Ortofon
LW 800S Lead Wire
Best upgrade for audiophiles seeking enhanced clarity and high-frequency detail.
Elevate your vinyl listening experience with the Ortofon LW-800S lead wires. Engineered for superior audio transmission, these sophisticated wires combine Pure Silver and silver-coated conductors to deliver exceptional clarity and brilliant tonality. Rhodium-plated terminals ensure a secure, highly conductive connection, translating into crisp high-frequency signals. Installation is straightforward thanks to clear color coding for left and right channels, with a dedicated green wire for grounding. Note potential terminal pin diameter compatibility when pairing with specific headshells like the SH-4 for optimal performance.
$145.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
957
/ 1637
#957 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
-88%
Below average
Wire composition
430.26
/ N Pure Silver wire ( x φ mm)
Who it's for
- DIY turntable owners needing easier cartridge installation
- Audiophiles seeking maximum signal transparency and sonic clarity
- Vinyl enthusiasts wanting long-term, oxidation-free connections
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious listeners prioritizing value over marginal gains
- Beginners lacking experience with delicate electronic components
- Owners of entry-level systems with limited resolution
Performance breakdown
Signal Clarity
Pure silver construction ensures exceptional high-frequency detail and transparency.
Build Quality
Premium rhodium-plated terminals provide a robust and highly conductive connection.
Ease of Installation
Intuitive color-coding makes channel identification and setup straightforward for users.
Tonal Balance
Silver-plated conductors deliver a brilliant and refined sonic signature.
Component Compatibility
Terminal pin diameters require careful matching with specific headshell models.
Signal Integrity
High-grade materials minimize resistance for a clean, uncolored audio path.
Key Specs
Wire composition
4N Pure Silver wire (3 x φ 0.26 mm)
Wire composition
Silver-plated Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC) wire (16 x φ0.10 mm)
Terminals
Rhodium-plated
Color coding
Red/Green (Right Channel Hot/Ground)
Color coding
White/Blue (Left Channel Hot/Ground)
Grounding wire color
Green
Compatibility note
Terminal PIN diameter compatibility with SH-4 headshell
Features
- Pure Silver and silver-coated wire construction
- Rhodium-plated terminals for secure connection
- Utilizes silver for clear high tone signals
- Color-coded for easy, error-free installation
- Engineered to maximize audio fidelity
- Ensures brilliant tonality during sound reproduction
What customers say
Audiophiles widely consider the Ortofon LW 800S Lead Wires a worthwhile upgrade for mid to high-end turntables. The core theme is sonic improvement, with users consistently reporting enhanced clarity and superior detail retrieval. These wires create a more expansive, three-dimensional soundstage. High-purity materials minimize signal loss, leading to cleaner transients and better high-frequency extension without harshness. Although the price is premium for this component, serious listeners agree the performance gains justify the investment. Satisfaction is extremely high, confirming the LW 800S's role in optimizing cartridge performance for a true high-fidelity experience.
Know before you buy
The LW-800S utilizes a combination of 4N pure silver and silver-plated OFC conductors. This construction is specifically designed to enhance high-frequency clarity and provide a more brilliant, detailed tonality compared to standard copper wires.
While these wires are compatible with most standard headshells, you should verify the terminal pin diameter of your specific headshell before purchasing. For example, pairing these with an Ortofon SH-4 headshell requires checking for a proper fit to ensure a secure connection.
Installation is straightforward thanks to the standard color-coding system. The red and green wires correspond to the right channel (hot and ground), while the white and blue wires correspond to the left channel (hot and ground), with green specifically designated for grounding.
Rhodium plating is used on the terminals to provide a highly conductive and durable connection. This material resists oxidation and ensures that the signal path remains secure and clean, which is essential for maintaining audio fidelity.
You generally do not need special tools, but a pair of precision needle-nose pliers or tweezers is highly recommended. Because the terminals are delicate, using the right tool will help you slide them onto the cartridge pins without bending or damaging the wires.
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$146