Today, we’re reviewing Lavricables’ new Master Silver V4 aftermarket IEM cable, starting at €289 exc. VAT.
Disclaimer: Lavricables kindly provided the Silver V4 cable for this review. I only covered the import taxes and duties. As always, this article reflects my honest, unbiased opinion.
Lavricables
Founded in 2012 by a group of passionate audiophiles, Lavricables emerged from a desire to create high-quality silver cables at more accessible prices. Based in Latvia, the brand has gained global recognition for its use of pure silver wire and offers a wide range of products with extensive customization options.
Lavricables’ portfolio includes headphone cables, speaker cables, USB cables, interconnects, and more. This review focuses on their Master Silver V4 IEM upgrade cable, the latest update to Lavricables’ mid-tier Master series. Announced on April 3, 2024, the V4 variant represents Lavri’s latest upgrade for 2024.
It’s worth noting that Lavricables continuously improves its products over time, refining alloys, connectors, and cable structure. Rather than sourcing large quantities of materials and selling the same product for years, Lavri consistently innovates.
Lavricables Line-up
Lavricables has divided its cables into four different categories. The first and most budget-oriented one is called Reference Line. Reference Line is made of solid-core silver and has a purity rating of 5N. This line-up utilizes Teflon for RFI and EMI rejection.
Next is the Ultimate Line. In this range, the cable geometry is different, and the cable thickness is increased along with several other improvements. The Ultimate Line uses AWG24 5N multistrand litz silver wire, and Lavricables states that it has a softer, more flexible cable jacket featuring zero microphonics. Additionally, the Reference and Ultimate Line cables are soldered with Mundorf 4% fine silver audio solder. I actually did build some cables with this solder, and I find it easier to use compared to WBT’s %4 silver.
Master Line and Lavricables’ TOTL offering, the Grand Line, uses even thicker silver cables. Here, we see cables with both litz configurations and solid core configurations. Of course, there is improvement in specifications such as purity, wire geometry, and material quality compared to the other two categories. If you’d like to more about the specs, you can do so here.
For reference, you can check our Grand line review below.
The Master Silver V4
Following our previous review of the Master V3 headphone cable, we now turn our attention to the new Master V4 for IEMs. The Master Line-up is Lavricables’ second-best offering, optimized to deliver TOTL-level clarity and improvement at a mid-tier price point. As I mentioned earlier, Lavricables continuously upgrades and improves its raw materials and geometry. The new Master V4 wire features several improvements over its predecessor.
According to Lavricables, the sound-related changes include a wider soundstage, silkier highs, and a slightly warmer overall presentation. Higher frequencies are more delicate, smooth, and airy, while the sub-bass has gained more energy and power. Additional changes are primarily visual.
Highlights include:
- 4 Core 5N-Purity AWG22 Multistrand Litz Silver Wire
- Hand Braided & Soldered
- Mundorf 4% Fine Silver Audio Solder
- Soft, Pliable & Zero Microphonics PVC Jacket
- Aeco Plugs, Black Sleeving, etc. Customization Options
- Also Available in Sky-Blue Color
My sample is optimized for lightness, featuring no Y-splitter, a transparent jacket, Lavri 2-pin connectors, and a Lavri 4.4mm plug. This configuration costs approximately €315.
Design & Build Quality
The cable arrives in a black velvet pouch decorated with the Lavricables brand name and logo in silver font. Below, a slogan catches the eye: ‘Hear the difference with pure silver.’ Inside the pouch, you’ll find a small Lavricables sticker and a business card with QR links to their social media and website.
Crafted from four cores of 5N-purity silver, the cable features excellent conductivity and corrosion resistance due to its litz design with enameled strands. The PVC insulation used in both the V4 and V3 versions is soft and supple, ensuring comfort during wear. The wire thickness sits between the Ultimate and Grand series, being a true middle child. I find the Master line-up’s form factor excellent, neither flimsy nor bulky, perfect for on-the-go listening and stationary use.
Lavricables’ craftsmanship is impressive, with each cable handmade. The brand encourages customers to contact them for further customization beyond what’s available on their website. The original Lavri components, featuring carbon details and gunmetal color, enhance the cable’s aesthetics, though I would also appreciate seeing a matte black option in the future. The aluminum shells used in the plugs and Y-splitter have a matte anodized finish, and all contact points are gold-plated.
The connectors are lightweight yet sturdy and durable. The ear hooks on the 2-pin cable are comfortable, lacking memory wire, and are heat-treated to maintain their shape. This ergonomic design choice prevents discomfort during extended use, which is particularly important for glass wearers like myself. The symmetry of the ear hooks and the consistency/length of the shrink tubing used demonstrate Lavricables’ attention to detail, a quality I value in handmade products. The braiding is impeccable – neither too loose nor too tight.
My Master V4 is very light at around 25 grams with no Y-splitter and OG Lavricables connectors. Lavricables’ shrink Y-splitter is lightweight and does not introduce any weirdness like tangling, etc, which was one of the questions in my head during the ordering process. Also, the transparent shrink Y-splitter features the Lavricables brand name in feint gold color, which is a small detail I liked about.
Lavricables impresses with their meticulous attention to detail and use of high-quality materials. While the market offers plenty of SPC and copper options, it’s rare to find a company pairing pure silver with high-caliber components in this price range, making Lavricables’ offering stand out. I appreciate the craftsmanship and error-free build quality of their cables.
The review continues on the next page. Click here or use the jump below.
Page 1: Lavricables, Line-up, Master Silver V4, Design & Build Quality
Page 2: Sound & Performance, Pairings, vs. Grand, Last Words
