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REVIEW: Chris VenHaus DIY Cables DIY Mains Power Cables Cable

Model: DIY Mains Power Cables
Category: Cable
Suggested Retail Price: $0
Description: DIY Mains Power Cables
Manufacturer URL: Chris VenHaus DIY Cables
Manufacturer URL: Chris VenHaus DIY Cables

Review by Martythomas (A) on May 03, 2003 at 15:54:03
IP Address: 198.81.26.172
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I built some 83802 power cords and reviewed them 2/2/02. In that review I noted that there was a top end glare that did not disappear after break in. I finally gave up on them. Chris has now found a new power cable that shows more promise. I am now using all power cords with broken grounds and where possible no shielding, so I chose Flavor 2.

I purchased some bulk Flavor 2 cable and made 4 power cords 5 feet long. Before making the cords, I burned in the cable for 150 hours with a 100 watt light bulb. I am currently using CPCC Top Gun Power Cords which I used as a reference to compare the new Flavor 2 cords with.

First I replaced the cords on my Unison Research Smart 845 mono block amplifiers with the Flavor 2. The top end was smooth and extended, unlike the glare I experienced with 83802. The mid range and top end was more detailed and transparent than the Top Gun, a $600 cord, but the bass end lacked the real depth that the top gun cords produce. I had purchased extra cord so I decided to try using a double run of Flavor 2, this would equal 9 gage. I had to open up the wire guide hole in the plug and IEC connector to fit both wires . I lightly twisted the already twisted individual lengths of cord together and connected 2 black leads to LINE and 2 white leads to NEUTRAL, kind of like the old cross connecting scheme.

Now I had a deep extended bass that was more detailed than even the Top Gun cord. The mid range and top end remained detailed, transparent, and glare free, vocals have more clarity and presence, massed string passages in classical recordings have less edge and grain. I have now utilized these cords on my amplifiers, preamp, turntable and power conditioner with the same good results.


Product Weakness: None in my system
Product Strengths: Great bass, smooth glare free mid range and treble


Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: Unison Research Smart 845 Mono's
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Ayre K-1
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Linn LP-12 Fully updated with Graham Arm and Ruby 2 cartridge
Speakers: ProAc 2.5
Cables/Interconnects: Diy silver interconnects, Double run of Audioquest Volcano speaker cable, Transparent Ref Digital link
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Classical, Jazz, and Vocal
Room Size (LxWxH): 18 x 13 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments: Bass traps, silk plants, diy room lenses
Time Period/Length of Audition: 2 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): MIT Dou Iso , BPT Balanced Power
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner
Your System (if other than home audition): Home




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Topic - REVIEW: Chris VenHaus DIY Cables DIY Mains Power Cables Cable - Martythomas 15:54:03 05/03/03 (6)


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