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I've been using the VH Audio Type 4 cord (cryo version $162 for 5') for the last month or so on my modded Aranov 960 power amp and now on my BPT-2 balanced line conditioner and it delivers the goods.

The Big Three

Tonal accuracy, dynamics, resolution. The VH Type 4 cord excels in all three of these aspects. It is rare that any product succeeds at all three of these qualities. The Virtual Dynamics Power 3 cryo cord, which does work very well on my amp excels at dynamics, and soundstaging, but is slightly veiled compared to the VH 4 and is a bit dark on the high frequencies. Though offering a different perspective (less up front -- images start about 3 feet back), the VH 4 cord is at least as good at soundstaging and a touch more open. The VH sounded more linear throughout the frequency ranges. A slight midbass bloat that my system has was much more under control.

On my Aranov, comparing the VH4 to the Virtual Dynamics Power 3 Cryo cord was interesting as their natures are quite different. Firstly, with the VH 4, there was less hash -- everything is cleaner and more clear. Also as blatant was the change in the soundstage -- everything took one big step back behind the speakers. Everything was there, it just started further from the listener. The VH sounded more linear throughout the frequency ranges. A slight midbass bloat that my system has was much more under control. Soundstaging was excellent -- placing images on an expanded soundstage as least as well as through the VD cord (which is outstanding in this regard). The Type 4 cord is perhaps a touch more open sounding. The VH cord sounded cleaner and was not a touch dark like the VD. Interesting -- more light, yet less hash. This cord allows every last bit of authority to come through. On Ariel's wonderfully fun and accomplished "Power of Five 2010" Alan Parson's 'Eye in the Sky' opens with wide open thunderous chords which are beautifully portrayed by the VH4. The slam factor is excellent with this cord. On familiar vocal, every voice sounds more tonally accurate and has more texture.

Aside from the new Bybees in my line conditioner, I also listened to another round of Bybees placed in my system. The VH4 cord allowed the improvements to be heard quite easily -- more harmonic richness, low level information and overall coherence as well as a lowered noise floor and improved dynamics.

Enter the BPT-2 Balanced Line Conditioner

I had intended to run my new BPT-2 Ultra (fitted with Auricaps, Bybee filters and silver wire) on my fridge and microwave for 4 days before listening, but I just couldn't wait and put it into my system with a prior burn in of about 28 hours, 4 Hot pockets, 3 Lean Cuisines and some scrambled eggs. I ran it for a few days with the stock C-7 cord and enjoyed the excellence of the product (review to come), but was disappointed when plugging my amp into it -- there was just no slam. I then moved the VH cord over to the BPT -- WOW! The whole system came alive -- much better tonal accuracy and fine tonal enunciation, great resolution and a wide open soundstage. Then I tried plugging the amp into the BPT. Now it was wonderful -- no significant loss of dynamics and wonderful resolution and naturalness. As much as I liked the cord on my amp, it was nothing compared to running my whole system through the BPT-2 powered through the VH Type 4 cord. The last 2 nights I have spent mesmerized in front of my system listening to LPs and CDs late into the night.

VH Audio's company slogan "Let The Music Be Heard" is exactly what this cord is doing for me -- in more than one way.

Product Weakness:	none
Product Strengths:	Tonal accuracy, dynamics, resolution

• VH Audio Flavor 4 Cable - Audio purist 12:43:24 10/31/03 (0)
  In Reply to: VH Audio Flavor 4 Cable posted by highendman on October 20, 2003 at 15:49:36:

  I have very recently purchased a flavor 4 cryo with another on the way and I was floored by the improvements even straight out of the box over my old cord. I think for the money these can't be beat. I am hoping to share a review for these down the road. This is one terrific cord in my opinion that deserves an audition!
  
  

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• VH Audio Flavor 4 Cable - satfrat 20:31:57 10/25/03 (2)
  In Reply to: VH Audio Flavor 4 Cable posted by highendman on October 20, 2003 at 15:49:36:

  It`s nice to read a review that reflects my own experiences. I run 2 flavor 4 cryoed PC`s from my 2 Butler 3150 tube hybrid amps thru my BPT BP2.5 that has been fully maxxed out including the L-9 Litz PC. I also run multiple Bybee`s thruout my system from the BP2.5, to Ridge Street Digital cable, to my Ultra speaker filters. Which brings me to my question, you said that you're listening to another round of Bybee`s in your system,,, where might that be btw? (they're awesome in video cable applications also!) I also have a flavor 3 PC on my Sunfire Theater Grand 3 processor and a flavor 2 PC on my Velodyne subwoofer. By far, Chris's power cords are the biggest "bang for the buck" PC on the market, IMHO. Regards, Robin
  
  
  
  

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  • Re: VH Audio Flavor 4 Cable - highendman 07:26:24 10/26/03 (1)
    In Reply to: VH Audio Flavor 4 Cable posted by satfrat on October 25, 2003 at 20:31:57:

    I have 2 pairs of Bybees in my speakers
    Bybees in my DAC and Transport
    and now Bybees in my BPT.

    What I was referring to was finally installing the second pair in my speakers. Very noticable and worthwhile. While certainly worthwhile in digital gear, the Bybees are most noticeable in speakers.

    Glad to hear you like your Type 4 cord too. Based on my experience with VH Type 3 and Tpe 4 cords, they really are killer for the $.

    I question whether I should have gotten the BPT 2.5 for only $130 more. With the VH4 on my BPT, my dynamics are excellent though -- only use 60w tube amp.

    The L-9 litz cord is said to be very good.
    
    

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    • Re: VH Audio Flavor 4 Cable - satfrat 15:29:58 10/26/03 (0)
      In Reply to: Re: VH Audio Flavor 4 Cable posted by highendman on October 26, 2003 at 07:26:24:

      Damn, only $130 more for the additional headroom of the 2400watt conditioner? Shoulda done it, you never know what the future will bring. I have my whole system including 2 Butler 3150 amps (6 x 150w) plugged into my BP2.5 with no apparent loss to dynamics. The effects of Bybee's seem to be accumulative in my system from start to finish. An expensive but much gratifying tweak for my system. I even had an IEC adapter with twin Bybee's made up for my Litz PC to complement the twin bybee inside the BPT after the transformer. I wouldn't be surprised if Chris included an upgrade option for Bybee's in his flavor PC's. Wouldn't shock me in the least,,, ;D Regards, Robin
      
      
      
      

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