|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
207.102.108.115
It's been some time since I've installed three Shunyata Venom 3 power cables in my system. These were the latest changes in my hi fi, but ever since I did that, I keep experiencing certain kind of shifting in the sound representation. Considering that nothing else changed in my configuration, I am forced to entertain two ideas:1. The cables are burning in with usage
2. My mind is playing tricks on me (again!)Hypothesis #2 is super easy to adopt, so let's not go for shooting fish in a barrel right now. Hypothesis #1 is a bit disturbing, because, if true, I'm baffled at how much the sound can keep changing with the power cable burn in. And believe me, the change is not always for the better. Like, last week I kept getting wimpier and wimpier bass. Then, over the weekend, I've noticed that the bass had recovered somehow. Also, the highs kept getting smoother and smoother, but now to the point that they're almost muffled. Are they ever going to return to their previous sheen and sparkle?
I repeat, nothing else seems to be changing, and yet I'm having this roller coaster ride with Shunyata power cables. Anyone experienced anything similar to this?
Edits: 02/20/12Follow Ups:
Sounds like what ever component you are using it with does not like it. I have a similar experience with Wireworld power cables. Out of all my gear, including my Tv's only ONE dac sounds better with it.
I also found that other components sound best with a specific power cord.
Try different locations and see were it fits best.
Dynobots Audio
Music is the Bridge between Heaven and Earth - 音楽は天国と地球のかけ橋
Yes, I swapped power cables on my power amp (replaced Shunyata with Nordost), and I think the sound reverted back to the quality I was used to -- strong, muscular bass with lots of 'oomph!' and torque. Thanks for the advice!
.
Dynobots Audio
Music is the Bridge between Heaven and Earth - 音楽は天国と地球のかけ橋
I've noticed an interesting thing that started emerging after a few days since I've swapped power cables: obviously the Nordost cable imparts a completely different sonic signature to the power amp, which now sounds less liquid, more dynamic and clinically analytical. However, after several hours in use (close to 12 hours or so), this character now became much more pronounced.
Is it possible that the power amp is getting gradually 're-calibrated' when I replace its power cable? I know this sounds far fetched, but the change in sonic signature is very pronounced, however it took some time for it to develop to the current degree.
Also, with Shunyata power cable in, I seem to remember that it took some time before it modified the sonic character from strong, dynamic to mellow, liquid and more tame.
I wouldn't call this odd phenomenon burn-in, because both cables have been already thoroughly burnt in.
Weird stuff, eh?
I also found that other components sound best with a specific power cord.
Try different locations and see were it fits best.
I think you may be right. The weakening in the bass 'oomph' seemed to have started happening when I replaced my Nordost power cable on my power amp with Shunyata power cable. I'll have to switch back to Nordost, just to hear if it makes a difference. The trouble is, the way my components are configured is such that it's a major chore to reach in all the way back and make changes to the cabling (something to do with my wife's aesthetics and the way room is arranged and decorated, don't ask:)
How many hours of burn-in time so far? While you may indeed be experiencing the ups and downs of cable burn-in, there might be other issues in play (as another inmate mentioned). However, the fact that you've placed three new power cords that share the same sonic signature, and really do require ample burn-in time when placed in a single audio system, indicates that it might be best to simply be patient and ride the wild wave. And remember, perception is everything, so keep a clear head ;-)
Cheers, Duster
I'd say at least 48 hours, if not much more. I haven't kept the log, but it's been playing in my system since before Christmas.
How's things? I have a burn-in question. If I have an AC cord being used on another component, say a subwoofer and is burned-in with that item, if I move the cord to another piece (say my tube amp) should it have to bun-in again? If so, for how long? I'm asking because I tried moving my Shunyata Venom 1 from the sub to the amp and it was awful. It works great on the sub.
"Apparently, people now believe that mental telepathy is the foundation of communication and magic is the source of daily events. Consequently, we no longer have to participate in our own lives."
If the power cord has already gone through ample burn-in time, it should only require a brief period to settle back into the system, matter what component it was previously placed on. However, if the previous component did not have much current demand, and the present component does, one might expect further burn-in to bring further sonic improvement. As to your specific issue, the Venom 1 might not offer satisfactory synergy with your particular power amplifier or the AC outlet it's plugged to, but I simply don't know if that's the case.
Fair enough. It's likely the amp objects. The outlet is a Furtech from a dedicated line.
"Apparently, people now believe that mental telepathy is the foundation of communication and magic is the source of daily events. Consequently, we no longer have to participate in our own lives."
Short answer (in my experience with the Venom 3 or any of the other 11 Shunyata power cords I have used): no. From what you have mentioned I would have to ask just how new (unused) the cords are, and, if you are sure the connections are tight and the contacts are all clean. Also, if you could describe what the rest of the system consists of that would help with further trouble shooting. I just added a Venom 3 to my system recently and did not note any change after about the first 15 hours or so. This is consistent with what the factory would state, I understand. Even in my fairly detail oriented/resolving system, I have not heard the likes of the Shunyata Python CX or Anaconda CX power cords change the sound after the first 15 or so hours. That is my experience. Another question for you: what is shifting about the sound presentation? Is it the likes of the soundstage? Regardless, surely something else is at play here.
All three cables are brand new. I use one cable on my power conditioner, the other on my digital transport, and the third one on my power amp.The overall net effect of placing these cables in my system is more mellow, analog-like character of the sound. They seem to somewhat attenuate what sounds to me like a bit of digital hardness in the upper middle region. Also, the cymbal splashes now sound more natural, with noticeably longer decay.
All that at the expense of the oomph in the bass. The bass is now much tighter, more taut, more melodic, easier to discern and follow, but it lost some of its grittiness and oomph.
Lastly, the soundstage shrunk quite a bit. It seems more precise now, but also more miniature.
Edits: 02/21/12
I haven't really had any issues with burn in. I now have well over 500 hours on one and over 250 on the other.
I got the most positive change on my cd player (first Venom3). The second one is on my pre-amp where it produced a positive change, but not near as dramatic as on the cd player.
I tried moving the one from the pre-amp to my amp and I just didn't care for the resulting change and moved it back to my pre-amp. I've been hesitant to go with the third one for the amp because I am really happy with my system the way it is. I also tried taking the Venom3s out and it didn't take very long before I put them back in.
Maybe you could try moving the one you have on the amp to the pre-amp? Or take two out and move one to different components to see if things stabilize for you.
Please let us know how you resolve your dilemma.
I made one change in my configuration in that I've unplugged the Venom 3 that was feeding my power amp from the power conditioner (Belkin PF-30) and plugged it straight into the wall outlet. That, to my ears, somewhat restored the muscle in the bass. Am I imagining things, or is the sound indeed different if you feed electrical current directly from the wall outlet than if you feed it from the power conditioner?
My power amp sounds the best plugged directly into the wall outlet.
Do you think you've totally solved your problem?
My power amp sounds the best plugged directly into the wall outlet.
Do you think you've totally solved your problem?
I think the roller coaster ride with the burning in (or whatever else was going on with my system) now seems to be over. The mids and the highs are now the best they've ever been. However, I'm still not happy with the bass, as I feel that prior to this change, my bass was much more robust, with more pronounced 'oomph' and torque. Sure, plugging the Shunyata Venom 3 directly into the wall outlet seemed to have improved the bass, but I still feel it's kind of too shy and too polite for my taste.
I'll go back and replace Shunyata with Nordost power cable on my power amp, and will report back if it made any positive change. Thanks for your advice!
It's a combination of the conditioner (they all tend to alter the sound and limit dynamics) and your line voltage no doubt (variable with time of day). That's assuming your components are in perfect working order. Also, psychology, emotional state, pharmaceuticals and alcohol (not to mention air pressure, humidity and the presence of ear wax) will effect what you are hearing:O) Funny thing is...I'm not kidding!
dave_b
No, you have heard correctly. Interesting you should ask this question at this point. I had looked up your system and saw you listed the Belkin conditioner, and I was composing my next set of questions to you about your system w/ the Venom3 power cords when your post showed up.
In my experience, "power conditioners" such as the Belkin you have will at least change power amp. dynamics - and this means usually restricting the dynamics - unless they specifically state they are "non-current limiting" (even then ...). I had a $200 Monster brand "power bar" at one point and easily noted that the dynamics of my then mid-fi system (mostly Rotel) were restricted vs. the $3.00 wall outlet. Latter, I purchased a Shunyata Hydra4 power conditioner. In short, the results were that the dynamics of my system were more pronounced (I mean much better, even for bass alone) with the Hydra4 vs. the wall outlet. Go figure; but I have stuck with the Hydra4 longer than any other system component thus far. From this, and other experiences it has lead me to think, from hearing such results that are clearly notable, that more music can be garnered simply from the AC side of components, be they amps., or source.
I would encourage you to try to audition a proven (that means neutral and non-current limiting) power conditioner such as the Shunyata Hydra series. Used, they are a steal for what they do. From another OP I note you had started to evaluate another brand; I do not have experience with that brand, however my dad worked for Furman in the past. And do not get me started on outlets .... Happy listening
Post a Followup:
FAQ |
Post a Message! |
Forgot Password? |
|
||||||||||||||
|
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors: