Since changing the Lacorde Statement XLR between pre and power amp, and later between pre amp and phono stage the same stunning results were true - in all disciplines a little more of the good and in none, less. It was clear to me that I will have to describe the Göbel cable to you in more detail. In the meantime, I asked about the price: The speaker cable costs € 10,000 Euros in the standard length, the XLR cable € 2,500. Although that is quite “cracking”, it is still overshadowed by the Audioquest Wild. I tried a little self-appeasement - until Oliver Göbel just casually remarked that his prices are, of course, per cable, not per stereo pair. But even that could not change my opinion after my first listening impressions while testing the noble cables.

When the Lacordes are found in my listening room the second time, the Lumen has resumed its rightful place again. It is quickly clear that an earthy, colorful and slightly comfortably warm bass does not have to be accompanied by a loss of information: With the Lacorde Statement, you do not have to choose between a huge imaginary space or melodic, refined, yet rich bass response. Here, you absolutely get both! The advantages of Lacorde Statement XLRs are also confirmed in various configurations: Between tube pre and power amp, between the Violas with their semiconductors, between Einstein’s The Turntable's Choice using van den Hul’s The Grail SB and the Viola Crescendo, but also, on the input side, the EAR 912 equipped with step-up transformers. I'm sorry, I can not see any basis for criticism with the Göbel Lacorde Statement – well maybe just one: The design of the XLR connectors unfortunately precludes use with equipment that have terminals placed very close together. Before you start raving with unfounded fanaticism about cables priced beyond good and evil, very briefly: The Lacorde Statement are the best cables I have ever heard with my system.