as I know pretty much right away they just aren't as good, and therefore I have no further interest. LS80's kept me involved.
My Cardas Golden Cross IC was kept in the chain, which when swapping it out for a Van Damme budget special, became apparent that it was a really nice blend with the LS80's - it brought that big midrange body and warmth, and the LS80's tweaked all the leading edges and almost separated the sound out into layers. Fantastic stuff really. With the VD IC, it was clear the LS80's were not getting the quality of transmission they deserved as ultimately they sounded a little flat and orphaned. I remember reading a review from yesteryear about a few folk matching Cardas Golden Cross IC with Cardas Golden Reference speaker cables - the Golden Reference having less copper and giving a more detailed sound over the warmer Golden Cross - so I feel there is potential that the LS80's are similar in presentation the Golden Reference in what they do - I couldn't borrow a set to try out, so I'll just have to wander forever more!
Overall, I still prefer my Cardas cables, because ultimately I want the most relaxed, warm, cuddly sound - thats just my thing, but very few share that preference and I could not imagine any hifi peep who would be anything but highly impressed by the LS80's and adding them to their Santa list if they could. They bring everything to the party, and leave nothing at home. If you don't already have some top shelf cables, then buy the LS80's - your hifi, ears and heart will appreciate you for doing so, if you do, then demo them, as they may be better than what you have..forget the Townsend, Tellurium, Atlas's of the world, they are no match for the Wonfor art - one thing is for sure, you'll stop the cable journey as there is nothing really to really better them at this price point, and much higher.
The LS-80's are 'all in', not shouty , just the reserved Black Golf GTI in the background, being the best at everything without proclaiming anything.
Top marks
@CJ14 and
@ABCaudio !