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VH Audio Flavors 1, 2, and 3 Cable Review by SoftwireEngineer


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Model: Flavors 1, 2, and 3
Category: Cable
Suggested Retail Price: $129
Description: VH Audio Power
Manufacturer URL: VH Audio

Review by SoftwireEngineer (A) on January 24, 2004 at 18:15:15
IP Address: 66.122.212.89
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for the Flavors 1, 2, and 3


How can something like a power cable make a difference ? Skepticism is a good protective cloak to wear and I habitually wore it. After reading up on the internet and seeing people spend considerable amounts on these..I got a little brave. I bought my first after-market power cord a few years ago for $100. I heard it ..they make a difference !!!..yes really. Bought a few more in the $100-$300 range. The last cable I got an Analysis Plus made my amp sound so dynamic. I was happy. Then I began to notice some noise/hash. I have my Int. Amp connected directly to the wall socket (a cryoed hospital grade one at that). I knew connecting it to my Monster Cable HTS2500 would rob it of its dynamics. After some thought, I ordered a PS Audio Ultimate Outlet. The stock cord surely had to be replaced. I also needed a cord without the ground for my CD player. I had read up on lots of DIY idea and was impressed with the approach Chris Venhaus was taking. I did not want to spend money and did not have the time/energy for the DIY approach. I ordered a 4" Cryoed Flavor 2 for the amp and a 5" Flavor 3 for the CD player. As soon as I plugged in, I noticed a major change for the better. First thing, the bass was too strong and the setup sounded very dynamic. I used the Flavor 2 from the wall to the PS Audio UO and the Analysis Plus Power Oval from the UO to the Amp. The Flavor 3 went from the CD player to the Monster Cable power conditioner.

After a month or so, I sat for critical listening. My system's sound has changed drastically. It was more dynamic, had punch and highs were much clearer. On a whim, I connected the Int Amp directly to the wall again using the Flavor 2..wow..more dynamic and a dead quiet backdrop..like they say..the blacks were more black. I do not need the PS Audio UO anymore !!!! Really nice..Certain instruments in the mix were more upfront (like percussion) and vocals suddenly retreated a few feet behind the wall...a deep soundstage. Since the effect varied for different instruments in the mix..I interpreted this as much higher fidelity. Enya's Hits Collection has been my favorite test disc. The synth driven songs, sound more and more real, the higher the system fidelity. Yup, the tracks sound more real and less like synths..the reverbs are clearer..the layer multiple vocal tracks easier to identify and the bass in track 9 is much stronger..

What am I going to do with the PS Audio UO now ? Before I put it for sale on Audiogon, I want to give it a another try..I connected the CD player to the UO instead of the Monster Cable HTS2500. Wow..looks like I squeezed some more dynamics from the system..While comparing the Flavor 2 and Analysis Plus Power Oval..I found the Power Oval almost the same, but a little soft on the top, little less dynamic and detail. Now, if I can replace the Power Oval on the Ultimate Outlet with another cryoed Flavor 2 or Flavor 4 will I get some more dynamics and detail ?? Flavor 2 or Flavor 4 ? Okay ..a Flavor 4 for the Int Amp and relegate the Flavor 2 to the UO ..yup thats the plan..

Chris ..another order your way ..


Product Weakness: None
Product Strengths: Price and performance. The twisted pair design is very good in common-mode noise rejection, that it is pretty good, even without the shielding. Actually the lack of shielding, does improve the dynamics, I think. These cables probably squeeze almost 95% of the performance of the leaders. The cutting edge ones might have better connections, different sound because of the metallurgy and probably some new twist on noise rejection with different shielding/materials.


Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: Audio Refinement Complete
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): None
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Philips 963SA
Speakers: Silverline Sonatina
Cables/Interconnects: Homegrown Audio IC, Zu Wax bi-wire speaker cables
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Classical - Indian and Western, Jazz, Rock
Time Period/Length of Audition: 3 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Monster Cable HTS2500, PS Audio Ultimate Outlet
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner


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