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Model: | SYMMETRY |
Category: | Cable |
Suggested Retail Price: | $1199 |
Description: | XLR Balanced Cable - silver |
Manufacturer URL: | VH Audio |
Model Picture: | View |
Review by George Hoenninger (A) on September 05, 2005 at 18:19:14 IP Address: 128.221.197.129 | Add Your Review for the SYMMETRY |
Chris,As you know all too well, I have had the Symmetry in my system for quite some time and they have been part of a system that I enjoy more than any previous system configuration. I think one of the reasons I am so late on writing things up (besides a horrific work schedule) was that each time I fully intended to do the final comparison between the Pulsar and Symmetry I would just wind up listening to the Symmetry. I will get into the details of the differences I can hear between the Pulsar and Symmetry below, but I just thought you should know that beforehand.
Also, my system has pretty much been rock solid for quite some time now, so not only am I super happy with it, but I also know it very well. Here are the components:
Salk Sound Veracity HT3 speakers
TacT RCS 2.2x preamp/dac/room correction w/ Aberdeen PS upgrade and SupraSowrd LoRad power cord
McCormack DNA-500 amp w/ VH Audio AirSine power cord
Empirical Audio modified Sony S-7700 dvd player as a transport
Running Springs Audio Haley on its own dedicated 20 amp line (TacT and Sony are plugged into it)
Running Springs Audio Duke on its own dedicated 20 amp line (DNA-500 is plugged into it)
Sistrum SP-101 platform under DNA-500
Sistrum SP-1 platform under TacT and Sony
Sistrum SP-004 platform under RSA Duke and Haley
VH Audio cryod Pulsar with Silver NextGen connectors for digital ic
VH Audio Balanced Pulsars with Furutech Rhodium connectors for analog ics
TG Audio HSR speaker cable
Argent Audio Pursang jumpersGeneral Comments:
When the Pulsar is compared directly to the Symmetry there is just a hint of grit and grain (which I never noticed before). The Symmetry is very smooth while being more detailed.
The Symmetry is more dynamic and bold in its presentation. Low bass sounds deeper and has more authority.
Overall presentation is faster and more detailed. It was easier to hear and place everything within the soundstage.
Soundstage was deeper and wider with the Symmetry in the system.
Everything (especially female vocals) had more air and produced a more 3-D like presence. Notes seemed to hang in the air and not go away quickly yet things definitely didnt blend or mush together.
Midrange on the Pulsar is slightly muddy and congested compared to Symmetry. Just doesnt open up like the Symmetry does.
Overall the music sounds more relaxed and effortless with the Symmetry.Music used with my notes:
Ben Harper and the Blind Boys of Alabama There Will Be A Light
Track 9 Mother Pray (This track is simply Ben and the Blind Boys singing with no instruments)
With the Symmetry ics in the system, the soundstage is larger front to back and images have more separation. There is less blending of the various voices. All the voices have a deeper and fuller presence that sounds a little less colored and artificial when doing an A/B with the Pulsar.
Track 1 Take My Hand (a funky gospel tune that showcases a Fender Rhodes and Harper's wah-wah pedal underscored by the call and response of the Blind Boys)
With the Symmetry in the system I want to get up and dance! The extra detail that the Symmetry passes really adds to my enjoyment. Drums have more snap and are a little crisper and faster sounding. The tambourine has a more noticeable presence and isnt in the background as much with the Symmetry.
Roland Kirk Domino
Track 1 Domino (flute, sax, piano, drums, bass)
With the Symmetry, the flute has a breathier or a more airy quality to it. The sax has a more relaxed and less grainy sound (I never thought I would think the Pulsars would sound grainy, but in a direct comparison there is just a hint of grain and glare especially on brass). Drums and piano continue to be a little more impactful and larger in its presentation.
Track 8 Rolando (piano, sax, drums, bass, percussion)
Lightning fast presentation. Cymbals and high-hat continue to have better definition, shimmer, and air. Bass line is tighter, faster, and more there.
Ryan Adams Gold
Track 7 When The Stars Go Blue (male and female vocals, acoustic guitar, drums)
The acoustic guitar is more organic and full of texture I can easily visualize Ryan plucking the strings and his finger movements. His voice is dripping with emotion and has stronger presence with the Symmetry. The female backing vocal is more soothing and melodic again its just flows a little bit better.
Burmester CD III Test/Compilation CD
Track 9 Hugh Masekela performs Stimela live (vocals, percussion, world beat, sax, drums, bass)
Sax is more clearly defined and lacks any grit or grain. Vocals show off various inflections and noises. Soundstage is wider. Captures the venue more clearly and precisely.
Well, the Symmetry is a keeper and will replace the set of balanced Pulsars that were my reference interconnect.
Great job Chris.
George
Product Weakness: | not exactly cheap |
Product Strengths: | Very smooth and musical while being very detailed and dynamic. Great overall presentation and does especially well on voices and tough instruments like piano and sax. |
Associated Equipment for this Review: | |
Amplifier: | McCormack DNA-500 |
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): | TacT RCS 2.2x w/Aberdeen PS upgrade |
Sources (CDP/Turntable): | Empirical Audio modified Sony S-7700 as transport |
Speakers: | Salk Sound Veracity HT3's |
Cables/Interconnects: | VH Audio Pulsars (balanced and rca) |
Music Used (Genre/Selections): | a little bit of everything |
Room Size (LxWxH): | 25 x 18 x 7 |
Room Comments/Treatments: | Dedicated room with generous use of MiniTraps by RealTraps as well as products from EightNerve |
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): | Running Springs Audio Duke and Haley |
Type of Audition/Review: | Product Owner |
Follow Ups:
I agree completely with George. I was a little afraid the cables might be bright(which I cannot stand)but they are not at all. The detail is incredible and I also noticed a wider and deeper soundstage but the improvement I love the most is the imaging. I just wasn't getting the crystal clear placement of instruments with the 55s. They are set in stone now with a nice vacuum in between. LOL, well, I'm no expert I'm just trying to explain how they sound to me. I just know that almost all of my spare time is spent listening to music lately. In fact, I'm gonna listen to some Gary Burton(local boy) and some Peter Gabriel now. BTW, if you really wanna hear how your system can jam, get "The Wild Thornberries" soundtrack and listen to "Animal Nation". A superbly recorded tune by Peter. Later......
I'm not surprised, at all. I would expect the SYMMETRY to perform in a higher realm than the Pulsar does. However, I will have to see a monster pull off my right arm before I replace my DIY Pulsar IC's with the SYMMETRY, or any other cable. This is a testimony to the Pulsar wire's quality, IMHO. While I might just love it to *death* (audiophile foolery), I can say with glee that I enjoy the Pulsar so much (and far more than some cables offered in a similar price point), that it is "the" final winner in my book. I don't at this time wish to upgrade from the Pulsar (ever). Ouch. Smoke that in your pipe, dudes...
Please note George was comparing to the balanced version, which is a bit different animal from the single-ended version...
Is there an option to upgrade from the Pulsar Balanced to the Symmetry? (I'd stick with the Rhodium XLRs.)
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