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REVIEW: DIY by Chris VenHaus Power Cords Flavor & Flavor 2 Cable

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
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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




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Topic - REVIEW: DIY by Chris VenHaus Power Cords Flavor & Flavor 2 Cable - Paul Tobin 22:46:12 09/22/06 (8)


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