Vortex Audio Lavinia Review – All Natural

Comparisons –

Kinera Orlog ($699): The Orlog is a similarly positioned gold-hybrid cable with Effect Audio’s ConX system. It offers a similar smooth and clean sound. The bass is slightly more prominent and dynamic on the Orlog. It has more sub-bass kick and a bit more fullness in the mid-bass. Conversely, the Lavinia is a bit tighter, offering higher definition with slightly more texture. Through the midrange, the Orlog is slightly more laid-back and u-shaped. Specifically, it has a bit more lower midrange body but also less presence and size through the centre midrange. Above, it is slightly more articulate forming a more contrasted presentation overall.

The Lavinia by comparison is more even-handed and its vocals are larger and more powerful. It is smoother and lusher with a slight resolution advantage. When it comes to the treble, both are clean and dark with a smoother character. The Orlog has a bit more bite in the lower-treble while the Lavinia has a bit more sparkle at the very top. Both have a dark background, the Orlog slightly more so. When it comes to soundstage, the Orlog is a bit more spacious but the Lavinia presents more coherent and tight knit imaging. The Lavinia also has slightly better separation overall.

Satin Audio Hera ($850): The Hera offers a more sophisticated conductor array and a similar fabric sheath. Its weave is looser making it more compliant but also bulkier. Sonically, the Lavinia offers a more linear and balance approach with the Hera offering more vividness and energy. This is exemplified in the bass. Both cables offer excellent extension and sub-bass power, but the Hera has a warmer mid-bass with more punch and overall, offers higher dynamics too. The Lavinia is tonally cleaner and more separated all the while. In the midrange, the Lavinia offers large and liquid vocals with a smooth articulation. It is well layered and pleasantly resolving.

The Hera is more vivid with greater bass/midrange contrast and a more articulate top-end. It has a bit more warmth and similarly, enhances layering and resolving power. While the Lavinia offers a smoother note presentation, the Hera increases note definition leading to higher fine detail retrieval. Above, the two diverge with the Lavinia sporting a darker, cleaner background, the Hera a brighter, airier one. The Hera has a bit more sparkle and extension, overall resulting in greater detail retrieval while the Lavinia suits those wanting a dark yet still well-extended sound. The Hera presents a deeper stage while the Lavinia has slightly more holographic imaging.

Verdict –

Once again, Vortex Audio provides a stunning looking and feeling cable that is premium but not outlandish in terms of pricing. I would argue that considering the raw specification, the cable offers one of the better value propositions as far as custom cables go. While I would have wished to see a bit more aesthetic differentiation from the remaining product line, I can’t deny that the cable looks great when viewed in isolation. In terms of tonality, the cable is mildly coloured and provides a healthy technical jump. Notable strengths include sub-bass depth and power in addition to treble sparkle and imaging. While its stage dimensions don’t stretch the farthest and the subtle tonality lacks wow factor, this makes it a great choice for those valuing authenticity, especially when it comes to vocals.

The Lavinia is available for $759 USD. You can read more about the cable and customise a unit for yourself here! I am not affiliated with Vortex and receive no earnings from purchases made through these links.