Esprit Lumina XLR Interconnect (Pair) – Handmade in France

Richard Cesari says the assembly of an XLR interconnect counts as much as its materials. You can have the finest conductors in the world, he says, but if an XLR interconnect is assembled approximately, you lose everything.

The Esprit Lumina XLR Balanced Interconnect is a pair of balanced interconnects from Esprit's Lumina range. Each Lumina XLR interconnect is made by hand in Confolens, in France's Charente region, in 0.6, 1.2, 1.8 and 2.4 m pairs.

“…Lumina had a faithful tonal balance that hewed ever so slightly to the richer, warm-blooded, calming side of the spectrum.”

— Neil Gader, The Absolute Sound, reviewing the previous-generation Lumina cables (2020)

Heritage

Esprit describes Lumina as an uncompromising range, designed to reach a higher level of realism and musical coherence, and the Lumina XLR interconnect shares that brief. Twisted asymmetric dielectrics and optimized air insulation belong to the Lumina approach, and the Lumina XLR interconnect is built on them. Dielectric polarization is part of the Lumina XLR interconnect as well, to stabilize the electrical environment of its signal. Esprit's Eh 200 connectors, with their thick multilayer plating, finish the Lumina XLR interconnect.

Made by hand in Confolens

Esprit's team designs and assembles the Lumina XLR interconnect by hand in its workshop in Confolens, Charente. Richard Cesari insists that assembly counts as much as materials, so each Lumina XLR interconnect is checked at every stage of the work. The first complete check of the Lumina XLR interconnect is made by the person who built it, and nothing moves on until it has been validated.

How it sounds

Esprit describes the sound of the Lumina XLR interconnect as more fluid, dynamic and balanced, with a more stable stage, remarkable articulation and a transparency that reveals the slightest nuance.

The Lumina XLR interconnect combines PVC and silicone insulation: Esprit associates the firmer PVC with density and bass weight, and the softer silicone with a more fluid, open midrange and treble. Air forms part of the insulation of the Lumina XLR interconnect, as specified: high-temperature polyvinyl chloride (PVC) + silicone on air. Polarization on the Lumina XLR interconnect holds its insulators under a continuous voltage so they stay in a stable state, which Esprit links to clearer micro-detail, a more structured stage and greater fluidity.

Choosing your XLR interconnect

The Lumina XLR interconnect is level 6 of Esprit's nine, above Aura and below Eureka. The Lumina XLR interconnect comes in 0.6, 1.2, 1.8 and 2.4 m lengths. If you would like a second opinion on the Lumina XLR interconnect for your system, we're happy to talk it through. The full Esprit collection shows the Lumina XLR interconnect alongside the rest of the family.

Specifications

Questions

How does the Lumina XLR interconnect differ from the Aura XLR interconnect?

The Lumina XLR interconnect sits one level above the Aura XLR interconnect. Compared with the Aura XLR interconnect, the Lumina XLR interconnect uses Eh 200 connectors in place of Eh 100, high-temperature PVC plus silicone on air insulation and shielding specified as non-floating, double full plus partially shielded on air.

Does the Lumina XLR interconnect use dielectric polarization?

Yes. Esprit lists the polarization of the Lumina XLR interconnect as "Yes". On the Lumina XLR interconnect, a continuous voltage keeps the insulators in a stable state, which Esprit says limits dielectric relaxation and absorption for more coherent, quieter transmission.

Which length of the Lumina XLR interconnect should I choose?

Measure the run between the two components and add a little slack so the Lumina XLR interconnect is not under tension. The Lumina XLR interconnect comes in 0.6, 1.2, 1.8 and 2.4 m pairs, and a short, direct run is usually the simplest choice.

What does the Lumina XLR interconnect cost?

The Lumina XLR interconnect is $5,999 for 0.6 m, $8,399 for 1.2 m, $10,799 for 1.8 m and $13,199 for 2.4 m per pair. Sales tax is included in the price of the Lumina XLR interconnect, and we deliver it free anywhere in the USA.

Where is the Lumina XLR interconnect made, and when will it ship?

Esprit builds every Lumina XLR interconnect by hand in its workshop in Confolens, France. The Lumina XLR interconnect usually ships in about 2 weeks, with free delivery anywhere in the USA and sales tax included in the price.

From our boutique to your listening room

HiFi Boutique is an authorized Esprit dealer. Delivery is free anywhere in the USA, and sales tax is included in the price. Hand-built in France — usually ships in about 2 weeks.