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Model: | Power Cords Flavor & Flavor 2 |
Category: | Cable |
Suggested Retail Price: | $>200 for parts |
Description: | Power Cords |
Manufacturer URL: | DIY by Chris VenHaus |
Model Picture: | View |
Review by Paul Tobin (A) on September 22, 2006 at 22:46:12 IP Address: 202.164.204.60 | Add Your Review for the Power Cords Flavor & Flavor 2 |
I was going to wait before writing this review - I've only had my Flavor 2s on my Plinius gear for the last five days - but since I'd already updated the PC info in my system web link, I thought I may as well post the initial impressions as a review. If further significant changes occur, I'll post an update. I've lifted this 'review' mostly from the notes I've put in my system link below.Anyway....I initially replaced my old API Power wedge with the VH Audio Hotbox and Bob Crump Asylum cords as I posted here.
With DIY F2s there are many different connectors available from Chris' parts list. I chose the Furutech FI-11Ag IECs and the FI-11Cu male plugs.The construction, connection integrity and finish of these Furutech connectors is very impressive.
I didn't use any heatshrink over the ends of the plugs as the Furutech cable clamps render this completely unnecessary. I found the finished cords quite flexible - not nearly as stiff as the Flavor 4 attached to the Hotbox.
I've used the cords on my Plinius phono/pre/power amps - all cords had connectors treated with Caig ProGold and are plugged into the VH Audio Hotbox (Hotbox connected to my 20A dedicated line).
As with the Crump cords, I made all the Flavor 2 cords the same length to minimise any problem with earth loops.
Compared to the Crump cords, the 'Flavor 2s' produce a more dynamic, transparent and detailed sound. Increased bass tautness is very apparent. More important is the way the texture and body of instruments is reproduced - the 'skin' of drums and how they're tuned, the unique sound of different piano/guitar bodies and how they project into space etc. Reproduction of space/ambiance and depth is more resolute. The sound exhibits great clarity , dynamic jump and presence/fullness but not at the expense of delicacy and finesse which, if anything, sounds better than before (with Crump cords). I've read some negative reports of the F2s in this later regard - ie indicating brashness, lack of finesse and poor soundstage - I'm getting none of that in my system.
I'm very impressed, and this is only early impressions - by all accounts they sound better with a long break-in.
On a performance per $ basis I expect these cords may be tough to beat. They cost about $120 each as I specified them. That's four times the cost of the Crumps, but still not really expensive by the standards of this industy. Most of the cost is the connectors themselves - which are higher quality than those used in some far more expensive commercial PCs. I consider the F2s bargain priced for the sound quality they allow.
Product Weakness: | I'd have to hear something better to elaborate on this.....I suppose they did take about 45min each to construct. |
Product Strengths: | Superb clarity of soundfield, detail and finesse, dynamics and bass tautness. Naturally balanced with no 'highlighting' effects. Great sound quality return for $s spent. |
Associated Equipment for this Review: | |
Amplifier: | Plinius 8200P |
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): | Plinius CDLAD/M14 phono |
Sources (CDP/Turntable): | VPI TNT/Graham1.5T/Ortofon Jubilee |
Speakers: | Harbeth C7ES2 |
Cables/Interconnects: | Chris VH DIY silver interconnects/Goertz MI2 bi-wire speaker cables |
Music Used (Genre/Selections): | Rock, Jazz, Classical |
Room Comments/Treatments: | DIY as described in system link |
Time Period/Length of Audition: | 5 days |
Type of Audition/Review: | Product Owner |
Follow Ups:
Just a few more thoughts and comparisons to the Bob Crump DIY power cords......
First up - the F2 PCs won't be for people who want cables that cover up system problems or anomolies. In this respect the Crumps would be more forgiving, by comparison they exhibit a somewhat more veiled less direct sound - (Note: I thought the Crumps sounded terrific in isolation).
The F2s sound very transparent and direct to me - everything sounds fresher and less colored than with the Crump cords. Recordings sound more different to each other, more natural, more realistic. Interestingly, I had similar impressions of Chris VH's' DIY silver interconnects when I inserted them in my system some years ago. It's worth noting that my amps are now totally wired with Chris' designs ie all interconnects as well as F2 power cords. Possible synergy?
The F2s perpectives are similar to the Crumps, but with more apparent depth due to greater transparency. Perhaps the F2s seem slightly more forward, though I think this impression is due to the greater transparency - like I said, the stage is deeper and more defined, so it's not like things have been pushed forward.
As I said in my initial report, bass is significantly tauter with more impact (but not quantity).
I wouldn't say there was a huge difference in dynamics between the two designs - the Crumps were very good IMO, the F2s probably edge ahead because their tranparency gives more range at the quiet end and the bass tautness and overall clarity punctuates transient impact.I'm loving how these things make my system sound!
System Details
Bob freely gave this design to the asylum readers back around 2000. At that time, the design was something like 17 years old.
Yes I realise that, I read through the original thread . The Crump design has definitely stood the test of time. It is a great sounding PC. Since they only cost $30 to make, no-one should be using less than this IMO. They worked a treat in my system, and by all accounts have a wide compatability. If you want to prove to yourself that PCs make a positive difference, this is the PC to try!
In some systems the Crump PCs may be preferable to the F2s. However, the F2s are a higher performance design IMO - and don't cost a silly amount of extra money (like the Crumps, the DIY F2's price is directly related to the material costs).
System Details
Hi Paul,Excellent decision and happy listening :-). I think you will find after many hours of burn-in time that the cable's presentation will improve even more. I'm glad Chris is now offering the FI-11 line of Furutech AC connectors as an option since they are a fine choice for use on the Flavor power cords, IME. Other than the usual caveat of component/system dependancy, I believe the Flavor power cord's reputation of a lack of delicacy/finesse is primarily based on builds that are terminated with entry level Economy Wattgate AC connectors (or other non-Audio Grade AC connectors) rather than a "flawed" characteristic of the raw cable. While the Flavor power cords do have a bold sonic signature; this factor is intensified when non-Audio Grade AC connectors are involved, IMHO. I've terminated Flavor 2, 3, & 4 power cords with a number of different AC connectors and can report that Audio Grade AC connectors provide remarkably improved listening cues across the board. A high performance power cable needs to be terminated with high performance AC connectors in order to really deliver the goods, IME ;-)
An apology to the forum:For the record... I believe I was too critical when I claimed that the Flavor power cords have a "reputation" other than excellent, and that they "lack" refinement, delicacy, or finesse when terminated with Economy Wattgate's rather than a set of Audio Grade AC connectors, as by any measure the Flavor power cords are superb and worthy of praise regardless of an AC connector option. I think I've just become so "into" the use of Audio Grade AC connectors that my POV has become a bit eccentric... so, I'm very sorry if I offended anyone, and will try to keep still in AA about my "AC connector crazy" opines... :-)
While I still highly recommend that folk's choose an Audio Grade AC connector option for a Flavor power cord project, the Economy Wattgate's do a very fine job, indeed!
Sorry, again...
I am very thankful Duster..My Flavor Cords are absolutely gorgeous sounding with the Furutech
connectors added. The last six IEC's should be here tomorrow to finish the job.Thanks for letting us know about these fine connectors from Furutech.
I am doing mine in stages(my meager budget).
All male plugs(FI-11M (cu)) and AC outlets(Furutech FP-15 (cu)) done. Will order the FI-11 (ag) IEC's soon.Transparency in spades... Yes!
Hey, don't knock my entry-level Flavor 4s. lol Just kidding. I wanted to get the Airsines but I just can't spend a lot of $$$ on stereo for a few months(unexpected priority shift) so I got the Flavor 4s. To be honest, I wasn't sure I would hear a difference but since the cables that came with my speakers were ghastly looking I figured if I didn't hear a diff. then thats cool because I didn't spend much and half the reason for getting them was for aesthetic reasons anyway. However, after recieving my cables a couple days ago I can say I definitely hear an improvement in dynamics. Since it is advised to give the cables 400 hours burn-in(400 hours? good gawd)before evaluation, it will be interesting to see what else will improve. I am guessing that since they were noticed first, dynamics will be the major improvement while all other improvements will be supplemental. *yawn* Ok, I'm off to bed.
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