VH Audio Hotbox - initial impression - Paul Tobin

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VH Audio Hotbox - initial impression

Only had the Hotbox for 1 day but thought I should post to debunk the negative impressions I had when connecting my system via an el-cheapo generic power strip.
In that earlier test with the generic strip, my old trusty API power wedge filter box won by a landslide. The former was un-believably bad, hard to beleive that a powerstrip could effect the sound in such a negative manner.
The VH Audio Hotbox is a whole different story. Admittedly I also replaced all the power leads to the individual components with Bob Crump's DIY Asylum cords (Belden 19364/Schurter IEC/P&S plugs). I ordered the Hotbox without filter caps, but added an 0.47uF X2 rated AC cap to each recepticle for some basic filtering.
The Hotbox/Asylum cords easily bests the Powerwedge/generic cords - bigger airer soundstage, lower noise, more detailed, more dynamic. I'm thrilled with the improvement.....and this is day 1 - Chris VH says his cables require up to 400hrs(!!) to sound their best.
It's curious that the PW sounded so much better than the generic strip in the earlier test, but the Hotbox proves it can hadily outpunch the PW with only very basic filtering. It appears better connection integrity and cable shielding win the day.
The major 'take home' lesson is that power cords and distribution boxes make a profound difference to system sound - much greater than I ever anticipated before comparing these options. Also, if you're using a cheapy powerstrip, do your system a huge favor and get something decent. The Hotbox would be an excellent replacement.

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Topic - VH Audio Hotbox - initial impression - Paul Tobin 08:41:02 08/24/06 (5)

Re: VH Audio Hotbox - initial impression - RadioWonder 09:12:45 08/24/06 (4)

Re: VH Audio Hotbox - initial impression - Paul Tobin 16:54:25 08/24/06 (3)

BTW - Paul Tobin 18:08:46 08/24/06 (2)

PCs for your hot box etc. - bartc 05:53:58 08/26/06 (1)

I'll probably try some of Chris's PCs at some stage - Paul Tobin 17:54:00 08/26/06 (0)

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